Addressing New Challenges in Polymer Analysis Using

Thermal field-flow fractionation (FFF) is used to reduce complex polymer mixtures into the more homogeneous fractions essential for accurate characterization by multiangle light scattering (MALS) and MALDI TOF mass spectrometry. Thermal FFF retention times are sensitive to polymer molecular weight, composition, and microstructure and the open channel design makes this technique ideal for analyzing microgels-containing polymer systems. Studies are underway to gain a deeper understanding of the thermal FFF separation mechanism which will then allow prediction of analysis conditions from a more fundamental perspective. This presentation will focus on studies that provide further insight into the thermal FFF separation mechanism; the use of thermal FFF to separate high molecular weight polymers, microgels, and polymers of different chemical compositions and microstructures; and the coupling of thermal FFF and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry