CHROMatographie : Characterisation of polymers by liquid chromatography
The CHROM platform is equipped with various liquid-phase chromatography techniques, in particular, steric exclusion chromatography (SS) techniques, that separate macromolecules according to their molar mass and conformation. This platform is located on the IMP sites of the Universities of Lyon and Saint Etienne, the INSA and Axel’one Campus. It is part of the ICL polymer liquid chromatography platform of the IMP and CP2M.
Main characteristics of chromatography chains
Chromatography chains use a variety of elements adapted to polymers: THF, toluene, DMF, HFIP, chloroform, aqueous phase, DMSO, DMAc. Various detectors, independent or in series, are available: differential refractometer, UV-visible spectrometer, dynamic or static light diffusion, viscosimeter.
Main macromolecular characteristics measured
The techniques used determine:
– Average molar masses (Mn, Mw), molar mass distribution
– Macromolecule size, radii of gyration (Rg, Rh)
– Intrinsic viscosity
– Branch ratio
– Refractive index increment (dn/dc)
Examples of studies include
Chromatogram of a cellulose acetate (THF, multi-detection)
Measurement of a dn/dc value of a pullulane (230 kg/mol)
Monitoring of changes in the molar mass of polyesters by ESC after post-polycondensation
Zimm plot of hyaluronic acid (phosphate buffer pH =7)
