Reduction of GPC Analysis Time and Eluent Consumption by Column Downsizing

Introduction

Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis using a refractive index detector is conducted in measurements of the molecular weight distribution of synthetic polymers. In order to secure separation performance in GPC analyses, the elution volume up to the permeation limit is increased generally using a column with an internal diameter of 8 mm. In case where separation cannot be achieved with a single column, two or more columns in the same product series are sometimes connected in series. However, to meet the demand for reduced analysis time and eluent consumption in recent years, columns that realize the equivalent separation with a smaller elution volume have appeared and high speed analysis has become possible. The Shimadzu Nexera™ GPC system is capable of covering the full range from conventional analysis to UHPLC analysis with a single setup and also supporting applications that require enough column length because the column oven can accommodate up to three columns with lengths of 300 mm generally used in GPC analysis. This article introduces comparisons of analysis times and eluent consumptions on columns of various sizes in polystyrene (PS) analysis using Nexera GPC system.

September 1, 2020 GMT