Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) is capable of separating macromolecules or colloidal particles according to their size in solution or colloidal dispersion (the so-called hydrodynamic volume). By applying a suitable calibration function the chromatogram can be converted into a molar mass distribution. The calibration can be carried out either with suitable polymer standards of known chemical structure and molar mass or by using the Kuhn-Mark-Houwink equation (universal calibration). Thus, SEC represents a relative method for the determination of the molar mass distribution and its characteristic parameters (average molar masses, dispersity).
Service
There are 4 different modular SEC systems available in the research group of Prof. Kuckling. These systems are operated with different solvents, namely tetrahydrofuran (THF), chloroform (CHCl3), N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) and hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP). With these systems, SEC analysis of polystyrene and its derivates, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polyacrylamides, polymethacrylamides as well as different polyesters and polyamides is possible.
As a routine SEC analysis we offer relative molar mass determination based on calibration with polystyrene, polymethylmethacrylate ore poly(2-vinylpyridine) standards. Beyond that, for more specific SEC measurements please contact Prof. Kuckling or Dr. Artjom Herberg.