Viscotek Column Selection Guide

The Viscotek range of GPC/SEC systems and detectors includes a wide selection of general and speciality columns for a wide range of applications. This technical note provides an introduction to the columns as well as providing some their technical details.

Introduction

The Viscotek range of GPC/SEC systems and detectors includes a wide selection of general and specialty columns for a wide range of applications.  This technical note provides an introduction to the columns as well as providing some their technical details.  Table 1 summarizes the available columns and where they can be found in this technical note.  All columns have been tested and been shown to be suitable for light scattering measurements.

Figure 1: A selection of Viscotek GPC/SEC columns
MRK2034_fig01
Column typeDescriptionShipping solventPage
T-Standard SVB columns for measurements of THF-soluble synthetic polymersTHF2
C-Standard SVB columns for measurements of Chloroform-soluble synthetic polymersChloroform7
D-Standard SVB columns for measurements of DMF-soluble synthetic polymersDMF7
HFIP-Standard SVB columns for measurements of HFIP-soluble synthetic polymersHFIP7
Inert-Fluorinated DVB columns for the measurements of synthetic polymers that interact with traditional SVB columnsDCM10
A-Standard methacrylate columns for measurements of polymers and polysaccharides soluble in aqueous buffersWater11
Cation-Aminated-divinyl benzene columns for measurements of positively charged polymersTHF13
P-Silica columns for measurements of proteinsWater14
PLS-Silica columns with high resolution and extremely low column shedding, ideally suited to light scattering measurements of proteinsWater16

Columns for synthetic polymer applications

T-columns

T-columns are a selection of general purpose columns made from a styrene divinyl-benzene copolymer.  They are available in a range of linear and mixed bed sizes and are applicable for synthetic polymer samples dissolved in THF.  Typical samples measured using T-columns include PS, PMMA, low MW PEG, asphaltanes, xylene solubles, polysiloxanes, PLA, PLGA, polyurethanes, PVC, and rubber materials.

Figure 2 shows calibration curves for the T-columns.  The columns from T1000 to T7000 are single-pore columns, each with a narrow separation range that may need to be combined to cover the range required for the application. The T6000M is a mixed bed column suitable for separations covering a wide molecular weight range and its relationship with the T single porosity columns is shown in the left hand side of Figure 2. The LT series are linear mixed-bed columns covering a range of pore sizes, and the ranges covered are shown on the right hand side of Figure 2.  FIPA columns are intended for use in FIPA applications. They offer no separation of the sample but do separate the sample from the solvent for an ensemble-type measurement.

T-columns are 300 x 8 mm.  FIPA H100-3078 columns are 300 x 7.8 mm.  FIPA H100-1078 columns are 100 x 7.8 mm.

Details of the T-column specifications and ranges are shown in Table1 and the solvent compatibilities are shown in Table 2.

For more detailed information about the T-columns, please download the user manual from the web-site.

