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Chromatography

HT-GPC is a specialized form of GPC for polymers that are not soluble at room temperature.

High-Temperature Gel Permeation Chromatography (HT-GPC) is a specialized form of GPC that allows analysis of the molecular weight distributions of polymers such as polyethylene and polypropylene, which require elevated temperatures for their dissolution in the mobile phase. Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), also known as size exclusion chromatography (SEC), is a type of liquid chromatography that separates mixtures based on size. GPC is commonly used to measure the molecular weight distributions of polymers. Some polymers such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) are not soluble at room temperature. Because they are not soluable at room temperature they require a specialized high-temperature GPC system to keep them in solution during analysis of their molecular weight distributions.

Why is HT-GPC needed?

Polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) are examples of widely-used polyolefins that require high temperatures above 130°C for dissolution and GPC analysis. 

The HT-GPC is system is a liquid chromatography instrument that maintains an elevated temperature throughout the entire sample path, meaning even the autosampler is heated. This prevents precipitation of the sample during GPC analysis.  This type of highly specialized instrumentation requires expertise to appropriately use and generate reliable data. Our chromatography lab is staffed by scientists with decades of combined experience in addition to strong academic backgrounds.

Sample Requirements for HT-GPC

For most HT-GPC, 1 gram of material is sufficient. Our Technical Sales Team will confirm this during the project planning stage.

Contact and expert to talk through your specific sample considerations and analysis needs.

Materials Commonly Analyzed with HT-GPC

  • Polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE)
  • Polypropylene (PP)
  • Poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) (EVA)
  • Poly(ethylene-methyl acrylate)
  • Ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber (EPDM)
  • Poly(phenylene oxide) (PPO)
  • Poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS)
  • Polythiophenes