GPC analysis of thermoplastic engineering polymers (PBT, PET)

Engineering polymers are particularly difficult to analyze – they are generally tough and difficult to dissolve, often requiring aggressive solvents and elevated temperatures. They have only limited solubility in a small number of solvents. This is because high strength and toughness are usually a result of high molecular weight and/or high crystallinity. Increasing molecular weight requires untangling the molecular chains to dissolve the material, whereas increased crystallinity requires break-up of any inter-chain bonds that may be present. If high temperatures are required to achieve this, a high performance integrated GPC system, such as the PL-GPC 220 High Temperature GPC/SEC System, is a necessity.