The Dow Chemical Company

Martin W Langhorst

Frederick W Stanley, Jr

Robert K Prud'homme

The molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of diverse ultra-high molecular weight water soluble polymers is rapidly determined based on apparent size by passage of extremely dilute samples of the polymer (1-250 ppm) through a column of nonporous packing whereby separation into molecular weight (apparent size) fractions is obtained predominantly based on flow (i.e., hydrodynamic chromatography). Detection of the extremely dilute sample polymer is accomplished, e.g., by tagging the polymer with a fluorescent agent and using a flow-through fluorometer detector. The molecular weight characterization of the polymers is determined independent or less dependent of the composition of the polymer by analyzing the sample in its nonionized form.

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Midland, MI, United States of America

Martin W Langhorst