Polymer Characterization Facility

Equipment for evaluating all the important characteristics of polymeric materials is available at the Polymer Characterization Facility.

Materials can be evaluated in several ways:

Studies of molecular weight and solution behavior
Two lines for size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) provide information on composition, molecular weight, refractive index, radius of gyration, and hydrodynamic volume.
Thermal analysis
State-of-the art equipment is capable of monitoring all transitions that occur in solids under a prescribed heat flux.

	Manager Anthony Condo 607.255.9021 amc88@cornell.edu	Faculty Advisor Prof. Geoff Coates, C&CB gc39@cornell.edu
	Main Location: 165 S. T. Olin Chemistry Laboratory

Instrumentation

Size: Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) Line with Dual Detection
Separates polymers and oligomers in the molecular weight range of 100 D to 106 D; determines composition and molecular weight of polymerization mixtures, as well as block and random copolymers. Has a Waters 486 UV detector and a Waters 2410 differential refractive index detector. Operates at 40°C. The eluent is tetrahydrofuran.

High-Temperature SEC Line with Differential Viscometer and Index of Refraction Detection
Separates polymers and oligomers in the molecular weight range of 100 D to 106 D; determines composition, viscosity, and molecular weight of polymerization mixtures, as well as block and random copolymers. Operates between ambient temperature and 140°C. The eluent is 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene.

Modulated Differential Scanning Calorimeter (MDSC), TA Instruments Q1000
Determines glass and melting transitions—two characteristics important in the processing of various amorphous and crystalline materials. Transitions can be measured for a wide range of materials, including thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, composites, fibers, foods, and pharmaceuticals. Has nitrogen-purged sample and reference cells with a liquid nitrogen cooling system for optimum temperature control and stability. Equipped with a 50-chamber autosampling platform for high-throughput analysis. Operating temperature range: -150 to 300°C. Capable of running both standard and sinusoidal modulated DSC experiments. Direct heat capacity measurements can be made in a single run.

Graduate student analyzes the thermal data that she acquired using the TA Instruments differential scanning calorimeter and thermogravimetric analyzer.

Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA), TA Instruments Q500
Detects weight loss as a function of temperature change for a variety of materials, including homopolymers, copolymers, low molecular weight compounds, and mixtures of these, and measures their thermal stability and heat resistance. Determines the moisture content of polymers and related materials and the amount of volatiles in elastomer systems. Routine analyses between ambient and 550°C with capability to perform studies up to 1000°C. Equipped with a 16-chamber auto-sampling platform.

Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption (Maldi), Waters Maldi Micro MX

• A benchtop MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer, suitable for analyzing many different types of samples, including synthetic polymers, biomolecules, organometallics, and small organics.
• Includes a 10 Hz N2 UV laser, reflectron ion optics for enhanced sensitivity, post-acceleration detector (PAD) for high MW species analysis, and dual polarity detector for analysis in both positive and negative ion modes.
• Fully integrated MassLynx acquisition control and processing software allows for easy data acquisition, storage, and reduction. Sierra Analytics Polymerix processing software allows for the determination of important characteristics, such as number-average molecular weight (Mn), weight-average molecular weight (Mw), polydispersity index (PDI), and degree of polymerization (DP) for each homologous series in a homopolymer mixture.

User training and training seminars for groups are offered, along with assistance in setting up measurement strategies, and in sample analysis.

Graduate student works with Anthony Condo on the Waters Micro MX MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer.