Polymer Char Learning Center


Welcome to Polymer Char’s Learning Center, a space dedicated to understanding the fundamentals of polyolefin and polymer analysis.

If you are new to the subject, here you’ll find educational resources designed to help you grasp key concepts, basic analytical techniques, and characterization methods in the polymer industry.

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High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): Structure, Properties, and Characterization

What is HDPE? Explore high-density polyethylene properties, common uses, and how microstructure analysis ensures superior material quality.

What is LDPE: Low-Density Polyethylene

Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE): Structure, Properties, and Characterization

Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) for Polymers: a practical guide

This article is a practical guide to Size Exclusion Chromatography / Gel Permeation Chromatography covering instrumentation, calibration strategies, the data that can be extracted from a properly configured system, and the method development steps required to generate reliable and reproducible data.

Molecular Weight Distribution in Polymers

Averages, Dispersity, and How to Calculate them

Intrinsic Viscosity in Polymers: Definition, Measurement, and Why It Matters

Intrinsic viscosity is a measure of a polymer’s ability to increase the viscosity of a solvent when dissolved at very low concentration. It is a critical parameter used to determine the molecular weight and size of polymer chains, providing a direct snapshot of the material’s structural integrity and quality. In practical terms, intrinsic viscosity helps manufacturers monitor product performance, detect degradation, and maintain batch-to-batch stability.

Gel Permeation / Size Exclusion Chromatography (GPC/SEC): An Introduction

This guide is designed as an educational, general purpose reference for professionals who work with polymers – including scientists, analysts, process engineers, QA teams, academic researchers, and technical managers – who need a clear and comprehensive understanding of how the technique works, how data are generated and interpreted, and how instrumentation choices affect analytical outcomes.

GPC vs SEC vs GFC: Understanding the Difference & When to Use Each Term

We cover the fundamental differences between high-temperature and ambient GPC, as well as practical considerations for polymer types, solubility, and detection.

High Temperature GPC (HT-GPC): A Complete Guide

This page explains High-Temperature Gel Permeation Chromatography (HT-GPC), a specialized form of Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) used for the analysis of polyolefins and other polymers.