Development of gel permeation chromatography for polymer characterization. II. Universal calibration

GPC appearance volumes have been determined for a series of linear polyethylene, polystyrene, and polybutadiene fractions (M_w/M_n < 1.1) in trichlorobenzene at 130°C. and for the latter two series in tetrahydrofuran at 23°C. A polymer-type independent relationship between appearance volumes and the equivalent hydrodynamic radii of the polymer molecules has been demonstrated. The equivalent hydrodynamic radius is calculated from intrinsic viscosity data. It is proposed that this relationship can be used to construct a universal GPC calibration curve for polymers that assume a spherical conformation in solution. Methods for applying the universal curve to the determination of molecular weight averages and molecular weight distribution are described. In addition, a method is outlined by which the universal calibration curve can be empolyed for determining number-average Mark-Houwink constants from polydisperse samples.     

Size Exclusion Chromatography Calibration Assessment Utilizing Coupled Molecular Weight Detectors

Abstract

This paper shows that the usual method of representing an SEC calibration curve by a single polynomial curve may often be inadequate with new high resolution columns. Data points wind about the fitted line. The significant magnitude and systematic nature of these deviations clearly appear when a plot of residuals is derived from the conventional calibration curve and expressed in terms of the percent error in molecular weight. The deviation of the calibration data from the fitted line was approximately 10% for the conventional molecular weight and intrinsic viscosity calibration curves. It became 20% for the universal calibration curve. LALLS and DV detectors were used together with the DRI detector to provide evidence that the calibration curve deviations were due to the column packings and not due to some other cause (e.g., vendor values of molecular weight). Use of a polynomial fit to a portion of the curve corresponding to the retention volume range of an unknown was used to show the significant improvement in results which occurred when the calibration variations were taken into account. At present, use of many individual narrow standards is necessary to elucidate the effect.     

Determination of the Molecular Weight Distribution of Polyethylene Terephthalate by Gel Permeation Chromatography

Abstract

The determination of the molecular weight distribution of polyethylene terephthalate by GPC at room temperature is described. The solvent used is o-chlorophenol-chloroform (1:9) and pure chloroform is used as eluent. K and alpha of the Mark-Houwink equation of polyethylene terephthalate and of polystyrene in this solvent system were obtained. It was shown that the universal calibration can be applied.     

Gel-permeation chromatography: Examination of universal calibration procedures for polydimethylsiloxane in a poor solvent

Various procedures for universal calibration in gel-permeation chromatography with polystyrene gels are examined for polystyrene and polydimethylsiloxane fractions. For o-dichlorobenzene at 138°C, experimental intrinsic viscosity–molecular weight data show that the Mark-Houwink exponents are 0.70 and 0.57 for polystyrene and polydimethylsiloxane, respectively. In principle, this difference permits a distinction between the various polymer size parameters proposed for universal calibration. An interpretation of the experimental polydimethylsiloxane calibration for o-dichlorobenzene at 138°C requires a consideration of errors in average molecular weights and errors arising from the use of average molecular weight instead of peak molecular weight. When calibration procedures utilizing hydrodynamic volume and unperturbed dimensions are examined, the difference between them is comparable with experimental error. If the Flory-Fox viscosity expression is employed, the perturbed end-to-end distance (or radius of gyration) and the hydrodynamic volume give equivalent universal calibrations. The experimental data are sufficiently accurate to show that the perturbed dimension determined with the Ptitsyn-Eizner relation does not give an adequate universal calibration.     

Supplement to the Method of Weiss-cohn-ginsberg in Gel-Permeation Chromatography

Abstract

Methods are proposed to transform GPG chromatograms into molecular mass distributions /MMD/ using the universal calibration and the intrinsic viscosity of the material measured at GPC circumstances, and in conditions, for which KMHS-constants are known. The results of the calculation are the MMD and the interrelation between the Kuhn-Mark-Houwink-Sakurada constans, K and a for GPC circumstances. It is also shown, that as a simplification a-values available for any condition can be used for the calculation using the experimentally measured intrinsic viscosities in GPC circumstances and within circumstances, for wich KMHS-constants are known.     

