Gel Permeation Chromatography

Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) is essential in polymer chemistry for measuring the distribution of molecular weights. Shimadzu has introduced the Prominence GPC system, designed specifically to provide superior data reliability and ease of use.

Outstanding Baseline Stability

Differential refractive index detectors used in GPC can occasionally react to changes in mobile phase temperature or to the quantity of dissolved air, resulting in baseline instability. However, the Prominence GPC system’s RID-10A detector suppresses baseline drift by locating the optical system inside a double temperature-controlled housing and controlling inflowing mobile phase temperature. Furthermore, the use of a high-efficiency degassing unit with a capacity of only 380 uL significantly reduces the time required for the system to stabilize.

Solvent Delivery Performance Designed for Repeatability

GPC systems measure molecular weight distribution by pseudo-correlating the molecular weights of compounds eluted between the exclusion limit and permeation limit as an exponential function of elution times. As a result, even small elution time errors can lead to large variations in measurement results. To solve this problem, Shimadzu’s Prominence GPC system utilizes high speed micro-plunger actuation and automatic pulse compensation to provide pulse-free solvent delivery and improve elution time repeatability.

Designed for Validation

To ensure the reliability of data, equipment maintenance and management are also important. This system's auto-validation feature is useful for IQ/OQ procedures during installation, and for evaluating the operating status of each unit and managing maintenance information during periodic inspections. An optional column management device (CMD) allows the recognition of column name, serial number or other column information, as well as the storage of usage history information, including mobile phase flow rates and the number of sample injections. (When multiple columns are connected, the data’s history can be recorded for a set of columns.)

Easily Creates GPC Calibration Curves using a Visual Interface

Use a wide range of approximation formulae to create calibration curves, such as linear, 3rd-order, 3rd-order + hyperbolic curve, 5th-order, 5th-order + hyperbolic curve, 7th-order, 7th-order + hyperbolic curve, or broken line. This software provides up to 64 data points and allows entry of virtual points , so calibration curves can be checked visually for appropriateness while they are being created. Mark-Houwink calibration curve correction methods or various correction methods based on Q-factors or degree of polymerization are also available.

Post-Run Analysis using a Variety of GPC Data Analysis Functions Helps Determine Data Processing Methods

Waveforms can be manipulated by means of a graphical interface in the GPC Data Analysis window. Changing the peak integration parameters also recalculates the number-average, weight-average, Z-average, Z+1-average, and viscosity-average molecular weights, as well as intrinsic viscosity and polydispersity in real time. The derivative and integrated molecular weight distribution curves are also updated. Time correction for internal standard peaks or control samples, or sensitivity correction for detectors, is also available.

Data Comparison Features Simplify Analysis of Multiple-Sample Data

The comparison feature will display overlays of derivative and integrated molecular weight distribution curves for up to 10 analytes. It also displays statistical results such as the number-average, weight-average, Z-average, Z+1-average, and viscosity-average molecular weights, as well as intrinsic viscosity and polydispersity. If you shift specific data parallel to the time axis,, the molecular weight distribution is recalculated and the derivative and integrated molecular weight distribution curves are updated using the corrected time.

Customize the Report Layout

From individual analysis reports to summary reports, general-purpose LC and GPC calculation results can be combined in the same report format. A wide selection of report content can be used, with a high degree of freedom to create numerous report layouts. Summary reports can even include chromatograms, GPC calculation results, and statistical calculation results for multiple analytes on a single page.