The Applied Technical Services Family of Companies (ATS FoC) polymer testing lab specializes in analytical size exclusion chromatography (SEC). SEC separates dissolved molecules by size as they pass through a porous stationary phase, making it effective for evaluating molecular weight. Our ISO-accredited laboratory delivers precise, repeatable SEC measurements for polymers.
When Should Analytical Size Exclusion Chromatography Be Performed?
Analytical SEC is valuable when molecular size affects a material’s performance, processing, or stability. Manufacturers use SEC to compare formulations, verify batch consistency, and ensure quality control. Technicians also apply SEC after thermal exposure, chemical aging, oxidation, ultraviolet exposure, or extended storage to assess molecular degradation or aggregation. Reliable molecular characterization helps organizations identify changes before they impact product performance or appearance.
Analytical SEC commonly supports:
- Assessment of branching and conformation via viscometry and light scattering.
- Detection of oligomers, impurities, aggregates, and high‑MW tails.
- Method development and validation for routine release testing.
- Molecular‑weight determination (Mn, Mw, Mz) and dispersity (Đ).
- Process control and batch comparability for manufacturing.
- Regulatory and specification support with traceable quantitative data.
- Stability and degradation studies through comparative chromatograms.
About Our Analytical Size Exclusion Chromatography Services
Our ISO-accredited laboratory uses SEC for the following applications:
Detection Technologies
- Multi-Angle Light Scattering (MALS): Used to determine true, absolute molecular weights.
- Refractive Index (RI) and UV/Vis: Used to calculate relative molecular weights based on standard calibrations.
Mobile Phase Options
- Standard Organic Solvents: Includes tetrahydrofuran (THF), chloroform, dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethylacetamide (DMAc), and related solvents.
- Aqueous Systems: Water-based solutions maintained with pH buffers.
- High-Temperature Trichlorobenzene (TCB): Used for analyzing polyolefins, including polypropylene (PP), various polyethylenes (HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, UHMWPE), and their copolymers.
- High-Temperature Chloronaphthalene: Used specifically to characterize polyphenylene sulfide (PPS).
- Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP): Preferred for dissolving nylons, polyesters, and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) with high glycolide content.
About the ATS FoC
Founded in 1967, ATS began as a small engineering firm in the Atlanta area. As our clients’ needs evolved, so did our capabilities. Today, we are a nationwide network of companies, facilities, and experts providing technical expertise across multiple sectors and industries.
In 2026, the ATS FoC joined SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) company. This partnership allows us to maintain our commitment to service excellence and benefit from SGS’ expertise and resources.
Contact Us
To learn more about our analytical size exclusion chromatography services, please submit an online request form or call +1 (888) 287-5227.
