Time Saving, High Resolution GPC/SEC Using Micro Columns and Optimized RI Detection
As in HPLC before there is now a trend in GPC/SEC to separate low molar mass polymers and oligomers on columns filled with small particles.
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Smaller particles are used to obtain higher resolution. If these particles are packed in GPC/SEC columns with smaller inner diameters (compared to traditional analytical columns) an efficient separation can be achieved that needs less mobile phase. Traditionally micro columns are run at a reduced flow-rate of 0.35 ml/min, but modern materials can be also operated in the flow-rate range of 0.5 - 0.7 mL/min to save not only mobile phase, but also time. Typical column dimensions for micro columns are e.g. 150 to 250 mm length and 4.6 mm inner diameter.