Characterization of poly(methyl methacrylate) by temperature gradient interaction chromatography with on-line light scattering detection

The molecular weight distribution of anionically polymerized poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was investigated by temperature gradient interaction chromatography (TGIC). PMMA was well separated under an isocratic elution condition in which C4-bonded silica and acetonitrile were employed as the stationary and mobile phases, respectively. Column temperature was varied from 10 to 60 degrees C, while six PMMA standard samples (molecular weight range: 8 500-1 327 000) of narrow molecular weight distribution were eluted. Despite the temperature change during elution, the absolute molecular weight of each sample could be determined by Light scattering detection. The molecular weight distribution of PMMA standards was not as narrow as that of polystyrene standards. Further fractionation of anionically polymerized PMMA can be achieved by exploiting the high resolution of TGIC.