Size exclusion chromatography, SEC, (gel permeation chromatography, GPC) is at present the most common method for molecular characterization of synthetic polymers in terms of their molar mass averages and dispersities (distributions). Usefulness of SEC/GPC is enormous because besides quantitative molar mass data of linear macromolecules, it enables fast estimation of molecular parameters of complex polymers such as copolymers and branched polymers, as well as assessment of sizes of isolated macromolecules in solution. The extent of aggregation and association of macromolecules, and also of (preferential) interactions in polymer systems can be judged. Unfortunately SEC/GPC is often used improperly because several phenomena that can badly affect the quality of results are unknown, underestimated, or deliberately ignored by some researchers. SEC/GPC results are intentionally misinterpreted and sometimes even misused to support incorrect conclusions. Basics of SEC/GPC will be briefly outlined and the unconventional applications of method elucidated. The drawbacks, shortages, and pitfalls of SEC/GPC will be discussed more in detail with the aim to furnish information to the method users who may want to ameliorate quality of their results and seek explanation of some unexpected outcomes of their measurements. The role of column porosity, enthalpic interactivity, as well as their history will be demonstrated. The effect will be discussed of experimental conditions, especially mobile phase type and purity, injected sample concentration and volume on the quality of data obtained. It will be manifested that SEC/GPC still needs further development and that the standardization of sample preparation, measurement, and processing of results is necessary.

Size exclusion chromatography/gel permeation chromatography – a blessing and curse of science and technology of synthetic polymers

249th National Meeting (2015)

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