Molecular Weight Distributions of Elastomers—Comparison of Gel Permeation Chromatography with Other Techniques

Abstract

Abstract During the past decade interest in polymer fractionation for evaluating molecular weight distribution has increased. New polymers, such as polypropylene, high density polyethylene and many others have been subjected to extensive characterization, but some older polymers, including natural rubber have not. In recent years column fractionation has received a great deal of attention; a review has been made by Schneider. Most of the techniques of polymer fractionation, such as precipitation from solution and column fractionation, are quite lengthy and require days or even weeks to complete. A more rapid method for molecular weight distribution has been the goal of polymer chemists for years. The most promising of the rapid methods are turbidimetric and gel permeation chromatography by which analysis is accomplished in a few hours. This paper discusses application of gel permeation chromatography to fractionation of elastomers. In addition this technique is compared with data from column fractionation, light scattering and osmometry. Some of the assumed factors used in converting gel permeation data into molecular weights are in error. But by calibration of the gel permeation chromatograph with classical methods reliable data can be obtained.