Analytical methodology replaces the lengthy gravimetric procedure traditionally used to determine xylene solubles in process polymers, using Fipa technique
Viscotek Europe has introduced a fast, precise and accurate analytical methodology for replacing the lengthy gravimetric procedure traditionally used to determine xylene solubles in process polymers.
The xylene soluble test is designed to measure the amorphous content of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber materials.
The accuracy and precision of the xylene soluble test are very important to the process and product specifications of the resultant materials.
Viscotek's Flow Injection Polymer Analysis (Fipa) technique provides quick and easy simultaneous measurement of molecular weight, molecular size, intrinsic viscosity and percent polymer.
Eliminating the elaborate and time consuming (about 4 hours) third step of the traditional gravimetric procedure the new Fipa method takes only 5-15 minutes delivering major gains in productivity.
An application note describes the new Fipa method and illustrates typical results from an ethylene-propylene rubber sample analysed in triplicate.
In addition to providing rapid determination of the percentage xylene soluble value, the new Fipa method also provides molecular weight and intrinsic viscosity information for the soluble fraction.
For research and development laboratories looking to gain a more in-depth understanding of the polymer fraction a full triple detection GPC system from Viscotek provides additional molecular weight distribution information as well.
