This application note describes the use of the Agilent PLgel 5 μm MIXED-D gel permeation chromatography (GPC) column for the analysis of polysiloxanes.
Polysiloxanes, also known as silicones, are polymers widely used in various industries due to their resistance to temperature and chemical degradation. They vary in molecular weight and are often analyzed using specific chromatography methods.
The document details the analysis of a medium molecular weight polysiloxane fluid using two Agilent PLgel 5 pm MIXED-D columns (300 x 7.5 mm). The method employs toluene as the eluent at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min with an Agilent PL-GPC 50 system and a refractive index detector, chosen over tetrahydrofuran (THF) to ensure better analyte response.
| Column dimensions | 300 x 7.5 mm |
|---|---|
| Eluent | Toluene |
| Flow Rate | 1.0 mL/min |
| System | Agilent PL-GPC 50 |
Toluene was chosen because polysiloxanes show very little response in tetrahydrofuran (THF) with a refractive index detector.
It is specifically designed for the analysis of polymers, paints, and resin systems where material above 400,000 MW is unlikely to be present.
Toluene was chosen because polysiloxanes show very little response in tetrahydrofuran (THF) with a refractive index detector.
The specified flow rate is 1.0 mL/min.