IUPAC

Standardization of the experimental conditions for the HT-SEC analysis of polyolefins. The particular emphasis shall be on the sample preparation with regard to dissolution temperature and time, the sample measurement with regard to column temperature and the column set, and with regard to the detection technique (RI, ELSD, Visco, LS). Although there is an ASTM method for the analysis of polyolefins by HT-SEC (ASTM D 6474), procedures for sample preparation are not addressed adequately. The application of different detectors in HT-GPC is not addressed at all.

Round robin tests on standard HDPE, standard PP, standard LLDPE, ultrahigh-MW PE

1. step: measurements according to existing procedures in the different labs
2. step: standardization of measurement and detection
3. step: standardization of sample preparation

October 2009 - A draft report of phase 1 has been prepared and sent to the SubCommittee on Molecular Characterization of Polymers for comments. Once the comments have been received this will be communicated to the participants, hopefully before the end of 2009. Phase 2 will commence soon after and followed by phase 3.