"The Viscotek gel permeation
chromatography system with triple detection is the most important tool in our
laboratory,"
said Assistant Professor Jason Locklin of the Department of
Chemistry and Faculty of Engineering, University of Georgia, when referring to
the Viscotek TDAmax system from Malvern Instruments.
Work carried out by Professor Locklin's
multidisciplinary team has demonstrated that adding multiple detector
technologies to a gel permeation chromatography (GPC), is highly effective in
the real-time investigation of polymerization kinetics and macromolecular
structure for both functional polymers and surface initiated polymerization.
Compared with other GPC systems, the Viscotek TDAmax delivered more detailed
viscometry and light scattering data, which was central to understanding the
development, growth and behaviour of
new polymer materials.
"Molecular weight and molecular weight
distribution [also called polydispersity] are the most important parameters in
polymer science," explained Professor Locklin. "We use the Viscotek TDAmax as a
tool to monitor the progress of reactions and to evaluate the extent of control
in the polymerization reaction. When making new polymers this information is
critical to our understanding and tells us if the material is forming properly
and if the chemistry is working."
Professor
Locklin continued; "The
real benefit of the Viscotek system is the online viscometry detection and
light scattering. These capabilities provide so much more info than
conventional measurements, allowing you to look for polymer structure and
branching as well as molecular weight and polydispersity."
Professor Locklin's research group
includes ten PhD students focusing on chemistry, biochemical engineering, and
textile science. Current projects include such products as anti-microbial
coatings, biodegradable polymers, light responsive polymers, and "clickable"
coatings. Up to date publications outlining the teams research can be found at:
http://www.uga.edu/jlocklin
The Viscotek TDAmax is a gel permeation chromatography (also referred to
as size exclusion chromatography (SEC)) system that includes refractive index
(RI), viscometry and light scattering detectors making it ideal for the
characterization of polymers. Further information can be found at:
www.malvern.com/viscotek
Subscribe to any of our newsletters for the latest on new laboratory products, industry news, case studies and much more!
Request your free copies HERE
Popular this Month
Top 10 most popular articles this month
Today's Picks
Looking for a Supplier?
Search by company or by product
Please note Lab Bulletin does not sell, supply any of the products featured on this website. If you have an enquiry, please use the contact form below the article or company profile and we will send your request to the supplier so that they can contact you directly.
Lab Bulletin is published by newleaf marketing communications ltd.