A new technical note describes a fast, precise and accurate chromatographic technique for routine process and quality control measurements of polymers
The Flow Injection Polymer Analysis (Fipa) technique provides quick and easy simultaneous measurement of molecular weight, molecular size, intrinsic viscosity, and percent polymer. Eliminating the traditional need for elaborate and costly sample preparation, a typical Fipa analysis takes only 3-5 minutes delivering major gains in productivity.
The technical note, available from Viscotek Europe, describes how the technique, developed from triple detection gel permeation chromatography (GPC), has been successfully applied to many synthetic polymers including polycarbonates, phenolic resins, polyurethanes, polyacrylamides, polystyrene, polyvinyl acetate, and polymethyl methacrylate.
The phenomenal precision achievable by the Fipa technique is demonstrated in a study involving 50 injections of a 250K Dalton polystyrene reference standard.
The repeatability of the technique coupled with its ease of use, robustness, need for minimal maintenance, and speed make FIPA ideal for implementation in industrial plants.