Figure 2: Calibration curves for T-columns. Calibration curves represent polystyrene in THF
MRK2034_Fig02
Table 1: Viscotek T-column details.
Part NumberGradeParticle Size (μm)Theoretical Plate Number (per column)Exclusion Limit MW polystyreneMax. pore size (A)
CLM3000T1000, Org GPC/SEC Col6> 18,0001,50050
CLM3001T2000, Org GPC/SEC Col6> 18,0005,000150
CLM3002T2500, Org GPC/SEC Col6> 18,00020,000300
CLM3003T3000, Org GPC/SEC Col6> 18,00070,000500
CLM3004T4000, Org GPC/SEC Col7> 18,000400,0001,500
CLM3005T5000, Org GPC/SEC Col10> 11,0004,000,0005,000
CLM3006T6000, Org GPC/SEC Col10> 11,000(20,000,000)10,000
CLM3007T7000, Org GPC/SEC Col18> 6,000(200,000,000)20,000
CLM3008TGuard8guard column
CLM3009T6000M, General Mixed Org10> 13,000(20,000,000)10,000
CLM3010LT3000L, Mixed, Ultra-Low Org6> 18,00070,000500
CLM3011LT4000L, Mixed, Low Org7> 18,000400,0001,500
CLM3012LT5000L, Mixed, Medium Org10> 11,0004,000,0005,000
CLM3013LT6000L, Mixed, High Org10> 11,000(20,000,000)10,000
CLM3014LT7000L, Mixed, Ultra-High Org18> 6,000(200,000,000)20,000
CLM2100FIPA H100-3078 Non-Polar Organic Column5FIPA column
CLM1100FIPA H100-1078 Non-Polar Organic Column5FIPA column
CLM1210FIPA Guard Column H100-04785FIPA column
Table 2: T-column solvent compatibility.
SolventColumn
T1000T2000 T2500 LT3000L LT4000LT3000T4000 T5000 T6000 T7000 T6000M LT5000L LT6000L LT7000LFIPA
THF
Chloroform
Carbon tetrachloride×
Benzene
Toluene
p-Xylene×
o-Dichlorobenzene (ODCB)××
Trichlorobenzene (TCB)××
Dioxane×
Diethyl ether××
Ethyl acetate××
Acetone××
Methyl ethyl ketone××
Dimethylformamide (DMF)××
Dimethylacetamide (DMAc)××
Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP)×××
m-Cresol×××
o-Chlorophenol×××
Quinolin×××
N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP)××
Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)×××Δ
m-Cresol/Chloroform 30/70 v/v××
o-Chlorophenol/Chloroform 30/70 v/v××
HFIP/Chloroform 30/70 v/v×
Hexane××××
Acetonitrile××××
Methanol××××
Water×××××
• Can be exchanged
Δ Can be exchanged but may cause the column performance to deteriorate.
× Cannot be used/exchanged

C-columns, D-columns & HFIP-columns

C-columns, D-columns, and HFIP-columns are an extension to the T-Column range of styrene divinyl-benzene columns. They are similar to the T-columns but shipped in chloroform, dimethylformamide (DMF), and hexafluoro-isopropanol (HFIP), respectively.  Tables 3, 4, and 5 list the columns available in each of these ranges.

Typical samples for C-columns include PMMA, PLA, PLGA, polycarbonate, and polythiophenes. Typical samples for D-columns include PMMA, pullulan, PEG, PNIPAm, cotton, polyvinyl pyridine, and starch.  Typical samples for HFIP-columns include nylon, PET and PMMA.

C-, D- and HFIP-columns are single-pore columns.  The C6000M, D6000M, and HFIP6000M are mixed bed columns suitable for separations covering a wide molecular weight range. The LC series are linear mixed-bed columns covering a range of pore sizes.  C-columns are single-pore columns.  They are 300 x 8 mm.

Since C-columns, D-columns and HFIP-columns are based on the same gels as T-columns, the calibration curves for T-columns can be used for their respective C-, D-, and HFIP-column equivalents.  Solvent compatibility is also comparable to T-columns so table 2 can be used as a reference.

For more detailed information about the C-columns, please download the user manual from the web-site.

For more detailed information about the D-columns, please download the user manual from the web-site.

For more detailed information about the HFIP-columns, please download the user manual from the web-site.


Table 3: C-column details
Part NumberGradeParticle Size (μm)Theoretical Plate Number (per column)Exclusion Limit MW PolystyreneMax. pore size (A)
CLM3029C1000, Org GPC/SEC Col6> 18,0001,50050
CLM3030C2000, Org GPC/SEC Col6> 18,0005,000150
CLM3031C2500, Org GPC/SEC Col6> 18,00020,000300
CLM3032C3000, Org GPC/SEC Col6> 18,00070,000500
CLM3033C4000, Org GPC/SEC Col7> 18,000400,0001,500
CLM3034C5000, Org GPC/SEC Col10> 11,0004,000,0005,000
CLM3035C6000, Org GPC/SEC Col10> 11,000(20,000,000)10,000
CLM3036C7000, Org GPC/SEC Col18> 6,000(200,000,000)20,000
CLM3037CGuard8guard column
CLM3038C6000M, General Mixed Org10> 13,000(20,000,000)10,000
CLM3039LC3000L, Mixed, Ultra-Low Org6> 18,00070,000500
CLM3040LC4000L, Mixed, Low Org7> 18,000400,0001,500
CLM3041LC5000L, Mixed, Medium Org10> 11,0004,000,0005,000
CLM3042LC6000L, Mixed, High Org10> 11,000(20,000,000)10,000
CLM3043LC7000L, Mixed, Ultra-High Org18> 6,000(200,000,000)20,000


