Progress on Fast Analytical Temperature Rising Elution Fractionation (ATREF) Technique for Practical Applications

Fast analytical temperature rising elution fractionation (ATREF) is a recently proposed method to evaluate the molecular structure of polyolefins with unimodal distributions. In this article, we compare the results obtained by this method and the classical slow cooling rate ATREF. An interpretation of previous results found in the literature is proposed in order to explain one of the limitations usually associated with this technique. Practical recommendations are given to build columns adapted to this technique and to efficiently adjust the method parameters.