Number: 422/3/98
Title: Size exclusion chromatography
dispersion correction
Coordinator(s): J�rg
Baumgarten
Remarks: Interactions with other
bodies will be developed according to needs as they arise.
Completion Date: 2001
Objective:
Natural and synthetic polymers are in most cases polydisperse in
size (and weight). For many applications, not limited to reference
standard materials, this polydispersity is a crucial performance
parameter. Among a variety of methods for its characterization,
size exclusion chromatography is the most widely used technique
and parameters specified on vendor's labels are largely based on
it. There is general agreement that these polydispersity values
reported by manufacturers, vendors and in fact by most scientists
are too high due to neglect of process dispersion. The state of
affairs is not the lack of scientific understanding of the problem
but negligence and lack of an authoritative procedure. The purpose
of the proposed activity is to discuss the subject matter at a theoretical
level using electronic means, initiate further experimental studies
if this is required to settle theoretical ambiguities, and arrive
at a recommendation and procedure that has a chance to be accepted
by industry and customers alike. It is for the latter reason that
this project can fulfill its purpose only if a large number of laboratories
subscribe to it. Participation therefore will be two-tiered: those
who are experts on chromatographic theory have to negotiate a starting
proposal, and those who consider themselves primarily application
laboratories have to judge if the recommendations suit their needs
and are practical.
Last update: 8 June 2001
