Publication in Advanced Materials & Processes

Research by Pr. Jérôme Claverie

The magazine Advanced Materials & Processes published in its April 2011 issue an article concerning the research of Pr. Jérome Claverie on nanoparticle coatings and the characterization of polymers by the technique of High Temperature Gel Permeation Chromatography (HT- GPC).

Nanoparticle coatings

Researchers working at NanoQAM, the nanotechnology research center of the University of Quebec (Montreal, Canada), developed novel polymer coatings based on data measured using a Viscotek high temperature gel permeation chromatography (HT-GPC) system from Malvern Instruments, UK. The system provides efficient polymer characterization including absolute molecular weight and structural information to support research goals. A key focus of the research is the development of polyolefin-based copolymers that are more hydrophilic. The aim is to produce coatings for nanoparticles that combine the mechanical properties of polyethylene with other capabilities, easily taking a dye for example. Studying the molecular weight and branching behavior of these copolymers uncovers the structure-property relationships necessary to efficiently tailor polymerisation reactions for their production.

Characterization of polymers

Malvern developed the system specifically for polyolefin analysis. These polymers are only sparingly soluble, necessitating the use of high temperatures throughout the analytical cycle. The Viscotek HT-GPC operates at temperatures to 160°C. The full triple detector configuration delivers absolute molecular weight without extrapolation or correction, molecular size (Rg and Rh), intrinsic viscosity, and branching information in a single GPC/SEC experiment.

Source: Advanced Materials & Processes