Analysis of Complex Polymers by Interaction Chromatography

Abstract

This review presents the principle ideas of using interaction chromatography for analyzing different heterogeneities in complex polymers. Based on the discussion of a unified mechanism of chromatography of polymers, it is demonstrated that, by selecting the corresponding chromatographic conditions, in a number of cases it is possible to determine heterogeneity parameters separately from each other. Emphasizing the usefulness of liquid chromatography at the critical point of adsorption, it is shown that functional homopolymers can be analyzed solely with respect to functionality. Binary polymer blends are separated into their components regardless of the molar mass distribution. Depending on their particular structure, copolymers can be analyzed efficiently by gradient HPLC or critical mode chromatography. Finally, further developments including two-dimensional techniques are addressed.