Data evaluation for unified multi‐detector size exclusion chromatography — molar mass, viscosity and radius of gyration distributions

Abstract

AbstractThe output of a size exclusion chromatography (SEC) system was connected to a single capillary viscometer, a multi‐angle laser light scattering detector (MALLS) and a refractive index detector (RI). This provides absolute distributions of molar mass, radius of gyration and reduced viscosity, which are valuable both for practical polymer characterization and as tests of physical polymer theories. The instrument interfacing is described, along with the method of data analysis. A quantitative investigation of systematic and random sources of error and their influence on polymer characterization is made. An experimental example using a biopolyelectrolyte (hyaluronate), including complete error analysis, is presented, along with other data. Although the emphasis here is on aqueous SEC, most of the principles should carry over to organic phase SEC. A simultaneous, in‐line comparison of a low‐angle laser light scattering (LALLS) detector and MALLS detectors was also made. The dangers of ‘universal calibration’ for hydrosoluble polymers are also illustrated.