Table 4: D-column details
Part NumberGradeParticle Size (μm)Theoretical Plate Number (per column)Exclusion Limit MW PolystyreneMax. pore size (A)
CLM3044D1000, Org GPC/SEC Col6> 17,0002,50050
CLM3045D2000, Org GPC/SEC Col6> 17,0005,000150
CLM3046D2500, Org GPC/SEC Col6> 17,00020,000300
CLM3047D3000, Org GPC/SEC Col6> 17,00070,000500
CLM3048D4000, Org GPC/SEC Col7> 17,000400,0001,500
CLM3049D5000, Org GPC/SEC Col10> 11,0004,000,0005,000
CLM3050D6000, Org GPC/SEC Col10> 11,000(20,000,000)10,000
CLM3051D7000, Org GPC/SEC Col18> 6,000(200,000,000)20,000
CLM3052DGuard8guard column
CLM3053D6000M, General Mixed Org10> 13,000(20,000,000)10,000


Table 5: HFIP-column details
Part NumberGradeParticle Size (μm)Theoretical Plate Number (per column)Exclusion Limit MW PMMAMax. pore size (A)
CLM3054HFIP3000, HFIP-GPC Col10> 10,00010,000500
CLM3055HFIP4000, HFIP-GPC Col7> 12,000100,0001,500
CLM3056HFIP5000, HFIP-GPCCol10> 10,0001,000,0005,000
CLM3057HFIP6000, HFIP-GPC Col10> 10,000(10,000,000)10,000
CLM3058HFIP7000, HFIP-GPC Col18> 4,000(100,000,000)20,000
CLM3060HFIP6000M, HFIP-GPC Col10> 10,000(10,000,000)10,000
CLM3059HFIPGuard, HFIP-GPC Guard Col15Guard column

Inert-columns (I-columns)

Viscotek I-columns are made from a styrene divinyl-benzene material coated to reduce interaction between the column and the sample.  I-columns are ideal for particular applications where interaction between the column and the sample is common.  They are designed for use in polar organic solvents such as DMF, dichloromethane (DCM), and dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO).  They are also suited to running formic acid.  They are shipped in DCM. 

Key applications for I-columns include nylon dissolved in formic acid and PNIPAm.  If you think an I-column might be useful, contact a Malvern representative for more information.

I-columns are mixed bed columns covering a range of pore sizes.  They are 300 x 7.8 mm.  Figure 3 shows calibration curves for the I-columns.  Details of the I-column specifications and ranges are shown in Table 6 and the solvent compatibilities are shown in Table 7.

For more detailed information about the I-columns, please download the user manual from the web-site

