Characterizing Polymers and Polymer Aggregates Using SEC-MALS and Batch-Mode MALS

Multi-angle light scattering (MALS) remains a critical tool for characterization of polymers. In combination with separation by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), MALS enables determination of molar mass distributions without relying on reference standards, making it invaluable for the analysis of polymers for which such standards do not exist, including novel homopolymers, block copolymers, and polymers with complex topologies. Beyond characterization of single macromolecules, batch-mode MALS can be used to analyze polymer assemblies that cannot survive fractionation conditions.

In this webinar I will briefly review the theory and technology of MALS, then present specific applications in the characterization of homopolymers, block copolymers, lightly crosslinked polymers and polymer micelles.

Key Learning Objectives

• How SEC-MALS is applied to characterize homopolymers, block copolymers, and lightly crosslinked polymers
• How batch-mode MALS is used to determine aggregation number of polymer aggregates

Who Should Attend

• Polymer chemists interested in determining polymer molecular weights and block copolymer aggregation numbers
• Analytical chemists seeking extended and absolute methods for macromolecular characterization

Presenter: John Matson (Associate Professor of Chemistry, Virginia Tech)