S. V. Greene
1999
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Influential Citations
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Journal
GIT laboratory journal
Abstract
Researchers at Ethyl Corporation now use a new analysis method to ensure polymer production quality. This new method, called SEC 3 (size exclusion chromatography cubed), more accurately determines molecular weight and can also measure intrinsic viscosity. Prior to selecting this new method, Ethyl chemists employed conventional calibration for molecular weight determination. However, due to difficulty in finding appropriate standards, many polymers could not be accurately measured. The SEC 3 technique was used to analyze a batch of material that formed micro-crystals during the manufacturing process. This new technique confirmed the presence of the micro-crystals and helped elucidate their structure. By further understanding the architecture of the micro-crystals, Ethyl was able to design necessary process changes to ensure overall polymer product quality.