This application note describes how to use Agilent PLgel for the gel permeation chromatography analysis of silicone oils.
This document details the analysis of silicone materials, which are polymers of siloxane widely used in the electronic, construction, and motor industries. It highlights that silicones show little response in tetrahydrofuran with a refractive index detector, making toluene a preferred solvent for analysis due to its significantly higher refractive index.
| Column | 2 x Agilent PLgel 5 ym 500A, 7.5 x 300 mm |
|---|---|
| Eluent | Toluene |
| Flow rate | 1.0 mL/min |
| Detector | RI |
| System | Agilent PL-GPC 50 |
Toluene is preferred because it has a significantly higher refractive index, resulting in good response when using a refractive index detector.
Silicones show very little response in tetrahydrofuran with a refractive index detector.