GPC/SEC as a Key Tool for Assessment of Polymer Quality and Determination of Macromolecular Properties

Size exclusion chromatography (SEC), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and gel filtration chromatography (GFC) are all synonyms for the most successfully applied separation technique for the characterization of macromolecules, (bio)polymers and proteins. Size exclusion chromatography is the most commonly used method to measure molar mass distributions (MMDs) also termed “molecular weight distributions (MWDs). Size exclusion chromatography separations require interaction-free diffusion of the sample molecules into and out of the pores of the stationary phase. This chapter illustrates an overview of stationary phases with different polarities typically used in SEC. It also provides an overview of typical detector combinations used to investigate specific sample properties. This is followed by an overview of transfer options and their benefits and limitations.