This document introduces the quantitative GPC analysis application of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and plasticizers. PVC is a thermoplastic widely encountered in everyday life. It is light, non-flammable, robust and durable. PVC is permeable, does not deteriorate, is easy to maintain and its physical and mechanical characteristics make it ideal for many different uses. Unplasticized PVC has a high melt viscosity leading to some difficulties in processing. The finished product is also too brittle for many applications. In order to overcome these problems, it is routine to incorporate additives to the PVC. In addition to acting as impact modifiers, a number of polymeric additives may be considered as processing aids. Such materials are primarily included to ensure more uniform flow and hence improve surface finish. The properties of the final material are dependent on the molecular weight distribution of the PVC and the type and level of the added plasticizers. The analysis of the compounded material is, therefore, of primary importance, and GPC is the ideal analytical tool for its characterization. With their linear resolving capability over a wide molecular weight range, PLgel MIXED columns provide resolution of both polymer and additives, particularly with the high efficiency 5 µm particle size columns.
Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is a widely used thermoplastic that often requires additives to improve processability and physical properties. Plasticizers are commonly added to reduce brittleness, making the analysis of both the polymer and these additives critical for quality control.
The document details an analytical method using Agilent PLgel 5 µm MIXED-C columns with THF as the eluent. This setup allows for the simultaneous resolution of the PVC molecular weight distribution and specific phthalate plasticizers, enabling their identification and quantification.
The recommended flow rate for the analysis is 1.0 mL/min.
The column dimensions are 600 x 7.5 mm.
The column has a linear calibration up to 2 million MW.