Data Treatment in Aqueous GPC with On-Line Viscometer and Light Scattering Detectors

Abstract

Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) is becoming a very powerful tool for polymer characterization with the coupling of mass detectors using viscometry and light scattering techniques. The triple coupling seems to be the best way since the light scattering detector gives absolute molecular weights and viscometric detection provides intrinsic viscosity, leading to absolute molecular weights through universal calibration and information on long-chain branching. However, instrumentation becomes more sophisticated, expensive and, simultaneously, very sensitive to several parameters which are not critical in classical GPC. Moreover, an on-line computer is required for data acquisition and appropriate software for reliable interpretation of chromatograms.

Our experiments were performed with a Waters Associates room temperature instrument in which a home-made continuous viscometer, using pressure transducers, and a light scattering detector (LALLS Chromatix-CMX 100) were inserted on-line between the column set and the refractometer. Data were interpreted through personal software written on HP9836 and PC-AT computers.

We describe, here, the behavior of some polymers in aqueous solutions, mainly those that are commonly used as calibration standards (polyethylene oxides, pullulans). Experiments were run using two different sets of columns (‘Ultrahydrogel’ from Waters Associates and ‘Shodex OH-Pak’ from Showa Denko K.K.) in several aqueous solvents, pure water or water with various salts (LiNO₃, NaNO₃, LiCl, NaCl, Na₂SO₄) at different concentrations. Intrinsic viscosities were determined through viscometric detection and weight average molecular weights through the LALLS detector, leading to a plot of universal calibration curves Log([ηl.M) versus elution volumes.     

Universal Calibration and Molecular Weight Averages in Gel Permeation Chromatography Illustrated by Cellulose Nitrate and Poly(oxypropylene)

Abstract

The nature of the averaging process in the analysis of gel permeation chromatograms was examined for cases where the molecules in the detector cell of the apparatus were of different molecular weight and of the same molecular weight. When the molecules have the same molecular weight, the hydrodynamic volume (1), [?]M, averaged across a chromatogram was found to become KM^a+1 for any molecular weight average at the elution volume corresponding to that average. [η] is intrinsic viscosity, M is molecular weight, and K and a are the appropriate Mark-Houwink constants. Thus when size separation is by molecular weight, the universal GPC calibration functions include KM_n ^a+1 where M_n is the number average molecular weight.

Cellulose nitrate and poly(oxypropylene) were analyzed using three sets of columns and two GPC instruments. KM_n ^a+1, KM_w ^a+1, and [η]M_w were found to represent the hydrodynamic volume since these functions fell on the universal calibration plot for nearly nono-disperse polystyrene standards. The function [η]M_n was displaced from the polystyrene universal calibration plot by factor which equaled M_w/M_n. The slopes and intercepts of the universal calibration plots were found to be completely consistent with the slopes and intercepts of the molecular weight calibration plots showing that the Mark-Houwink constants were correct. Intrinsic viscosity - molecular weight relations were presented for 12.0–12.6%N cellulose nitrate and for low molecular weight poly(oxypropylene), the latter relation being a correction of that of Sholtan and Lie (18).     

Generalized Universal Molecular Weight Calibration Parameter in GPC

Abstract

In this report we show by experimental and theoretical investigations that the commonly used GPC universal calibration parameter, the intrinsic viscosity multiplied by the weight average molecular weight ([η] M^w) is incorrect. The error which can arise by using [η] M to calculate the molecular weight across the GPC chromatogram for nonuniformly branched polymers [poly(vinyl acetate) and low density polyethylene] and copolymers with compositional drift, could be very large. We also show conclusively that the number average molecular weight M_n is the correct average to use for the universal calibration parameter. We therefore recommend that our general universal Calibration parameter [η] M_n be used for calculating the molecular weight across the chromatogram for all polymer systems (linear and branched homopolymers, copolymers with or without compositional drift and for polymer blends).     

