GPC/SEC Analysis of Polymer Branching

Polymer branching can have an enormous effect on the physical properties of the final synthesized polymer. Branching can disrupt crystallinity, increase chain entanglements, increase single chain density, and affect a variety of polymer properties such as glass transition temperature, modulus, toughness, etc. Understanding polymer branching and its effects on a polymer’s endues properties can help avoid failures and improve specifications. This Application Note describes the GPC (or equivalently SEC) analysis of branching in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). PVP is a polymer used in applications as a binder, as a thickening agent, in adhesives and in coatings and films. These uses necessitate the manufacturer to have an understanding of the polymer structure to know how the final product will perform.