New Standard for High Performance Characterisation of Polymers and Proteins

Dorton Analytical Ltd. announces the SEC-3010 triple detector system for the characterisation of polymers and proteins using Gel Permeation Chromatography / Size Exclusion Chromatography (GPC/SEC).

The SEC-3010 triple detector system is a complete GPC system comprising pump, autosampler, viscosity/refractive index detector, multi-angle light scattering detector and ParSEC enhanced software.

The patented design of the SEC-3010 Viscosity/Refractive Index Detector allows the simultaneous determination of the refractive index and the intrinsic viscosity of a polymer solution. With its sophisticated technology, it overcomes the disadvantages usually encountered when using coupled detectors. The asymmetrical bridge circuit allows 80 % of the sample to reach the measuring arm compared with 50 % in conventional instruments, thus increasing sensitivity by a factor of 2. The direct integration of the refractive index measuring cell in the analytical arm of the viscometer allows the determination of the intrinsic viscosity and the refractive index in exactly the same sample segment.

The Multi-Angle Light-Scattering Detector is a modern, intuitive, 7-angle detector for the comprehensive characterisation of macromolecular compounds. Its innovative technology offers the highest quality and precision in the absolute determination of molecular weight. The sample is illuminated by a very precise, temperature-controlled laser beam. The scattered light is collected by a highly-sensitive CCD detector which transmits the data to the ParSEC software.

ParSEC Enhanced provides the complete software solution for comprehensive polymer characterisation via multi-detector GPC. The software records and evaluates the data from various combinations of GPC detectors. It calculates the specific and intrinsic viscosity, the Mark-Houwink coefficients, the absolute molecular weights, Mn, Mw, Mz, Rg, the Mw/Mn structure coefficients and the branching parameters from the scattered light data. All analytical methods, raw data, calibrations, results and sample information are stored in a single database, allowing very easy archiving and retrieval of data.

The SEC-3010 system, developed by the renowned GPC company (WGE Dr Bures), offers a unique combination of comprehensive capabilities, simple, intuitive control and leading edge sensitivity all in a remarkably small laboratory footprint.