用单-检测器的尺寸排除色谱同时测量嵌段共聚物的组成和分子量

 本文建议了一种使用具有单一检测器的常规尺寸排除色谱仪同时测量嵌段共聚物纽成和分子量的方法。方法要求测定原试样的特性粘数和尺寸排除色谱图,而检测器只对嵌段共聚物两个组份之中的一个有响应。首先用均聚物标样定出尺寸排除色谱柱的响应常数和分子量分离校准曲线。原试样的实验谱图用解叠方法得到共聚物和均聚物的两个组成峰。借助响应常数和普适校准原则计算得到共聚物的组成和分子量。本法应用于苯乙烯-硅氧烷嵌段共聚物的分析得到满意结果。     

用单-检测器的尺寸排除色谱同时测量嵌段共聚物的组成和分子量

本文建议了一种使用具有单一检测器的常规尺寸排除色谱仪同时测量嵌段共聚物纽成和分子量的方法。方法要求测定原试样的特性粘数和尺寸排除色谱图,而检测器只对嵌段共聚物两个组份之中的一个有响应。首先用均聚物标样定出尺寸排除色谱柱的响应常数和分子量分离校准曲线。原试样的实验谱图用解叠方法得到共聚物和均聚物的两个组成峰。借助响应常数和普适校准原则计算得到共聚物的组成和分子量。本法应用于苯乙烯-硅氧烷嵌段共聚物的分析得到满意结果。     

A Study of Monodispersed Polydimethylsiloxanes

A series of monodispersed polydimenthylsiloxanes (PDMS) with molecular weights from 3K to 156K were synthesized. The intrinsic viscosity and absolute molecular weight of each monodispersed PDMS was measured and the Mark-Houwink equation for the PDMS series in toluene at 25°C was derived: [eta;]=2.88 × 10^?4 M^0.613. It was proven that the accurate molecular weight determination of polysiloxanes is not possible using polystyrene (PS) standards. It can be achieved either by using a gel permeation chromatographic method with PDMS standards or by a calculation from the Mark-Houwink equation using experimental values of intrinsic viscosity.     

由GPC谱图及[η]订定偏氯乙烯共聚物的Mark-Houwink方程参数

通过一组重量组成比为90/10的偏氯乙烯-丙烯酸甲酯(VDC-MA)共聚胶乳样品的凝胶渗透色谱GPC和特性粘度[η]的测定,应用普适校正原理和参数优化方法,订定了该共聚物在四氢呋喃中,30℃下的Mark-Houwink方程参数.结果得:K=3.421×10~(-2),α=0.64.将这一结果运用到GPC谱图的计算,所得的[η]与用粘度法实测值比较,最大偏差小于3.5％.     

Size Exclusion Chromatography of Polyamides

Abstract

We report here a new chromatographic method for characterization of polyamides and polyether-block-amide copolymers by Size Exclusion Chromatography. First, it concerns absolute characterization of polyamide probes by classical light scattering and Ubbelohde viscometry measurements and the choice of narrow distribution standards to calibrate the GPC system. The GPC analysis of polyamides 6, 11, 12 and copolymers is based upon the dual detection refractometer/on-line continuous viscometer at 130°C using columns packed with cross-linked polystyrene gels, benzyl alcohol as mobile phase and polytetrahydrofuran standards for calibration. The main results are absolute average molecular weights and distribution curve, intrinsic viscosity and viscosity law. In addition, viscometric data produced evidence of long-chain branching occuring beyond a limiting molecular weight in some polyamide 12 samples.     

A Modified Method for Estimating Unperturbed Dimensions of Macromolecules from Viscosity Data

Abstract

A new empirical equation is presented which modifies the Krigbaum equation for calculating Kθ values from measurements of intrinsic viscosity in good solvents. This is found to fit the molecular weight data better for the polymer systems investigated.     

Analysis of Low Molecular Weight Polymers with Gel Permeation Chromatography

Intrinsic viscosities and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) elution times were determined in toluene on commercially available standards of polystyrene (PSTY) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) having M_n in the range of 10³ to 10⁵ and 10⁴ to 10⁶, respectively. In addition, elution times were determined on the discrete GPC peaks of dimer, trimer, tetramer, etc. as seen in lower molecular weight PSTY and PMMA. Intrinsic viscosities of oligomers were estimated by extrapolation of the Mark-Houwind-Sakurada equations determined from our data, and the results were used to establish a universal calibration curve over a wide range of molecular weights. A similar approach was taken by using literature data for the intrinsic viscosities of PSTY and PMMA in tetra-hydrofuran. It was verified by proton NMR that the universal calibration curve so constructed is useful at M_n, values as low as 300. No correction was necessary for chain length dependence of the detector response.     

