Engineering Research Equipment Grant: High Temperature Gel Permeation Chromatograph

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Research Summary: This is an Engineering Research Equipment Grant. A gel permeation chromatograph (gpc) capable of operation from ambient to 150oC is provided by NSF. This instrument is capable of measuring the molecular weight distribution of important crystalline polymers that are insoluble at room temperature, such as polyethylene and polypropylene. It provides the most efficient means that is currently available for characterizing molecular weights of polymers. The instrument is to be used in several projects under way in this department, including one aiming at the fractionation of crystalline polymers in supercritical solvents. Innovation: The fractionation of crystalline polymers in supercritical solvents, to be analyzed by means of the high temperature gpc, represents a novel concept. The other analytical tasks outlined in the proposal that require use of the gpc also represent novel research. Practical Significance: The practical significance of the research which requires use of the instrument includes the design of more efficient fractionation processes for crystalline polymers, the development and study of polymer blends with new physical properties, and the assessment of a new process for coal liquefaction. More specifically, polymer fractionation of the type described might be applicable to high pressure polyethylene processes and the purification of isotactic polypropylene. In addition, novel and useful polymer morphologies might be generated by precipitation from supercritical solution. The high temperature gpc will be necessary for the analysis of the products generated in most of the studies referred to. Recommendation: An award of $35,445 in FY 1987 is recommended, with SUNY-Buffalo providing $19,085 in matching funds.