Agilent InfinityLab GPC/SEC Solutions

Significance of the Topic

Gel permeation chromatography (GPC), or size exclusion chromatography (SEC), remains a cornerstone technique in polymer science for determining molecular weight distribution, polymer conformation, and branching. Robust characterization of synthetic and engineering polymers is crucial for research, quality control, and product development across industries from materials science to pharmaceuticals. Agilent InfinityLab GPC/SEC solutions address the need for high sensitivity, reproducibility, and versatility in routine and advanced polymer analysis.

Objectives and Overview

This article reviews the Agilent InfinityLab portfolio for GPC/SEC, covering system configurations, detectors, columns, software, and sample preparation tools. It highlights the design principles and performance benchmarks of the 1260 Infinity II and 1290 Infinity II GPC/SEC systems, the high-temperature GPC setup, and complementary modules for microscale operation and high-temperature sample preparation.

Methodology and Instrumentation Used

Agilent systems combine precision pumps, temperature-controlled multicolumn thermostats, low-volume refractive index detectors, multi-angle light scattering, UV-Vis, viscometry modules, and evaporative light scattering detectors. Key components include:

• 1260 Infinity II GPC/SEC System with Multicolumn Thermostat and Isocratic Pump
• 1260 Infinity II Multidetector GPC/SEC with RI, LS, UV, and viscometry detectors
• 1290 Infinity II GPC/SEC System for analytical and microscale separations
• 1260 Infinity II High-Temperature GPC System with HT-ELSD and dual-zone autosampler
• 1260 Infinity II High-Temperature Sample Prep System
• InfinityLab GPC/SEC columns (organic, aqueous, PolarGel) and calibration standards
• Dedicated GPC/SEC Software for OpenLab CDS and ChemStation

Main Results and Discussion

Retention time reproducibility better than 0.1% RSD across 20 days and flow precision of ≤0.07% RSD support reliable molecular weight determinations. Multi-detector setups deliver stable baselines and high signal-to-noise, enabling absolute molecular weight measurement by light scattering and detailed conformational analysis via viscometry. Microscale operation on the 1290 Infinity II yields consistent molecular weights compared to conventional scales while reducing run times by up to 70% and solvent consumption. High-temperature GPC maintains polymer solubility up to 220 °C, minimizes degradation, and benefits from high-temperature ELSD sensitivity for polyolefins.

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

Agilent solutions facilitate high-throughput routine polymer QC, advanced research on complex engineering polymers, and efficient analysis of temperature-sensitive materials. Users gain:

• Accurate molecular weight distribution for quality control and R&D
• Enhanced resolution and reduced dispersion in microscale workflows
• Integrated high-temperature workflows for polyolefin analysis
• Intuitive software with streamlined data collection, calibration, and reporting

Future Trends and Applications

Advances in detector miniaturization and integration with machine learning for predictive polymer analytics are emerging. Future developments may include inline sample preparation, real-time multi-detector data fusion, and cloud-based data management to further accelerate polymer characterization in high-throughput environments.

Conclusion

The Agilent InfinityLab GPC/SEC portfolio offers a comprehensive, high-performance solution for polymer scientists. From routine polystyrene QC to complex engineering polymer analysis, the systems deliver reproducible results, flexible workflows, and ease of use, ensuring confidence in polymer characterization.

References

• Eghbali H et al Analytical Science The Dow Chemical Company
• Agilent Technologies InfinityLab GPC/SEC Solutions Brochure 2019