Two-dimensional tools for analyzing polymer microstructure; coupling non-aqueous ion-exchange chromatography to...

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Chromatography

Background:

• Traditional chromatography methods offer limited insight into polymer microstructure.
• Determining the distribution of acid groups within polymers is crucial for understanding their properties.
• Existing techniques cannot independently map acid group incorporation relative to molar mass.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the distribution of incorporated acid groups across the molar mass distribution of water-borne resins.
• To develop a method for detailed polymer microstructure analysis.
• To advance the understanding of emulsion polymerization processes.

Main Methods:

• Online coupling of non-aqueous ion-exchange chromatography (NAIEX) to size-exclusion chromatography (SEC).
• Utilizing orthogonal chromatographic modes for a calibrated separation plane.
• Characterizing polymers with low acid content (few mass-%) using the developed setup.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated the orthogonality of NAIEX and SEC for polymer analysis.
• Successfully mapped the combined acid-group and molar-mass distribution.
• Identified distinct stages of the emulsion polymerization process.
• Provided detailed characterization of polymer microstructure.

Conclusions:

• The online NAIEX-SEC system provides a powerful tool for detailed polymer microstructure analysis.
• This method enables independent determination of acid group distribution relative to molar mass.
• The technique offers insights into complex polymerization processes and polymer properties.