EN ISO 13885-1:2021

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-november-2021
Gelska permeacijska kromatografija (GPC) - 1. del: Tetrahidrofuran (THF) kot
izpiralna tekočina (eluent) (ISO 13885-1:2020)
Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) - Part 1: Tetrahydrofuran (THF) as eluent (ISO
13885-1:2020)
Gelpermeationschromatographie (GPC) - Teil 1: Tetrahydrofuran (THF) als Elutionsmittel
(ISO 13885-1:2020)
Chromatographie par perméation de gel (GPC) - Partie 1: Utilisation de tétrahydrofurane
(THF) comme éluant (ISO 13885-1:2020)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 13885-1:2021
ICS:
87.060.20 Veziva Binders
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN ISO 13885-1
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
September 2021
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 87.060.20
English Version
Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) - Part 1:
Tetrahydrofuran (THF) as eluent (ISO 13885-1:2020)
Chromatographie par perméation de gel (GPC) - Partie Gelpermeationschromatographie (GPC) - Teil 1:
1: Utilisation de tétrahydrofurane (THF) comme éluant Tetrahydrofuran (THF) als Elutionsmittel (ISO 13885-
(ISO 13885-1:2020) 1:2020)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 23 August 2021.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2021 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 13885-1:2021 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3

European foreword
The text of ISO 13885-1:2020 has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 35 "Paints and
varnishes” of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and has been taken over as
which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by March 2022, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by March 2022.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the
United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 13885-1:2020 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 13885-1:2021 without any
modification.
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 13885-1
Third edition
2020-07
Gel permeation chromatography
(GPC) —
Part 1:
Tetrahydrofuran (THF) as eluent
Chromatographie par perméation de gel (GPC) —
Partie 1: Utilisation de tétrahydrofurane (THF) comme éluant
Reference number
ISO 13885-1:2020(E)
©
ISO 2020
ISO 13885-1:2020(E)
© ISO 2020
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

ISO 13885-1:2020(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principle . 2
5 Apparatus . 2
5.1 Eluent supply . 2
5.2 Pump . 3
5.3 Injection system . 3
5.4 Separation columns . 3
5.5 Column temperature control . 5
5.6 Detector . 5
6 Reagents . 5
7 Calibration of the apparatus . 6
7.1 General . 6
7.2 Requirements for the calibration standards . 6
7.3 Preparation of the calibration solutions for injection . 7
7.4 Conditions for calibration runs . 7
7.5 Measurement of elution volume . 7
7.6 Plotting the calibration curve . 7
8 Sampling . 8
9 Preparation for the test . 8
9.1 Preparation of the injection solution . 8
9.2 Preparation of the apparatus . 9
10 Analytical parameters . 9
11 Data acquisition and evaluation . 9
11.1 General . 9
11.2 Calculation of the net chromatogram from the raw data .10
11.2.1 Determination of the baseline .10
11.2.2 Correction of the measured values and of the net chromatogram .10
11.2.3 Evaluation limits .10
11.3 Calculation of the average values .10
11.4 Calculation of the distribution curves .11
12 Precision .12
12.1 General .12
12.2 Repeatability .12
12.3 Reproducibility .12
13 Test report .13
13.1 General .13
13.2 General data on the equipment and settings .13
13.2.1 Data on the equipment used .13
13.2.2 Calibration .13
13.2.3 Evaluation .14
13.3 Special data on the sample .14
Annex A (informative) Conversion of experimental parameters for variant column sizes .16
Annex B (informative) Example of a data sheet for a polymer standard .17
Annex C (informative) Explanations .18
ISO 13885-1:2020(E)
Bibliography .23
iv © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

