ASTM D5296-05
Standard Test Method for Molecular Weight Averages and Molecular Weight Distribution of Polystyrene by High Performance Size-Exclusion Chromatography

Standard No.

ASTM D5296-05

Release Date

2005

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM D5296-11

Latest

ASTM D5296-19

Scope

General Utility8212;The molecular weight (MW) and molecular weight distribution (MWD) are fundamental characteristics of a polymer sample. They may be used for a wide variety of correlations for fundamental studies, processing, or product applications. For example, the observed MWD may be compared to one predicted from assumed kinetics or mechanisms for a polymerization reaction. Differences between the values will allow alteration of theory or experimental design. Similarly, the strength, melt flow, and other properties of a polymer sample may be dependent on MW and MWD. Determinations of MW and MWD are used for quality control of polymers.

Limitations8212;Because of the need for specific calibration of the polymer type under study, and because of the specific nature of polymer/solvent/column-packing interactions, this test method is valid only for polystyrene and non-exclusion effects are to be avoided. However, many of the principles of the method may be applied in generating HPSEC methods for other polymer systems, for example, using the principles of universal calibration. (see Practice D 3016).

1.1 This test method covers the determination of molecular weight (MW) averages and the distribution of molecular weights for linear, soluble polystyrene by liquid high-performance size-exclusion chromatography (HPSEC). This test method is not absolute and requires the use of commercially available narrow molecular weight distribution (MWD) polystyrene standards for calibration. This test method is applicable for samples containing molecular weight components that have elution volumes falling within the elution volume range defined by polystyrene standards (that is, molecular weights generally from 2000 to 2 000 000 gmol¹).

1.2 The HPSEC is differentiated from traditional size-exclusion chromatography SEC (also referred to as gel permeation chromatography (GPC)) in that the number of theoretical plates per metre with an HPSEC system is about ten times greater than that for traditional SEC (see Terminology D 883 and Practice D 3016). The HPSEC systems employ low-volume liquid chromatography components and columns packed with relatively small (generally 3 to 20 m) microporous particles. High-performance liquid chromatography instrumentation and automated data handling systems for data acquisition and processing are required.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section .Note 1

There is no similar or equivalent ISO standard.

ASTM D5296-05 Referenced Document

• ASTM D2857 Standard Practice for Dilute Solution Viscosity of Polymers
• ASTM D3016 Standard Practice for Use of Liquid Exclusion Chromatography Terms and Relationships
• ASTM D883 Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• ASTM E685 Standard Practice for Testing Fixed-Wavelength Photometric Detectors Used in Liquid Chromatography
• ASTM E691 Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

ASTM D5296-05 history

• 2019 ASTM D5296-19 Standard Test Method for Molecular Weight Averages and Molecular Weight Distribution of Polystyrene by High Performance Size-Exclusion Chromatography
• 2011 ASTM D5296-11 Standard Test Method for Molecular Weight Averages and Molecular Weight Distribution of Polystyrene by High Performance Size-Exclusion Chromatography
• 2005 ASTM D5296-05 Standard Test Method for Molecular Weight Averages and Molecular Weight Distribution of Polystyrene by High Performance Size-Exclusion Chromatography
• 1997 ASTM D5296-97 Standard Test Method for Molecular Weight Averages and Molecular Weight Distribution of Polystyrene by High Performance Size-Exclusion Chromatography