Issue 3, 2024

Polymer characterization by size-exclusion chromatography with multi-angle light scattering (SEC-MALS): a tutorial review

Abstract

This tutorial review presents the theory and application of SEC-MALS with minimal equations and a focus on synthetic polymer characterization, serving as an entry point for polymer scientists who want to learn more about SEC-MALS. We discuss the principles of static light scattering, outline its capability to generate absolute weight-average molar mass values, and extend its application to SEC-MALS. Practical elements are emphasized, enabling researchers to appreciate how values for Mn, Mw, and Đ are determined in an SEC-MALS experiment and how experimental conditions and input values, such as the specific refractive index increment (dn/dc), influence the results. Several illustrative SEC-MALS experiments demonstrate the impact of separation quality on Mn (as opposed to Mw), the appearance of contaminants in SEC chromatograms from sample preparation, the influence of concentration on data quality, and how polymer topology affects molecular weight characterization in SEC. Finally, we address practical considerations, common issues, and persistent misconceptions.

Graphical abstract: Polymer characterization by size-exclusion chromatography with multi-angle light scattering (SEC-MALS): a tutorial review

Article information

Article type
Tutorial Review
Submitted
23 Oct 2023
Accepted
07 Dec 2023
First published
19 Dec 2023

Polym. Chem., 2024,15, 127-142

Polymer characterization by size-exclusion chromatography with multi-angle light scattering (SEC-MALS): a tutorial review

J. B. Matson, A. Q. Steele, J. D. Mase and M. D. Schulz, Polym. Chem., 2024, 15, 127 DOI: 10.1039/D3PY01181J

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