Issue 22, 2014

AF4/MALS/QELS/DRI characterization of regular star polymers and their “span analogs”

Abstract

Asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) coupled with multi-angle static and quasi-elastic light scattering and differential refractive index detectors, was employed for the separation and characterization of regular star-shaped polystyrenes and their linear and span analogs in tetrahydrofuran. Stars with different arm lengths were separated from each other by employing a binary slope cross-flow gradient. Cross-flow optimization enabled fast separation of polystyrenes in two- and three-component blends. Macromolecular parameters were obtained by using light-scattering and refractive index detection, and properties of polystyrenes with different molecular architectures were compared. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the separation of star polymers by AF4. Novel characterization approaches for stars are important from both applied and fundamental standpoints, as these macromolecules are valued for their tribological, drug delivery, catalytic and coating capabilities, and also serve as model compounds for the structured study of long-chain branching and its effects in polymers.

Graphical abstract: AF4/MALS/QELS/DRI characterization of regular star polymers and their “span analogs”

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
19 Jun 2014
Accepted
18 Aug 2014
First published
15 Sep 2014

Analyst, 2014,139, 5843-5851

AF4/MALS/QELS/DRI characterization of regular star polymers and their “span analogs”

L. Pitkänen and A. M. Striegel, Analyst, 2014, 139, 5843 DOI: 10.1039/C4AN01105H

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