凝胶渗透色谱（GPC）

Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC)

Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) is an analytical technique used to characterize a wide variety of polymers or other macromolecules in mixtures.

In GPC, a solution containing the dissolved sample is passed through a chromatographic column packed with a controlled-pore filler, typically a porous polymeric gel (often referred to as the "stationary phase"). The size and shape of the molecules determine their ability to interact with the pores of the stationary phase. Small molecules generally interact and readily enter the pores, thus requiring the longest time to elute from the column. Molecules with very high molecular weights cannot interact with or move into the available pore space in the stationary phase and elute relatively quickly. Using this form of size-exclusion chromatography, a broad range of molecular weights can be characterized by comparing retention times to those of standard molecular weight references.

At EAG, numerous GPC chromatographic techniques and detectors are available.

GPC data and interpretation help resolve issues in various products, including medical devices, pharmaceuticals, toys, and industrial goods.

Ideal Applications of GPC

• Molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of macromolecules

• Determination of sample purity

• Monitoring polymerization kinetics

• Quality assurance and control

• Quantification of high molecular weight compounds

Our Strengths

• Capability to use solvents ranging from aqueous to non-polar

• Ability to measure polymers with molecular weights from hundreds to millions of Daltons

• Measurement of molecular size (known as absolute molecular weight)

• Multiple detectors, including refractive index, light scattering, and viscometry

• Temperature analysis range from ambient to 220°C

• Characterization of polymers and separation of mixtures into discrete fractions (e.g., polymers, oligomers, monomers, and non-polymeric additives)

Limitations

• Limited number of peaks can be resolved within a single GPC run

• Most polymer chains have molecular weights too close for GPC to separate, resulting in broad peaks

• Samples must be filtered prior to analysis to prevent column clogging and detector interference, which may lead to loss of higher molecular weight components

• Lack of polymer standards for every polymer type necessitates the use of chemically similar standards

GPC Technical Specifications

• Solvent pump, degasser, autosampler components, and column compartment

• Available detectors: Refractive index (RI), light scattering, and viscometer detectors

• Operating temperature: 30–220°C

• Multiple standards available: Organic and aqueous GPC standards

• Control software: Agilent GPC software, Malvern OmniSEC software

Industries Served

• Polymers

• Pharmaceuticals

• Automotive

• Aerospace

• Cement

• Coatings and paints

• Plastics and packaging

• Rubber industry

• Food industry

• Petroleum

• Lubricants

• Additives

• Adhesives

• Agrochemicals

• Biochemistry