ISO 13885-1:2020(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 35, Paints and varnishes.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 13885-1:2008), which has been
technically revised. The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:
— this document has been adapted to the actual state of the art, especially with regards to software
engineering;
— the scope has been revised;
— the definition for gel-permeation chromatography has been revised;
— the text has been revised editorially.
A list of all parts in the ISO 13885 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 13885-1:2020(E)
Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) —
Part 1:
Tetrahydrofuran (THF) as eluent
WARNING — This document can involve hazardous materials, operations or equipment. It
does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user to establish appropriate safety and health practices and to ensure
compliance with any national regulatory conditions.
1 Scope
This document specifies the determination of the molar-mass distribution and the average molar mass
values M (number average) and M (weight average) of polymers that are soluble in tetrahydrofuran
n w
(THF) by gel permeation chromatography (GPC).
NOTE Also known as size exclusion chromatography (SEC).
Even though the chromatograms obtained show good repeatability, it is possible that this method
cannot be used with certain polymer types because of specific interactions (e.g. adsorption) within the
sample/eluent/column system.
The conditions specified in this document are not applicable to the GPC analysis of polymer samples
with M values greater than 10 g/mol and/or of polymers with elution limits outside the calibration
w
range (see 7.6 and Annex C).
This document includes no correction method (e.g. for the elimination of peak broadening. If absolute
molar-mass values are required, an absolute method (e.g. membrane osmometry for M or light
n
scattering for M ) can be used.
w
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 1513, Paints and varnishes — Examination and preparation of test samples
ISO 4618, Paints and varnishes — Terms and definitions
ISO 15528, Paints, varnishes and raw materials for paints and varnishes — Sampling
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 4618 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/
ISO 13885-1:2020(E)
3.1
gel permeation chromatography
GPC
separation of molecules, mainly based on exclusion effects such as differences in the size and/or shape
of molecules (size exclusion chromatography) or in charge (ion exclusion chromatography)
3.2
system peak
signal peculiar to the gel permeation chromatography (3.1) using a refractive index detector
Note 1 to entry: These signals appear at the total penetration limit of the columns and are not part of the sample,
but of the overall system.
4 Principle
The dissolved (molecularly disperse) molecules of a polymer sample are fractionated on a porous
column material, with separation taking place according to the size of the molecule (or, more precisely,
the polymer coil size which forms in this eluent). Small molecules diffuse into the pores of the column
material more frequently and are therefore retarded more than large molecules. Thus, large molecules
are eluted earlier, small molecules later. Under the test conditions given, the elution volume is solely a
function of the coil size of the molecule.
The polymer content of a sample is determined, the sample is then diluted with eluent to give a
concentration of less than 5 g/l and an aliquot of the diluted sample is injected into the GPC system. The
concentration of the molecules eluted from the column is measured in order of decreasing coil size with
a concentration-sensitive detector (typically a differential refractometer). With the aid of a calibration
curve that has been determined for the particular GPC system, the relative molar-mass distribution, the
relative quantities M and M and the heterogeneity or polydispersity M /M are calculated from the
n w w n
chromatogram obtained.
5 Apparatus
The apparatus shall consist of the components shown in Figure 1, which are described below.
All the components which come into contact with the eluent or the sample solution shall be resistant
and shall not exhibit adsorption or memory effects in any form. The individual components of the GPC
apparatus, which in this case uses THF as eluent, shall be connected to capillary tubes made of high-
quality steel or titanium.
Figure 1 — Block diagram of a GPC apparatus
5.1 Eluent supply
The eluent reservoir shall adequately protect the eluent against external influences such as the
atmosphere and light, if necessary by means of a blanket of inert gas above the liquid level.
The eluent reservoir shall contain a sufficient quantity of the eluent to bring the apparatus to
equilibrium and to carry out several repeat analyses.
2 © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

