Determining Molar Masses – GPC/SEC

Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), also known as Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC), is a powerful technique for separating and characterizing molecules based on size. It provides detailed insights into molecular weight distribution, molecular structure, and physicochemical properties – essential for research, development, quality control, and failure analysis. 

Our Strengths

• Flexible Systems: Organic and aqueous systems, high-temperature GPC up to 160 °C, specialized solvents 

• Sample Customization: Tailored column selection, detector combinations, and flow conditions 

• Highest Data Quality: High-resolution separation, absolute molecular weight determination, comprehensive evaluation 

• Expertise: Personalized consultation by experienced polymer and analytical specialists 

Advanced Detection Techniques

Our GPC systems separate polymer molecules by size based on their hydrodynamic radius. The sample is dissolved in a suitable solvent – without chemical alteration – and passed through a highly porous column.
We combine classical GPC with a variety of detectors to provide a comprehensive profile of your sample: 

• Refractive Index (RI) and UV-VIS Detection: Concentration determination for all soluble components using calibration standards to determine relative molecular weights 

• Light Scattering (MALS): Absolute molecular weights, radius of gyration, and polymer shape – independent of calibration standards 

• Online Viscometry: Intrinsic viscosity for assessing branching and conformations 

• IR Detection: Chemical identification of functional groups along the molecular weight distribution 

• Asymmetric Flow Field-Flow Fractionation (AF4): Column-free separation of sensitive or high-molecular-weight samples by diffusion coefficient 

Our systems are adaptable to your sample – from solvent selection to temperature control: 

• High-Temperature GPC (HT-GPC) up to 160 °C for poorly soluble polymers such as polyolefins, polyethylene, and polypropylene 

• Specialty Solvents like trichlorobenzene or hexafluoroisopropanol for specific requirements