Dual Detector Enables Sensitive Determination of Molecular Weight Distribution
Testa Analytical Solutions e.K reports on the development and OEM supply of a novel combination refractive index/viscometry detector for Brookhaven Instruments Corporation (Holtsville, NY, USA).
Polymer and plastics manufacturers offer very many different grades of commodity polymers such as poly(vinyl chloride), polyethylenes, and polystyrenes. The Molecular Weight Distribution (MWD) of such polymers is a key item of information in tailoring their implementation for different end uses.
The Brookhaven Instruments BI-RIVS is a combination RI and Viscometry detector used in SEC/GPC determination of polymer MWD using universal calibration. The BI-RIVS is a true dual-detector, refractometer, and viscometer, the only one of its kind available. The refractometer is an integral component of the viscometer bridge, measurement of concentration and viscosity take place on the exact same sample segment, at the very same time. Compared to the more common “external” connection of the two detectors, the BI-RIVS Dual-Detector provides a factor of 2 to 5 higher sensitivity, near-zero delay volume, and unsurpassed overall performance.