Block and Bigraft copolymers by Carbocation Polymerizaation

The recent observation that the rate of methylation of t-BuCl by Me₃Al is several orders faster than that of t-bubr, Which in turn is much faster than that of t-BuI, Provides the basis of a new synthetic method for the preparation of block and bigraft copolymers. This presentation concerns the synthesis and characterization of the first well-defined block and bigraft copolymers produced by the carbenium ion mechanisum i. e., poly(styrene-b-isobutylene), poly[(ethylene-co-propylence)-gStyrence-g-α-methylstyrence)]. The synthesis of the block copolymers involved three key steps: 1)the synthesis of a chlorobrominated alkane initiator, 2) the selective initiation of styrence polymerization by the chlorobrominated alkane in conjunction with alkylayuminum halide under conditions of no chain transfer, and 3)selective initiation of isobutylence polymerization by the polystyrence-Br in conjuction with alkylaluminum halide. Selective solubility, DSC, and GPC data indicate pure block copolymer. The effect of temperatute on the intrinsic viscosity of poly(styrence-b-isobutylence) exhibited peculiarities characterstic of block copolymers. The bigraft was synthesized by chlorobrominating an ethylene-propylene copolymer and selectively initiating first the polymerization os styrence and subsequently that of α-methylstyrence of isobutylene by the chlorobrominated copolymer plus an alkylaluminum compound.     

聚对二炔苯Mark-Houwink方程参数的确定及分子量与分子量分布的研究

通过多个宽分布聚对二炔苯试样的凝胶渗透色谱（ＧＰＣ）和特性粘数（［η］）的测定，应用普适校正原理和Ｗｅｉｓ方法，确定了该聚合物在四氢呋喃溶液中２５℃下的Ｍａｒｋ Ｈｏｕｗｉｎｋ方程参数：Ｋ＝７６２×１０－３，α＝０２６．将这一结果运用到ＧＰＣ谱图的计算，所得［η］与用粘度法实测值比较，所得Ｍｎ与用ＶＰＯ法实测值比较，相对误差６％左右．还研究了聚合反应条件对聚对二炔苯分子量与分子量分布的影响，发现随着聚合时间的延长和聚合温度的升高，聚合物分子链间发生部分交联反应，支化程度加重．聚合过程中还可能存在向单体的链转移反应．     

Dispersion-Compensated Calibration for Gel Permeation Chromatography: Theory and Utilization for Direct and Universal Calibration

Abstract

This paper describes the error involved in the utilization of nonmonodisperse polymer standards for the calibration of GPC columns. It also demonstrates that the computer technique developed by McCrackin (1) produces a calibration equation from poly-disperse standards that avoids this error. This equation, referred to as dispersion-compensated, can successfully be incorporated into the theory of universal calibration to remove the necessity of assuming infinite instrumental resolution. Furthermore, it is shown that only the calibration equation compensated for number-average molecular weights is a true universal form.     

Poly(2,6-diphenyl-1,4-phenyl oxide): Characterization by gel-permeation chromatography,light scattering,and solution viscosity

Ten unfractionated poly(2,6-diphenyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) samples were examined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and intrinsic viscosity [η] at 50°C in benzene, by intrinsic viscosity at 25°C in chloroform, and by light scattering at 30°C in chloroform. The GPC column was calibrated with ten narrow-distribution polystyrenes and styrene monomer to yield a “universal” relation of log ([η]M) versus elution volume. GPC-average molecular weights, defined as M?gpc = \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$\Sigma w_i [\eta ]_i M_i /\Sigma w_i [\eta ]_i$\end{document}, w_i denoting the weight fraction of polymer of molecular weight M_i, were computed from the GPC and [η] data on the polyethers. The M?GPC were then compared with the weight-average M?_w from light scattering. The intrinsic viscosity (dl/g) versus molecular weight relations for the unfractionated poly(2,6-diphenyl-1,4-phenylene oxides) determined over the molecular weight range 14,000 ≤ M?_w ≤ 1,145,000 are log [η] = ?3.494 + 0.609 log M?_w (chloroform, 25°C) and log [η] = ?3.705 + 0.638 log M?_w (benzene, 50°C). The M?_w(GPC)/M?_n(GPC) ratios for the polymers in the molecular weight range 14,000 ≤ M?_w ≤ 123,000 approximate 1.5 according to computer integrations of the GPC curves with the use of the “universal” calibration and the measured log [η] versus log M?_w relation. The higher molecular weight polymers (326,000 ≤ M?_w ≤ 1,145,000) show slightly broadened distributions.