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Polymers / GPC

Polymer characterisation by Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), also known as Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC).

Polymer characterisation

Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), also known as Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC), separates particles by their hydrodynamic radii or volumes.

Unlike HPLC, where separation occurs by chemical or physical properties, GPC/SEC separates purely by steric criteria. Given these distinct requirements, optimal results depend on specifically optimised systems – not only on column choice.

GPC/SEC systems

Specifically designed GPC/SEC systems offer, among other features:

  • lower solvent pressure from the columns
  • better pulsation control and compressibility correction
  • a varied selection of detectors

A key advantage of modern GPC/SEC systems is the ability to obtain absolute size values via angle-dependent light-scattering detection – without calibration.