Truths and myths about the determination of molar mass distribution of synthetic and natural polymers by size exclusion chromatography

This article discusses various aspects of the determination of molar mass distribution by means of size exclusion chromatography (SEC) in various application modes. The effects of erroneous specific refractive index increment (dn/dc), branching, column performance, and enthalpic interactions on the results obtained by different SEC techniques are discussed. Combination of SEC and a light scattering detector represents the most direct way to the molar mass distribution of all natural and synthetic polymers as it completely eliminates the need for column calibration and to a certain extent eliminates the dependence of the obtained results on some operational variables such as flow rate, temperature, or injected mass. A multiangle light scattering (MALS) photometer has become the most frequently used light scattering detector capable of determination of molecular size as another important polymer characteristic. This article contrasts SEC‐MALS method with other application modes of SEC from the viewpoint of some frequent confusions and misunderstandings. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40111.