Researchers use the Viscotek TDAmax as a tool to monitor the progress of reactions and to evaluate the extent of control in polymerization reactions.
The Viscotek TDAmax is a gel permeation
chromatography [also referred to as size exclusion chromatography (SEC)] system
that includes refractive index (RI), viscometry and light scattering detectors,
making it ideal for the characterization of polymers. And it is one of the most
important tools in Assistant Professor Jason Locklin’s laboratory at the
Department of Chemistry and Faculty of Engineering at the University of Georgia.
Work carried out by Professor
Locklin’s multidisciplinary team has demonstrated that adding multiple detector
technologies to a gel permeation chromatography (GPC) is highly effective in
the real-time investigation of polymerization kinetics and macromolecular
structure for both functional polymers and surface-initiated polymerization.
Compared with other GPC systems, the Viscotek TDAmax delivered more detailed
viscometry and light scattering data, which was central to understanding the
development, growth and behavior of new polymer materials.
“Molecular weight and
molecular weight distribution (also called polydispersity) are the most
important parameters in polymer science,” explained Professor Locklin. “We use
the Viscotek TDAmax as a tool to monitor the progress of reactions and to
evaluate the extent of control in the polymerization reaction. When making new
polymers, this information is critical to our understanding and tells us if the
material is forming properly and if the chemistry is
working.”
Professor Locklin continued,
“The real benefit of the Viscotek system is the online viscometry detection and
light scattering. These capabilities provide so much more informatin than
conventional measurements, allowing you to look for polymer structure and
branching as well as molecular weight and polydispersity.”
Professor Locklin’s research
group includes 10 Ph.D. students focusing on chemistry, biochemical engineering
and textile science. Current projects include such products as anti-microbial
coatings, biodegradable polymers, light-responsive polymers, and “clickable”
coatings. Up-to-date publications outlining the teams research can be found at
www.uga.edu/jlocklin.
Further information can be found at www.malvern.com/viscotek.
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