This application note describes the use of Agilent PLgel columns for the separation of low molecular weight polystyrene standards by gel permeation chromatography.
High performance, low pore size Agilent PLgel columns are ideal for resolving low molecular weight polystyrene standards into their oligomeric components. The document illustrates how successive peaks increase in molecular weight by the styrene repeat unit of 104.
The analysis utilizes a system consisting of two Agilent PLgel 5 µm 100A columns (600 x 7.6 mm) with THF as the eluent, a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, and an RI detector.
The lowest MW peak can be assigned using phenyl hexane as a marker, with a MW of 162.
Successive peaks increase in molecular weight by the MW of the styrene repeat unit, 104.
The flow rate used for the analysis is 1.0 mL/min.