This article introduces the GPC viscosity method of linear and branched polyethylene glycol
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a biocompatible polymer used in commercial products, cosmetics, lubricants, and biomedical applications. Branched PEG materials are of particular interest due to their lower viscosity compared to linear types. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) with viscometry detection helps elucidate the compact nature of these branched polymers in solution.
The investigation utilized an Agilent PL-GPC 50 Integrated GPC/SEC System equipped with differential refractive index and viscometry detection. The system included Agilent PLgel 5 µm MIXED-D columns and a PL-BV 400RT Viscometer. Samples were prepared in dimethylformamide and analyzed under specific conditions to generate molecular weight distributions.
The samples were prepared at 0.2% (w/v) in dimethylformamide at room temperature for 2 hours.
The flow rate is 1.0 mL/min and the injection volume is 100 pL.
The analysis is performed at a temperature of 50°C.