Two-dimensional chromatography of complex polymers -: 6.: Method development for (meth)acrylate-based copolymers

The free-radical copolymerisation of various acrylates and methacrylates resulting in complex copolymers for cosmetic applications were investigated using different chromatographic techniques including HPLC and on-line coupled two-dimensional (2D) liquid chromatography. The complete separation of all polymerisation products was achieved by gradient HPLC. A computated optimisation procedure, using the Polymer Chromatographic Model allowed us to design a step mobile phase gradient to improve resolution of homopolymer chromatographic separation. By combining gradient HPLC and SEC(Size Exclusion Chromatography) in a fully automated two-dimensional chromatography setup. the complex distributions of chemical composition and molar mass could be simultaneously described and fingerprinted. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.