ISO 13885-1:2020(E)
The eluent shall be degassed, either before it is introduced into the reservoir or by use of a device fitted
between the reservoir and the pump, to prevent malfunctions of the pump or the formation of bubbles
in the detector. The method of degassing used (e.g. bubble trap, online purging with helium, or vacuum
degassing) is open to choice.
5.2 Pump
The pump shall ensure that the eluent flow through the separation column is as smooth and pulse free
as possible. The flow rate shall be 1 ml/min (see Annex A). To fulfil these requirements, the pump shall
operate at optimum efficiency at this flow rate.
The flow rate of the pump used shall have a variation of max. 0,1 %.
5.3 Injection system
The injection system serves to introduce a given amount of the sample solution into the eluent stream
in a rapid and smooth fashion. This introduction may be carried out either manually or automatically.
If the introduction is carried out manually, ensure that the sample loop is filled completely with solvent
before loading with the sample.
Memory effects from the previous sample solution in the injection system shall be avoided by adequate
flushing.
5.4 Separation columns
The apparatus shall have one or more columns connected in series and packed with spherical porous
material, the diameter of the pores corresponding to the size of the polymer molecules being analysed.
The packing material typically consists of a styrene/divinylbenzene copolymer (S/DVB), produced by
a special polymerization process, which swells only slightly in the solvent and therefore cannot deform
under the pressure developed at the set flow rate.
In addition to these macroporous spherical S/DVB particles, packing materials based on other organic
monomers or on silicon dioxide (silica) are also used. The criterion for their use is that no adsorptive
interaction shall occur between their surface and the polymer molecules in the sample. Furthermore,
the sample being analysed shall not be changed, either chemically or structurally, within the
chromatographic system.
Certain polymers interact with the surface of the packing material (e.g. by adsorption) and other effects
can sometimes interfere with the GPC separation mechanism. Details of such effects and notes on
possible remedies are discussed in Annex C. If it is intended to compare analyses of such polymers by
different laboratories, the laboratories shall agree on details of the test conditions that are not covered
by this document.
For good repeatability of test results, it is necessary to adhere to the minimum requirements specified
below with regard to peak broadening (expressed in terms of a number of theoretical plates) and
separation efficiency.
a) Number of theoretical plates
The number of theoretical plates, N, shall be determined, for the apparatus used per metre of
column used, from the peak width at half height (see Figure 2). Inject up to 20 µl of ethylbenzene
(mass concentration 1 g/l) on to the column (see Annex A) and evaluate the chromatogram obtained
under the same conditions as are used for analysing polymers, using Formula (1):
ISO 13885-1:2020(E)
 
V
e
N =×55, 4   × (1)
 
WL
1/2
 
where
V is the elution volume at the peak maximum;
e
W is the peak width at half height (see Figure 2); the same units shall be used for V and W ;
1/2 e 1/2
L is the length of the column (column combination), in centimetres.
Express as the result the number of theoretical plates per metre of column length. To conform to the
requirements of this document, the column combination shall have at least 20 000 theoretical plates
per metre.
NOTE See Annex C for tailing and fronting (asymmetry) of the peak used to calculate the plate count.
Key
X elution volume
Y peak intensity
1 injection
V elution volume at the peak maximum
e
W peak width at the half maximum height of the peak
1/2
h maximum peak height
σ standard deviation
Figure 2 — Determination of the number of theoretical plates by the half-height method
b) Separation efficiency
To ensure adequate resolution, the log M versus the elution volume, V , calibration curve for the
10 e
column combination used shall not exceed a specified gradient. For the purposes of this document,
the relation given in Formula (2) shall apply to the area of the peak maximum for the polymer
sample under investigation:
VV−
e,M e, 10×M
()
x x
>60, (2)
A
c
where
4 © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

