Polymer Characterization By Liquid Chromatography

The main subject of this book is the characterization of plastics. To a high degree the properties of these polymers depend on the distribution of the molar mass and of other structural features, and small deviations frequently have a great effect. Therefore the characterization of polymers cannot be restricted to the determination of mean values but must yield information on these distributions. Using classical methods, the analytical fractionation of polymer homologues and structurally isomeric polymers is extremely time-consuming. Therefore, efficient chromatographic techniques are being increasingly employed in modern polymer characterization. In the first place, high-performance liquid chromatography is applied, in the form of size exclusion chromatography. It is also possible, however, to use other separation modes. More space is devoted to these other possibilities in this volume than is merited by their current range of applications, as the author believes that many separation problems will be solved by separation techniques of the non-exclusion type. Nevertheless, much emphasis is placed on size exclusion chromatography. Not only because of its current wide range of applications, but also because its relative importance, as a complement to other chromatographic techniques may even increase in the forthcoming years. This book is the first to cover all phenomena related to the above considerations. Starting with an introduction to basic liquid chromatography and to polymer science, it deals with the adsorption behaviour of polymers, with gradient techniques, with the kinetic band broadening in liquid chromatography, with instrumental features and packing materials. The book consists of four balanced sections and related information from about 1800 references is compiled in the tables. Some 250 figures and 30 tables will help give the reader a clear insight of the topics discussed. The book is aimed at helping the analyst or polymer chemist who is looking for information about chromatographic methods for the characterization of polymers.

This book elucidates the peculiar phenomenon of entropy/enthalpy compensation that takes place in high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of polymers. Numerous publications, including some books, are devoted to molecular characterization of synthetic polymers, materials presently produced in large and steadily growing quantities, applying methods of HPLC. A knowledge of the molecular characteristics of polymers is indispensable, not only for their proper applications but also for their recycling and remediation. Polymer scientists generally focus on synthesis and potential applications of polymers while not giving due attention to an important central link, their comprehensive characterization in context of development of structure-property correlations. To fill this gap is one of the aims of the present book. The process of entropy/enthalpy compensation plays a decisive role in the advanced method of polymer characterization such as liquid chromatography at critical conditions, eluent gradient interaction chromatography, and temperature gradient interaction chromatography. All chemists working on any aspect of polymer science will find this book a valuable resource for the development of structure-property correlations.

In the last decade, the use of interaction chromatography and hyphenated techniques has become increasingly important for the characterization of polymeric materials. Interaction chromatography allows separation by other structural features than molar mass, while hyphenation with mass spectroscopy or spectroscopic techniques provides detailed characterization of the separated chromatographic fractions. This chapter gives an overview of the principles and applications of interaction chromatography and the information that can be determined by hyphenation of polymer chromatography with mass spectrometry and spectroscopic techniques.

Polymers are mainly characterized by molar mass, chemical composition, functionality and architecture. The determination of the complex structure of polymers by chromatographic and spectroscopic methods is one of the major concerns of polymer analysis and characterization. This lab manual describes the experimental approach to the chromatographic analysis of polymers. Different chromatographic methods, their theoretical background, equipment, experimental procedures and applications are discussed. The book will enable polymer chemists, physicists and material scientists as well as students of macromolecular and analytical science to optimize chromatographic conditions for a specific separation problem. Special emphasis is given to the description of applications for homo- and copolymers and polymer blends.

Molecular Characterization of Polymers presents a range of advanced and cutting-edge methods for the characterization of polymers at the molecular level, guiding the reader through theory, fundamentals, instrumentation, and applications, and supporting the end goal of efficient material selection and improved material performance. Each chapter focuses on a specific technique or family of techniques, including the different areas of chromatography, field flow fractionation, long chain branching, static and dynamic light scattering, mass spectrometry, NMR, X-Ray and neutron scattering, polymer dilute solution viscometry, microscopy, and vibrational spectroscopy. In each case, in-depth coverage explains how to successfully implement and utilize the technique. This practical resource is highly valuable to researchers and advanced students in polymer science, materials science, and engineering, and to those from other disciplines and industries who are unfamiliar with polymer characterization techniques. Introduces a range of advanced characterization methods, covering aspects such as molecular weight, polydispersity, branching, composition, and tacticity Enables the reader to understand and to compare the available technique, and implement the selected technique(s), with a view to improving properties of the polymeric material Establishes a strong link between basic principles, characterization techniques, and real-life applications