At the recent International Symposium on GPC/SEC and Related Techniques in Amsterdam, Postnova Analytics presented a well-received lecture entitled 'Comprehensive Characterization of Natural Rubber Samples using Thermal Field-Flow-Fractionation coupled with MALS and Triple Detection'.

The presentation by Dr Gerhard Heinzmann included an informative introduction to the Thermal Field Flow Fractionation (TF3) technique, a comparison of the technique versus using GPC/SEC and application examples including data from a complex natural rubber sample.

The speaker explained how advantageously TF3 is able to separate samples by both particle size and chemical composition at the same time. Further he showed how unlike traditional GPC/SEC separation, TF3 offers huge flexibility in choice of fractionation power and avoids interactions with stationery phase, degradation due to shear stress and the need for sample filtration. Also beneficially the TF3 technique has no size exclusion limit and therefore even ultra-high molecular weight, branched and cross-linked natural and synthetic rubbers can be separated using the methodology.

In conclusion the lecture showed how thermal field flow fractionation coupled with MALS and triple detection provides a highly efficient method of separating and characterising complex, high molecular weight natural or synthetic rubbers at high resolution in organic and aqueous solvents. 

Founded in 1997, Postnova Analytics is the inventor and leading international supplier of Field-Flow Fractionation (FFF) systems for markets including biopharmaceuticals, polymers, materials, nanotechnology and environmental sciences. Leveraging its unique and patented modular FFF - Light Scattering Platform, Postnova has been able to provide high performance solutions to a wide range of applications. Today the company's growing product portfolio includes Flow FFF, Centrifugal FFF, Thermal FFF, Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC), MALS and DLS Light Scattering.  Postnova is located and headquartered in Landsberg am Lech (Germany) and has subsidiaries in the USA, UK and Finland. These offices in conjunction with a highly qualified and trained distribution network provides informed local support to customers worldwide.

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