Figure 3: Calibration curves for I-columns. Samples are polystyrene in THF.
MRK2034_Fig03
Table 6: I-column details.
Part NumberGradeParticle Size (μm)Theoretical Plate Number (per column)Exclusion Limit MW polystereneMax. pore size (A)
CLM1011I-MBLMW-307810> 7,50020,0001,000
CLM1012I-MBMMW-307810> 7,500200,00010,000
CLM1013I-MBHMW-307810> 7,50010,000,000100,000
CLM1014I-OLIGO-30785> 15,00010,000500
CLM1019I-GUARD-047810NA20,0001,000
Table 7: I-column solvent compatibility.
SolventAll I-ColumnsSolventAll I-Columns
THFHexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP)
Chloroformm-Cresol×
Benzeneo-Chlorophenol×
TolueneQuinolin
p-XyleneN-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP)
o-Dichlorobenzene (ODCB)Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)
Trichlorobenzene (TCB)30% m-Cresol/Chloroform×
Dioxane30% o-Chlorophenol/Chloroform×
Diethyl ether30% HFIP/Chloroform
Ethyl acetateHexane
AcetoneAcetonitrile
Methyl ethyl ketoneMethanol
Dimethylformamide(DMF)Water×
Dimethylacetamide(DMAc)  
• Can be exchanged
× Cannot be used/exchanged

Columns for aqueous applications

A-columns

Viscotek A-columns are a general purpose polymethylmethacrylate column for use with polymers and polysaccharides soluble in water and aqueous buffers.

Typical samples for A-columns include PEO, pullulan, dextran, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylamide, polyacrylic acid, polystyrene sulfonate, cellulose derivatives, hyaluronic acids and most other polysaccharides.

A-columns are single-pore columns, with dimensions of 300 x 8 mm.  The A6000M is a mixed bed column suitable for separations covering a wide molecular weight range.  Figure 4 shows the calibration curves for the A-columns. 

Details of the A-column specifications and ranges are shown in Table 8 and the solvent compatibilities are shown in Table 9.

For more detailed information about the A-columns, please download the user manual from the web-site.

Figure 4: Calibration curves for A-columns. Samples are pullulan in water.
MRK2034_Fig04
Table 8: A-column details.
Part
Number
GradeParticle
Size
(μm)
Theoretical
Plate Number
(per column)
Exclusion
Limit MW
Pullulan
Max.
pore size
(A)
Max
pressure
(MPa)
CLM3015A2000, Aq GPC/SEC Col8> 12,0004,0001005.0
CLM3016A2500, Aq GPC/SEC Col6> 16,00010,0002005.0
CLM3017A3000, Aq GPC/SEC Col6> 16,000100,0008005.0
CLM3018A4000, Aq GPC/SEC Col10> 16,0001,000,0002,0003.0
CLM3019A5000, Aq GPC/SEC Col13> 12,000(4,000,000)7,0003.0
CLM3020A6000, Aq GPC/SEC Col13> 12,000(20,000,000)15,0003.0
CLM3021A6000M, Aq GPC/SEC Col13> 12,000(20,000,000)15,0003.0
CLM3022A7000, Aq GPC/SEC Col35> 1,500(500,000,000)30,0000.5
CLM3023AGuard10guard column
CLM3024A7Guard35guard column
Table 9: A-column solvent compatibility
Column typeMethanolAcetonitrileDMFDMSO
A20000 %0 %0 %0%
A2500 (refer to caution below)0 - 100 %0 - 75 %0 - 100 %100%
A30000 - 100 %0 - 75 %0 - 100 %0%
A4000, A5000, A6000, A6000M0 - 75 %0 - 75 %0 - 100 %0%
A70000 - 30%0 - 30%0%0%

Cation-columns

Viscotek cation-columns are designed for cationic polymers in aqueous buffers that are difficult to elute due to a positive charge. The packing material is an aminated divinylbenzene which eliminates sample adsorption for cationic polymers in buffers with low salt concentrations.

They are primarily intended for cationic polysaccharides such as chitosans run in 5% Acetic acid.

Cation-columns are mixed bed columns covering a range of pore sizes and are 300 x 7.8 mm.

Details of the cation-column specifications and ranges are shown in Table 9 and the solvent compatibilities are shown in Table 10.

For more detailed information about the Cation-columns, please download the user manual from the web-site.