ISO 13885-1:2020(E)
V is the elution volume for polystyrene of molar mass M , in cubic centimetres;
x
e,M
x
V is the elution volume for 10 times that molar mass, in cubic centimetres;
e,10×M
()
x
A is the cross-sectional area of the column, in square centimetres.
c
M is the molar mass, that shall be selected such that the peak maximum for the poly-
x
mer sample under investigation lies in approximately halfway between these two
elution volumes.
5.5 Column temperature control
Carry out the test at room temperature (15 °C to 35 °C) or at a higher temperature of max. 40 °C. The
temperature of the column shall not change by more than 1 °C during the analysis (see Annex C).
5.6 Detector
Use a differential refractometer detector. The cell volume shall not exceed 0,010 ml.
NOTE For the restriction to a single detector type, see Annex C.
If copolymer samples or polymer blends are analysed, ensure that all the components give a similar
response factor (ratio of detector signal to concentration of analyte in the eluate or, in the case of
the differential refractometer, specific refractive index increment dn/dc), i.e. the relationship of the
response factors k and k for components i and j respectively is as follows:
i j
k
i
02, ≤≤5 (3)
k
j
If the ratio of the response factors does not fall within this range in the analysis of a set of samples,
a different detector or suitable combination of detectors may be used. If it is intended to compare
the results obtained by different laboratories for such a set of samples, the type of detector shall be
agreed upon. If a different detector is used, the reasons for using it shall be stated in the test report. See
Annex C.
The detector response obtained using the injection amounts specified in this document shall, at the
lowest setting for electronic damping, exhibit a noise level of less than 1 % of the maximum height of
the polymer peak. As the noise level is influenced by variations in pressure, temperature and flow rate,
particularly in the differential refractometer, suitable measures are to be taken to maintain a constant
temperature and to damp out pulses.
The signals from the detector are recorded by means of an electronic data system (see Clause 11 for
details).
6 Reagents
The eluent shall consist of THF with the following specification:
THF >99,5 % (mass fraction)
Water <0,05 % (mass fraction)
Peroxide <0,005 % (mass fraction)
THF may be stabilized with 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT) (up to a maximum of 0,250 g/l) to
prevent the formation of peroxides.
The peroxide content of THF shall be checked before use (e.g. using test strips).
ISO 13885-1:2020(E)
In exceptional cases, which shall be explained in the test report, it may be necessary to incorporate
further components in the THF eluent, up to a maximum of 10 g/l, to avoid interference with the
analysis of certain samples (see Annex C for details).
Discard the eluent used to condition the columns or to perform the analyses, and do not return it to the
eluent reservoir.
7 Calibration of the apparatus
7.1 General
The method is not an absolute one and requires calibration with commercially available unbranched
polystyrene standards that have been characterized by independent absolute methods. The results for
samples of polymers with different chemical structures are therefore only comparable within groups of
samples of the same type.
Calibrate the GPC apparatus with a series of unbranched polystyrene standards of narrow molar mass
distribution (see Annex C) and whose molar masses have been determined by independent, absolute
methods. The result is a calibration curve for the evaluation of GPC analyses of polystyrene samples.
If this calibration curve is used to analyse samples of other compositions, containing molecules with
[3]
other structures, the results shall be expressed as the “polystyrene molar mass equivalent” .
7.2 Requirements for the calibration standards
The molar-mass distribution of the standards shall be narrower than the limits given below as a
function of the molar mass at the peak maximum, M :
p
M < 2 000 g/mol M /M ≤ 1,2
p w n
2 000 g/mol ≤ M < 10 g/mol M /M ≤ 1,05
p w n
10 g/mol ≤ M M /M ≤ 1,2
p w n
The empirical peak-asymmetry factor for each chromatogram, calculated from the peak widths A and
B at half height before and after the perpendicular through the peak maximum, shall lie in the range
given by Formula (4).
A
=±10,,00 15 (4)
B
The widths A and B shall be determined from electronically acquired data on peaks defined by at least
60 measuring points.
The following minimum requirements shall be fulfilled in the characterization of each individual
polystyrene standard used for calibration:
a) at least one average molar mass value, M , M or M , shall be determined by an absolute method;
n w z
b) at least one method shall be used to determine the molar-mass distribution;
c) all the parameters involved in the method used shall be indicated;
d) the results and data for each batch analysed shall be presented in a comprehensible form for the user.
NOTE An example of a data sheet is given in Annex B.
If the calibration standards give a shoulder on either side of the peak, pre-peaks or a tailing peak, the
area represented by these anomalies shall be less than 2,0 % of the peak area, otherwise the calibration
standard shall be rejected.
6 © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

