Laser light scattering as GPC detector

The use of low angle laser light scattering (LALLS) as a detector in gel permeation chromatography (GPC) is discussed. The advantage of this technique is primarily based on the ability of LALLS to continously measure the absolute molecular weight and also to detect minute concentrations of high molecular weight species such as microgel. The weakness of the system is in the low sensitivity for low molecular weight material. In this paper, our experience of the KMX-6 from Chromatix illustrates the possibilities for the characterization of polymers by the combination of LALLS and GPC. The applications discussed are mainly from our work with polyethylene and poly(vinyl chloride). Special emphasis is given to the determination of long chain branching and microgel.