1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the determination of molecular weight distributions and molecular weight averages of linear polyolefins by high temperature gel permeation chromatography (GPC). This test method uses commercially available polystyrene standards and equipment and is applicable to polyethylenes (excluding high pressure low density polyethylene-LDPE) and polypropylenes soluble in 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (TCB) at 140C. This test method is not absolute and requires calibration.

Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) often is used as an alternative name for gel permeation chromatography (GPC).

Specific methods and capabilities of users may vary with differences in columns, instrumentation, applications software, and practices between laboratories.

One general method is outlined herein; alternative analytical practices can be followed and are attached in notes where appropriate.

There is no similar or equivalent ISO standard.

1.2 The values stated in SI units, based on IEEE/ASTM S1-10, are to be regarded as the standard.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics

D3016 Practice for Use of Liquid Exclusion Chromatography Terms and Relationships

D5296 Test Method for Molecular Weight Averages and Molecular Weight Distribution of Polystyrene by High Performance Size-Exclusion Chromatography

E685 Practice for Testing Fixed-Wavelength Photometric Detectors Used in Liquid Chromatography

E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

IEEE/ASTM S1-10 Standard for Use of the International System of Units (SI): The Modern System (replaces ASTM E 380 and ANSI/IEEE Standard 268-1992)

Keywords

gel permeation chromatography; molecular weight average; molecular weight distribution; polyolefin; size exclusion chromatography;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 83.080.20 (Thermoplastic materials)

DOI: 10.1520/D6474-99R06

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