Multidetectors for Analysis of the Composition of Copolymers as a Function of Molecular Size Distribution by Steric Exclusion Chromatography

Abstract

Abstract Analysis of molecular size distribution of polymers by steric exclusion liquid chromatography (GPC) is well known. Problems exist, however. These problems involve copolymers and polymer blends. The objectives of the research were to develop methods of analyzing comonomer distribution in copolymers, to study the breakdown of one polymer independent of another in a polymer blend, and to obtain any additional information as might be available. The separations were performed on a Waters Model 200 Gel Permeation Chromatograph. Detectors employed were a Waters R-4 differential refractometer, a Wilks Miran-1 infrared analyzer, and a Beckman Model 144 UV photometer. Examples are given of analysis of average styrene, styrene distribution, and oil content of oil extended SBR. The data is compared with that obtained by other methods. In general the agreement is good. The ability to examine one polymer of a blend independent of the other is also demonstrated. Since elastomers are frequently used as blends, this becomes very important to such studies as milling and extrusion behavior.