The Applied Technical Services Family of Companies (ATS FoC) specializes in GPC analysis of polymers. Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) is a powerful technique for characterizing polymers by separating dissolved macromolecules by their hydrodynamic size. As polymer chains pass through a porous column, larger species elute sooner than smaller ones. This produces chromatograms that reveal molecular weight averages, molecular weight distribution, and clues about polymer architecture. These metrics affect processing behavior, mechanical performance, and long-term durability, making GPC essential for quality control, product development, and failure investigation.
When Is GPC Testing Recommended for Polymers?
GPC is recommended whenever molecular weight or its distribution can change a material’s properties or performance. Common applications include:
- Batch-to-batch quality verification to confirm consistency.
- Material qualification and product development to compare formulations.
- Failure analysis and root cause investigations when mechanical or processing issues arise.
- Degradation studies to evaluate effects of heat, UV, chemicals, or service exposure.
Clients can make informed choices about material selection, processing adjustments, and expected service life by comparing molecular weight profiles across lots or exposure conditions.
Our GCP Analysis Capabilities
Our laboratory offers flexible GPC/SEC testing tailored to a wide range of polymer chemistries and solubility challenges. Key capabilities include:
Detection Methods
- Multi-angle light scattering (MALS) for absolute molecular weight determination.
- Refractive index (RI) and UV/Visible detectors for relative molecular weight and concentration profiling.
Supported Mobile Phases
- Organic solvents such as THF, DMF, DMAc, and chloroform.
- Aqueous buffered systems for water-soluble polymers.
- High-temperature trichlorobenzene (TCB) for polyolefins such as LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, and UHMWPE.
- Trichloronaphthalene for high-temperature polymers such as PPS.
- Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) for nylons, polyesters, and certain PLGA formulations.
We also perform chemical derivatization of poorly soluble materials, including high-performance polymers such as PEEK, to enable accurate molecular weight analysis. Sample guidance: 20 mg is usually sufficient, but providing several hundred milligrams simplifies preparation and repeat testing.
Can GPC Detect Polymer Degradation and Material Aging?
GPC detects chain scission and crosslinking by tracking shifts in average molecular weight and the breadth of molecular weight distribution. Environmental stressors such as thermal exposure, UV, moisture, chemical attack, or mechanical strain can alter chain length and branching. These changes affect strength, viscosity, and processability. Comparing chromatographic fingerprints before and after exposure helps pinpoint degradation mechanisms and supports durability assessments and corrective actions.
Request a Quote
Whether you need routine QC, R&D support, or a detailed failure analysis, our lab delivers defensible GPC results and technical consultation. Submit a web request or call +1 (888)-287-5227 to receive a quote or learn how we can help with a custom analytical program that meets your project requirements.
