The Applied Technical Services Family of Companies (ATS FoC) offers GPC Testing using virtually any solvent system, including hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP), and can derivatize polymers like polyether ether ketone PEEK to make them soluble for GPC analysis. Manufacturers use GPC to verify raw materials, support product development, investigate failures, and ensure manufacturing quality.
When Should Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) Analysis Be Performed?
Manufacturers should use GPC analysis when molecular weight impacts polymer performance, processability, or reliability. Product development teams use GPC to compare formulations, while quality departments rely on routine testing for batch consistency. Engineers request GPC after thermal exposure, chemical attack, ultraviolet aging, or extended service life to assess polymer degradation or crosslinking.
Common situations that require GPC analysis include:
- Product development and formulation comparison
- Supplier qualification and incoming material verification
- Process validation and quality control
- Failure analysis and quality control investigations
- Reverse engineering of polymer materials
About Our GPC Analysis Services for Polymer Materials
Our ISO-accredited chromatography laboratory offers comprehensive GPC analysis for thermoplastics, uncured thermosets, unvulcanized elastomerics, and specialty polymers. Our technicians use advanced instruments and industry-standard procedures to determine molecular weight parameters, assess distribution, and provide detailed reports for engineering, manufacturing, and research. We support production lot comparison, material characterization, degradation assessment, formulation validation, and product qualification. Each project receives a thorough technical review to ensure results are accurate, repeatable, and relevant to your application.
Our GPC analysis capabilities include:
Detectors
- Absolute molecular weight determined by multi-angle light scattering (MALS).
- Relative molecular weight assessed using UV/Vis absorbance or refractive index (RI) detectors.
Mobile Phases
- Organic solvents: THF; DMF; DMAc; chloroform; and other common organic solvents.
- Aqueous buffers: pH‑controlled water-based solutions.
- High-temperature solvents for polyolefins: trichlorobenzene (TCB) for copolymers, PP, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, and UHMWPE.
- High-temperature solvent for PPS: trichloronaphthalene for polyphenylene sulfide.
- Fluoroalcohol solvent: hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) for polyesters, nylons, and PLGA with high glycolide content.
Sample Requirements
Samples sent for GPC must be soluble in either an organic solvent or in water. Minimum sample mass is 20 mg, though providing several hundred milligrams is often preferred to simplify preparation.
How Can GPC Confirm That a Polymer Meets Design Specifications?
GPC confirms that a polymer meets design specifications by verifying that its molecular weight characteristics are within established criteria. Consistent molecular weight averages and distribution indicate that raw materials, processes, and finished products meet design and performance requirements. Engineers use these results to assess processing consistency, predict mechanical behavior, monitor formulation changes, and demonstrate product quality during qualification or production. Reliable GPC data supports material approval, performance investigations, and compliance with customer or internal specifications.
Contact Us
Call +1 (888)-287-5227 or submit an online inquiry to learn how our GPC analysis services can support your testing needs.
