This standard describes the determination of the molecular weight distribution, number-average molecular
weight Mn and weight-average molecular weight ,Mw of polymers that are soluble in THF (tetrahydrofuran) by
gel permeation chromatography (GPC).
It is possible that, in spite of the good repeatability of the chromatograms obtained, this method cannot be
used with certain polymer types because of specific interactions (e.g. adsorption) within the
sample/eluent/column system.
The method is not an absolute one and requires calibration with commercially available unbranched
polystyrene standards that have been characterized by independent absolute methods. The results for samples of polymers other than polystyrene are therefore only comparable within groups of samples of the
same type.
The conditions specified in this standard are not suitable for the GPC analysis of polymer samples with Mw
values greater than 10~6 g/mol (see Annex C).
No correction methods (e.g. for the elimination of peak broadening) are included in this standard. If absolute
molecular weight values are required, an absolute method (e.g. membrane osmometry for Mn or light
scattering for Mw) shall be used.