This application note describes how to use Agilent's GPC (gel permeation chromatography) technology to measure the relative molecular mass (size distribution) of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC).
Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a derivative of cellulose widely used in food science and various end-user products due to its high solution viscosity and low toxicity. This document details the successful analysis of CMC samples using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) equipped with high-efficiency columns and integrated detection systems.
The analysis was performed using an Agilent PL-GPC 50 Integrated GPC/SEC system equipped with RI and viscometry detection. The method utilized Agilent PL aquagel-OH 30 8 um columns with a specific buffer solution eluent. Results included dual detector chromatograms, molecular weight distributions calculated via universal calibration, and Mark-Houwink plots to assess structural homogeneity.
| Column | PL aquagel-OH 30 8 um, 7.5 x 300 mm |
|---|---|
| Eluent | 0.2 M NaNO3, 0.01 M NaH2PO4, pH 7 |
| Flow Rate | 1.0 mL/min |
| Injection Volume | 100 uL |
| Sample Concentration | 2.0 mg/mL |
| Temperature | Ambient |
| Detector | PL-GPC 50 (Differential Refractive Index + Viscometer) |
The sample was prepared at a concentration of 2.0 mg/mL.
The flow rate for the analysis is 1.0 mL/min.
The column used for the analysis is 300 mm long.