Comonomer Identification: Strategies and Detection Options
Macromolecules are found everywhere in our daily lives. They are produced from monomer units, small building blocks that can be polymerized to large molecules with different lengths (and, therefore, molar masses), structures, compositions, and end groups. If a macromolecule is synthesized using only one type of monomer with the same chemical structure, it is considered a homopolymer. If it comprises two different types of monomers, it is called a copolymer. In addition, terpolymers are polymers composed of three different monomers.
Since all technical polymerizations are statistical processes, a common feature of the vast majority of macromolecules is heterogeneity. The molar mass distribution is a well-known heterogeneity, and GPC/SEC is the method of choice to measure it.
In the case of copolymers, chemical composition is an additional heterogeneity that also governs the macroscopic product properties. Not only does the average percentage of comonomers present in the final product affect the material’s properties, but the distribution of the monomers along the chain also affects performance.
Best of the Week: Food Analysis, Chemical Migration in Plastic Bottles, STEM Researcher of the Year
December 20th 2024Top articles published this week include the launch of our “From Lab to Table” content series, a Q&A interview about using liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS) to assess chemical hazards in plastic bottles, and a piece recognizing Brett Paull for being named Tasmanian STEM Researcher of the Year.
Using LC-MS/MS to Measure Testosterone in Dried Blood Spots
December 19th 2024Testosterone measurements are typically performed using serum or plasma, but this presents several logistical challenges, especially for sample collection, storage, and transport. In a recently published article, Yehudah Gruenstein of the University of Miami explored key insights gained from dried blood spot assay validation for testosterone measurement.
Determination of Pharmaceuticals by Capillary HPLC-MS/MS (Dec 2024)
December 19th 2024This application note demonstrates the use of a compact portable capillary liquid chromatograph, the Axcend Focus LC, coupled to an Agilent Ultivo triple quadrupole mass spectrometer for quantitative analysis of pharmaceutical drugs in model aqueous samples.
