2-D chromatography with optimized size exclusion chromatography resolution and multi-angle light scattering coupling.

2-D chromatography has become an important tool for the polymer chemist and engineer interested in understanding reaction mechanisms in multiple step polymerization reactions and for establishing the relationships between structure and property. As with 1-D chromatography, it is desirable to obtain the best possible resolution in order to distinguish subtle differences in composition and molecular weight. This requirement is in conflict with the need to keep the duration of the experiment short enough for practical purposes. In this paper, we use a model system to investigate the optimum conditions for improved 2-D resolution with a focus on the molecular weight dimension. This dimension is usually the less resolved in 2-D systems due to synchronization requirements between the two separation processes and the subsequent need to use a rapid size exclusion chromatography column. The method described here provides resolution in the SEC dimension equivalent to that of a standard 1-D SEC method, while maintaining a relatively short analysis time. Finally, a multi-angle light scattering detector was used to determine the radius of gyration of the eluting polymer.