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Quebec researchers use new high temperature


chromatography systemin novel work Researchers working at NanoQAM, the nanotechnology research centre of the University ofQuebec (Canada), are successfully innovating novel polymer coatings on the basis of data measured using a Viscotek high temperature gel permeation chromatography (HT-GPC) system fromMalvern Instruments. The systemis proving crucial for efficient polymer characterization, reliably providing absolute molecular weight and structural information to


Drops of water at the surface of a novel polyolefin coating on a steel coupon, showing the low wettability of the coating


support research goals. A dependable high temperature solution is a pre-requisite for the polymers under test, as for bulk polyolefins.


“We rely heavily on theMalvern HT-GPC systembecause of the comprehensive, accurate information it provides,” remarks Dr Jerome Claverie, director ofNanoQAM, and professor at the University ofQuebec. ”GPC analysis of our polymers is challenging but the system performs consistently and reliably.Ongoing costs are low because the systemis easy to maintain and consumables are affordable, which drives down the ‘cost per injection’, an important comparative indicator for us. And the software is excellent. It gives us the flexibility we need to fully explore ourmaterials and at the same time allows new users to get useful data withminimal training.”


A key focus of Dr Claverie’s research is the development of polyolefin-based copolymers that aremore hydrophilic. The aimis to produce coatings for nanoparticles that combine themechanical properties of polyethylene with other capabilities, easily taking a dye for example. Studying themolecular weight and branching behaviour of these copolymers uncovers the structure-property relationships necessary to efficiently tailor polymerisation reactions for their production.


Malvern has developed the Viscotek HT-GPC system specifically for polyolefin analysis. These polymers are only sparingly soluble, necessitating the use of high temperatures throughout the analytical cycle. The Viscotek HT-GPC provides a reliable, cost-effective solution for operation at temperatures up to 160o


delivers absolute molecular weight without extrapolation or correction, molecular size (Rg and Rh), intrinsic viscosity and branching information in a single GPC/SEC experiment. www.malvern.com/viscotek


Speciality Columns for Difficult HPLC Separations


Nacalai Tesquemanufacture a range of speciality silica-based columns designed for applications in which compounds are poorly retained or insufficiently resolved on conventional C18 or Phenyl columns.


COSMOSIL Cholester is a cholesteryl bonded phase which shows similar hydrophobicity to traditional C18


phases, but enhanced stereoselectivity, particularly for the resolution of geometric isomers and other closely related compounds.


COSMOSILNAP is bondedwith naphthylethyl groupswhich formstronger-interactions than Phenyl phases,with unsaturated compounds. This phase offers improved separation of


compounds such as positional isomers that are difficult to analyseswith alkyl bonded phases.


COSMOSIL PYE is bonded with 2-(1-pyrenyl)ethyl groups and shows unique retention characteristics based on multiple separation modes. It offers the most powerful - interactions, in addition to hydrophobic and charge transfer interactions, for the separation of structural isomers.


For further information on any of these speciality or any other COSMOSIL columns, please contact Hichrom on Tel: 0118 930 3660 or e-mail at technical@hichrom.co.uk


C. The full triple detector configuration


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