ISO 13885-1:2020(E)
Hexylbenzene (M = 162 g/mol) shall be used as an addition to the series of polystyrene standards as the
standard with the lowest molar mass on the calibration curve.
If the calibration standards in the low-molar-mass range are separated such that the peaks of the
individual oligomers can be recognized, their actual molar mass, including the terminal groups, shall be
included in the calibration curve.
7.3 Preparation of the calibration solutions for injection
Shake the calibration standards in the eluent at ambient temperature and store at ambient temperature.
Filter the solutions manually through a 0,45 µm membrane filter. If the filter shows signs of blocking,
the solution is unsuitable for calibration purposes.
The solutions shall be used within 48 h.
Several calibration standards may be injected and analysed at the same time, as long as all the peaks
are separated down to the baseline.
The concentration of the individual calibration standards in the injection solution, as a function of the
molar mass measured at the peak maximum, M , shall be
p
M < 50 000 g/mol 1,0 g/l
p
50 000 g/mol ≤ M < 10 g/mol 0,5 g/l
p
10 g/mol ≤ M 0,1 g/l
p
The quantities injected on to the column shall be matched to the capacity of the column by adjusting the
injection volume and not the concentration. The injection volumes determined in accordance with the
requirements of Clause 10 shall be used both in calibration runs and in sample analyses.
7.4 Conditions for calibration runs
The conditions for a calibration run, with the exception of the concentration of the injection solutions,
shall be identical to those for the sample analyses.
7.5 Measurement of elution volume
The elution volume V shall be measured from the start of injection to the point on the baseline at which
e
the peak reaches its maximum height. In determining this point, a baseline drift of 5 % of the peak
height, measured from injection to after the system peaks, is acceptable. If the drift is greater or the
baseline is unsteady in the area of the peak, the analysis shall be repeated.
The elution volume can be measured and checked against an internal standard and, if necessary, a
linear correction can be made.
NOTE Sulphur or a system peak can be used as an internal standard.
7.6 Plotting the calibration curve
The calibration curve shall be plotted with log M as the ordinate and the elution volume, V , as the
10 p e
abscissa. At least two calibration points shall be measured per decade of molar mass and there shall be
at least five calibration points altogether. In the low-molar-mass range, the calibration curve shall be
extrapolated from the hexylbenzene peak to the system peaks.
In the high-molar-mass range, the peak of the first calibration standard eluted shall lie before the
high-molar-mass limit of the sample to be analysed, and the position of the exclusion limit shall be
determined.
ISO 13885-1:2020(E)
The results of the calibration runs may be fed into a computer or recorded in the form of a table or in the
form of one or more regression curves. They shall be available at all times in the form of hard copy for
direct checking. Since the evaluation of the chromatograms involves their conversion into differential
distribution curves in which the reciprocal of the first derivative of the calibration curve is required
(see 11.4), the functional relationship log M = f (V or t ) shall be differentiable.
10 e R
To check how well the calibration curve thus produced fits the measurements, the percentage deviation
for each calibration point, given by
MM−
p,calibrationvalue p,calculated
×100
M
p,calibrationvalue
shall be plotted against V or t . From this graph, it can be assessed whether the positive or negative
e R
deviations are random along the V or t axis. The calibration curve fits which exhibit trends in the
e R
deviation plot over particular elution ranges are unsuitable. If such distributions of residuals cannot
be improved using the regression models (see Annex C) available in a laboratory, the results shall be
expected to contain greater errors and this shall be stated in the test report.
The test for the distribution of residuals need not be carried out on calibration curves obtained by
methods in which the measured points and those of the calibration curve automatically coincide, as
is the case with a connected series of straight lines and with uncompensated spline algorithms. With
these methods, other means shall be used to ensure that the calculated calibration curves contain no
physically impossible areas, e.g. relative extremea.
8 Sampling
Take a representative sample of the product to be tested, as specified in ISO 15528. Examine and
prepare each sample for testing, as specified in ISO 1513.
9 Preparation for the test
9.1 Preparation of the injection solution
Weigh an aliquot of the polymer sample and dissolve in the eluent (see Clause 6) from the reservoir of
the chromatograph in which it is to be analysed. Store the solution at ambient temperature.
The concentration of the injection solution is not an independent quantity. It depends on the total
volume of the column used, and the injection volume. See Clause 10 for details.
Shake the solution at ambient temperature to accelerate complete dissolution and homogenization; in
the case of samples with a mean molar mass of less than 700 000 g/mol, a magnetic stirrer may be used.
The use of ultrasound is not permitted because of the risk of polymer degradation. The use of heat should
preferably also be avoided (60 °C max). Exceptions (e.g. for PVC) shall be justified in the test report.
As a rule, polymer samples shall be weighed almost free of solvent. If the sample contains solvent and if
it is sensitive, the original solution may be used at its original concentration, or it shall be concentrated
carefully under vacuum at ambient temperature before weighing. The polymer content of the original
solution shall be determined separately; the method used shall be stated in the test report. If such
samples give overlapping solvent, system and polymer peaks, the evaluation shall be restricted to the
unaffected polymer area and the evaluation limit stated in the test report in terms of molar mass. When
several samples are analysed and compared, the evaluation limit selected shall be identical in each case.
Remove insoluble foreign matter (e.g. pigments, extenders and high-impact components) from the
injection solution by suitable methods (e.g. ultracentrifugation, filtration or membrane filtration). Even
if the solution appears clear to the eye, filtration through membrane filters with a pore size between
2 µm and 0,2 µm is always recommended. These operations as well as any precautions taken to ensure
that the concentration of the injection solution is maintained shall be recorded in the test report.
8 © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

