| Abstract: | The GPC–sedimentation velocity method proposed earlier for the determination of long-chain branches was examined quantitatively by using model star-shaped and comb-shaped polystyrene samples of known degree of branching. The results showed that separation by sedimentation velocity was more sensitive to branching variations than separation by GPC. The results showed also that at low and moderate levels of branching the GPC–sedimentation velocity method reflected accurately the amounts of branching in the model samples. At high levels of branching, the method underestimated the amount of branching. The discrepancy, however, appears to have been caused by the inadequacy of the theories used in the interpretation of the raw data and not by any inherent problem in the method itself. The relative sensitivities of the GPC-sedimentation, GPC-viscosity, and GPC–light scattering methods are discussed. |
