Problems connected with band-broadening in size-exclusion chromatography with dual detection

The sources of band-broadening (axial dispersion) in size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) of polymers and its influence on data obtained using dual detection of concentration and molecular weight are reviewed. Special attention is paid to the combination of a multiangle light-scattering photometer and a differential refractometer as detectors. The local polydispersity is discussed in the relation to the band-broadening as well as to heterogeneity of the polymer with respect to molecular weight and hydrodynamic volume. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.