ISO 13885-1:2020(E)
If the sample contains insoluble polymer particles (e.g. microgel) the test report shall expressly point
out that the GPC results refer only to the soluble components. The observations made shall be described.
The injection solutions shall be used within 48 h.
9.2 Preparation of the apparatus
The apparatus shall be operated under the conditions given in Clause 10. First, pump eluent through the
entire apparatus until the detector sensitivity required for the analysis falls below the noise level given
in 5.6 and the baseline condition specified in 7.5 can be expected to be maintained. At this point, the
analyses or, if necessary, the control analyses, may be carried out.
10 Analytical parameters
The concentration of the injection solution shall be 0,1 mg/ml to 5,0 mg/ml.
The injection volume shall be matched to the set of columns used and shall be not more than 100 µl per
(300 × 7,8) mm column; a total value of 250 µl shall not be exceeded (see Annex A).
With narrow molar mass distributions and high molar masses, the elution volume is very sensitive to
the quantity of polymer injected. If anomalous peak shapes are observed with a particular sample, the
concentration of the injection solution shall be repeatedly halved until the effective variation in the
calculated M value has been reduced to below 5 %.
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If greater injection amounts are necessary for a particular polymer because of an unsuitable detector
response factor, this shall be mentioned in the test report.
Several injections shall be made for each sample. The number of injections made shall be stated in the
test report. The two last injections shall be evaluated individually and the results shall be presented
individually. Their position in the sequence of injections shall be evident.
When comparing analyses carried out by different laboratories are, injections shall be made from at
least two solutions that have been prepared separately.
Observations that indicate adsorptive interactions between the injected sample and the surface of the
column packing material as described in 5.4 shall be included in the test report.
11 Data acquisition and evaluation
11.1 General
The chromatogram shall be recorded by means of an electronic data acquisition system. Data shall be
stored starting at a point before the exclusion limit for the column system being used and continuing
until the curve returns to the baseline after elution of the last system peak.
The number of the measured points, which shall be equidistant, shall be at least 20 per molar mass decade
of the calibration curve used, and a peak that is to be evaluated shall include at least 25 such points.
The dynamic range of the detector signal between the smallest detectable value and the highest peak in
the chromatogram after subtraction of the baseline shall be at least 1:500.
The raw data obtained from the sample and calibration analyses shall be stored for at least one year to
permit re-evaluation, if necessary.
ISO 13885-1:2020(E)
11.2 Calculation of the net chromatogram from the raw data
11.2.1 Determination of the baseline
The zero signal of the detector (baseline) shall be taken as a straight line between the zone preceding
the exclusion limit and that following the last system peak, i.e. zones in which no elution will take place
in an ideal GPC separation.
The baseline shall coincide with the detector signal in these zones for at least 10 % of the total analysis
time, oth
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