Viscometers, viscometry detectors

The application of refractive index and differential viscometer detection in SEC has been discussed by a number of authors [66-68]. Lew et al. presented the quantitative analysis of polyolefins by high-temperature SEC and dual refractive index-viscosity detection [69]. They applied a systematic approach for multidetector operation, assessed the effect of branching on the SEC calibration curve, and used a signal averaging procedure to better define intrinsic viscosity as a function of retention volume. The combination of SEC with refractive index, UV, and viscosity detectors was used to determine molar mass and functionality of polytetrahydrofuran simultaneously [70]. Long chain branching in EPDM copolymers by SEC-viscometry was analyzed by Chiantore et al. [71]. 

Due to the problems encountered with SEC-LALLS and SEC-viscometry, a triple-detector SEC technology has been developed, where three on-line detectors are used together in a single SEC system. In addition to the concentration detector, an on-line viscometer and a LALLS instrument are coupled to the SEC... 

The opportunity to measure the dilute polymer solution viscosity in GPC came with the continuous capillary-type viscometers (single capillary or differential multicapillary detectors) coupled to the traditional chromatographic system before or after a concentration detector in series (see the entry Viscometric Detection in GPC-SEC). Because liquid continuously flows through the capillary tube, the detected pressure drop across the capillary provides the measure for the fluid viscosity according to the Poiseuille s equation for laminar flow of incompressible liquids [1], Most commercial on-line viscometers provide either relative or specific viscosities measured continuously across the entire polymer peak. These measurements produce a viscometry elution profile (chromatogram). Combined with a concentration-detector chromatogram (the concentration versus retention volume elution curve), this profile allows one to calculate the instantaneous intrinsic viscosity [17] of a polymer solution at each data point i (time slice) of a polymer distribution. Thus, if the differential refractometer is used as a concentration detector, then for each sample slice i. 

SEC-viscometry used with Mark-Houwink coefficients, the errors in the determination of the MWD are less than in conventional SEC. In SEC-viscometry with universal calibration, these errors are greater, as shown in Figure 8. A detailed discussion on the effect of band broadening with viscometers and lightscattering detectors can be found in Reference 39. 

HT-SEC-viscometry with a concentration detector and a viscometer, and a universal calibration curve constmcted from any molar mass reference standards and materials. 

Viscometry Detection Although single and dual capillary viscometers are stiU in use, most commercially available detectors offered today are based on the four capillary bridge design originally developed by Haney [17]. 

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