SIST EN ISO 13885-1:2021

Overview

EN ISO 13885-1:2021 - Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) - Part 1: Tetrahydrofuran (THF) as eluent (ISO 13885-1:2020) specifies a standardized method for determining the molar-mass distribution and average molar-mass values Mn (number average) and Mw (weight average) of polymers that are soluble in tetrahydrofuran (THF). Also known as size exclusion chromatography (SEC), this standard is adopted by CEN and provides requirements for instrumentation, calibration, sampling, data acquisition and reporting for THF-based GPC analysis.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope & limitations
  • Applicable only to polymers soluble in THF.
  • Not applicable for polymer samples with Mw > 1×10^6 g·mol−1 or with elution limits outside the calibration range.
  • Method may fail for polymers that undergo specific interactions (e.g., adsorption) in the sample/eluent/column system.
  • The standard does not include correction methods for peak broadening; absolute molar-mass methods are recommended when absolute values are required.
• Apparatus and reagents
  • Requirements for eluent supply, pumps, injection systems, separation columns, column temperature control and detectors are specified.
  • THF is defined as the eluent; safety and handling considerations are noted because THF is hazardous.
• Calibration
  • Procedures for preparing and using calibration standards, plotting calibration curves and defining calibration limits are provided.
  • Emphasis on ensuring calibration covers the sample elution range.
• Data acquisition & evaluation
  • Baseline determination, net chromatogram calculation, correction steps and evaluation limits.
  • Calculation methods for Mn, Mw and distribution curves.
• Precision & reporting
  • Statements on repeatability and reproducibility and required elements for the analytical test report.

Applications and users

• Practical uses:
  • Polymer research and development (molecular-weight characterization)
  • Quality control and batch release testing in plastics, adhesives, paints and varnishes
  • Formulation and raw-material verification where THF-soluble polymers are used
• Typical users:
  • Analytical chemists, polymer scientists, QC laboratories, instrument manufacturers and method developers who require standardized GPC/SEC procedures using THF.

Related standards and complementary methods

• EN ISO 13885-1 is part of the ISO 13885 series for GPC/SEC methods.
• When absolute molar-mass values are required, complementary techniques such as multi-angle light scattering (MALS) (for Mw) or membrane osmometry (for Mn) are recommended alongside or instead of relative GPC calibration.

Keywords: EN ISO 13885-1:2021, GPC, gel permeation chromatography, THF, tetrahydrofuran, molar-mass distribution, Mn, Mw, SEC, size exclusion chromatography.