Size Exclusion Chromatography

SEC columns separate components according to their molecular size in solution, larger molecules eluting first. Separation is achieved by the differential exclusion or inclusion of components within the packing material particles and, In addition to the separation of discrete components, the technique is used for characterising the molecular weight distribution of polymers. Silica and polymer based SEC column types are available.

Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) refers to the SEC separation of organic soluble polymers using an organic solvent as the eluent. Gel filtration chromatography (GFC) refers to the separation of water soluble polymers in aqueous eluents.