Optimization of GPC Experiments as an Effective Means of Significantly Enhancing the Resolution of Multicolumn Sets to be Used for Analyzing Specific Polymer Systems

Abstract

Problems concerning GPC band spreading effects and their elimination were discussed, reference being also made to particular requirements to be met in the case of copolymer studies. GPC analysis optimization experiments were performed in order to minimize instrumental spreading for a multicolumn set operated in carbon tetrachloride. Results of experiments carried out at mobile phase flow rates of 1.0, 0.3 and 0.1 cm³/min for narrow MWD solutes were used to compute the values of the degree of polydispersity and other MWD obtainable parameters determining the extent of spreading minimization attained. The GPC data generated for runs conducted at the lowest flow rate employed were shown to have been rendered sufficiently accurate for the raw chromatograms to represent the polymers being analyzed without the need of performing mathematical corrections for imperfect GPC resolution.