Separation Science of Macromolecules: What Is the Role of Multidetector Size-Exclusion Chromatography?

摘要

The importance of separation science in the study of natural and synthetic macromolecules is described, highlighting the role of size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) and emphasizing that of multiple detection in this analytical technique. Particular attention is paid to the ability of separation science in general, and of multi-detector SEC in particular, to determine the distributions of key macromolecular parameters and the end-use properties these affect. The historical development of SEC is reviewed and mention is made of how non-separation techniques can complement the type of information provided by SEC and other macromolecular separation method.