Figure 5: Calibration curves for the Cation-columns. Samples are pullulan in water.
MRK2034_Fig05
Table 9: Cation-column details
Part numberGradeDescriptionExclusion LimitMax PressureDimensions
CLM1031C-MBLMW-3078Mixed Bed Low MW>20K PS2500 PSI7.8 mm x 30 cm
CLM1032C-MBMMW-3078Mixed Bed Mid MW>200K PS1500 PSI7.8 mm x 30 cm
CLM1033C-MBHMW-3078Mixed Bed High MW>10M PS1500 PSI7.8 mm x 30 cm
CLM1034C-OLIGO-3078Oligomeric MW>10K PS2500 PSI7.8 mm x 30 cm
CLM1039C-Guard-0478Guard Column>20K PS2500 PSI7.8 mm x 4 cm

Table 10: Cation-column solvent compatibility

SolventCATION ColumnsSolventCATION Columns
THFDimethylacetamide (DMAc)
ChloroformHexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP)
Carbon tetrachloridem-Cresol×
Benzeneo-Chlorophenol×
TolueneQuinolin×
p-XyleneN-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP)
o-Dichlorobenzene (ODCB)Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)
Trichlorobenzene (TCB)m-Cresol/Chloroform 30/70 v/v×
Dioxaneo-Chlorophenol/Chloroform 30/70 v/v×
Diethyl etherHFIP/Chloroform 30/70 v/v
Ethyl acetateHexane
AcetoneAcetonitrile
Methyl ethyl ketoneMethanol
Dimethylformamide (DMF)Water

Columns for protein applications

P-columns

Viscotek P-columns are silica-based columns for the separations of proteins in aqueous buffers.  They can be used at a pH range of 3 - 7.5 and they can be used for light scattering experiments.  They are 300 x 8 mm.

P-columns can be used with up to 100% acetonitrile or methanol.

Figure 6 shows calibration curves for the P-columns and the specifications are shown in Table 11. 

For more detailed information about the P-columns, please download the user manual from the web-site.

Figure 6: P-column calibration curves. Samples are different proteins in PBS
MRK2034_Fig06
Table 11: P-column details.
Part NumberGradeParticle Size (μm)Theoretical Plate Number (per column)Exclusion Limit MWMax. pore size (A)Max pressure (MPa)
ProteinPullulan
CLM3025P2500, Protein SEC Col5>21,000150,00060,0004005.0
CLM3026P3000, Protein SEC Col5> 21,000700,000170,0001,0005.0
CLM3027P4000, Protein SEC Col7> 16,000(1,000,000)500,0001,5005.0
CLM3028PGuard7guard column

PLS-columns

Viscotek PLS-columns are silica-based columns for the separation of proteins for light scattering applications.  Their excellent stability minimizes particle shedding to maintain light scattering baselines as clean as possible. They offer excellent separation and have slightly improved pH stability over other silica columns.

Three columns types are available and Figure 7 shows the calibration curves for them and the specifications are in Table 12.  PLS5030 have larger particle size and are for general purposes.  PLS3030 have smaller particle sizes for improved resolution but have slightly higher back pressure.  PLS3030H are smaller particle sizes and have a modified surface for use with particularly hydrophobic proteins.  Each is available with a guard column of similar type.

PLS-columns can be used with up to 100% acetonitrile or methanol.  They can be used at pH 2 - 8.5 and are 300 x 7.8 mm.

For more detailed information about the PLS-columns, please download the user manual from the web-site.

Figure 7: PLS-column calibration curves. Samples are various proteins in PBS
MRK2034_Fig07
Table 12: PLS column details.
Part NumberGradeParticle Size (μm)Exclusion Limit MW ProteinMax. pore size (A)Max. Pressure (MPa)
CLM5004PLS5030 Protein LS col51,250,0003005.0
CLM5007PLS5200G Protein LS guard col5Guard column
CLM5008PLS3030 Protein LS col high-res31,250,0003005
CLM5012PLS3030G Protein LS guard col high-res3Guard column
CLM5013PLS3030H Protein LS col high-res hydrophobic31,250,0003005
CLM5017PLS3030G Protein LS guard col high-res hydrophobic3Guard column

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