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 type Description Shipping solvent Page
T- Standard SVB columns for measurements of THF-soluble synthetic polymers THF 2
C- Standard SVB columns for measurements of Chloroform-soluble synthetic polymers Chloroform 7
D- Standard SVB columns for measurements of DMF-soluble synthetic polymers DMF 7
HFIP- Standard SVB columns for measurements of HFIP-soluble synthetic polymers HFIP 7
Inert- Fluorinated DVB columns for the measurements of synthetic polymers that interact with traditional SVB columns DCM 10
A- Standard methacrylate columns for measurements of polymers and polysaccharides soluble in aqueous buffers Water 11
Cation- Aminated-divinyl benzene columns for measurements of positively charged polymers THF 13
P- Silica columns for measurements of proteins Water 14
PLS- Silica columns with high resolution and extremely low column shedding, ideally suited to light scattering measurements of proteins Water 16

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 Number Grade Particle Size (μm) Theoretical Plate Number (per column) Exclusion Limit MW polystyrene Max. pore size (A)
CLM3000 T1000, Org GPC/SEC Col 6 > 18,000 1,500 50
CLM3001 T2000, Org GPC/SEC Col 6 > 18,000 5,000 150
CLM3002 T2500, Org GPC/SEC Col 6 > 18,000 20,000 300
CLM3003 T3000, Org GPC/SEC Col 6 > 18,000 70,000 500
CLM3004 T4000, Org GPC/SEC Col 7 > 18,000 400,000 1,500
CLM3005 T5000, Org GPC/SEC Col 10 > 11,000 4,000,000 5,000
CLM3006 T6000, Org GPC/SEC Col 10 > 11,000 (20,000,000) 10,000
CLM3007 T7000, Org GPC/SEC Col 18 > 6,000 (200,000,000) 20,000
CLM3008 TGuard 8 guard column
CLM3009 T6000M, General Mixed Org 10 > 13,000 (20,000,000) 10,000
CLM3010 LT3000L, Mixed, Ultra-Low Org 6 > 18,000 70,000 500
CLM3011 LT4000L, Mixed, Low Org 7 > 18,000 400,000 1,500
CLM3012 LT5000L, Mixed, Medium Org 10 > 11,000 4,000,000 5,000
CLM3013 LT6000L, Mixed, High Org 10 > 11,000 (20,000,000) 10,000
CLM3014 LT7000L, Mixed, Ultra-High Org 18 > 6,000 (200,000,000) 20,000
CLM2100 FIPA H100-3078 Non-Polar Organic Column 5 FIPA column
CLM1100 FIPA H100-1078 Non-Polar Organic Column 5 FIPA column
CLM1210 FIPA Guard Column H100-0478 5 FIPA column
Table 2: T-column solvent compatibility.
Solvent Column
T1000 T2000 T2500 LT3000L LT4000L T3000 T4000 T5000 T6000 T7000 T6000M LT5000L LT6000L LT7000L FIPA
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 Number Grade Particle Size (μm) Theoretical Plate Number (per column) Exclusion Limit MW Polystyrene Max. pore size (A)
CLM3029 C1000, Org GPC/SEC Col 6 > 18,000 1,500 50
CLM3030 C2000, Org GPC/SEC Col 6 > 18,000 5,000 150
CLM3031 C2500, Org GPC/SEC Col 6 > 18,000 20,000 300
CLM3032 C3000, Org GPC/SEC Col 6 > 18,000 70,000 500
CLM3033 C4000, Org GPC/SEC Col 7 > 18,000 400,000 1,500
CLM3034 C5000, Org GPC/SEC Col 10 > 11,000 4,000,000 5,000
CLM3035 C6000, Org GPC/SEC Col 10 > 11,000 (20,000,000) 10,000
CLM3036 C7000, Org GPC/SEC Col 18 > 6,000 (200,000,000) 20,000
CLM3037 CGuard 8 guard column
CLM3038 C6000M, General Mixed Org 10 > 13,000 (20,000,000) 10,000
CLM3039 LC3000L, Mixed, Ultra-Low Org 6 > 18,000 70,000 500
CLM3040 LC4000L, Mixed, Low Org 7 > 18,000 400,000 1,500
CLM3041 LC5000L, Mixed, Medium Org 10 > 11,000 4,000,000 5,000
CLM3042 LC6000L, Mixed, High Org 10 > 11,000 (20,000,000) 10,000
CLM3043 LC7000L, Mixed, Ultra-High Org 18 > 6,000 (200,000,000) 20,000


Table 4: D-column details
Part Number Grade Particle Size (μm) Theoretical Plate Number (per column) Exclusion Limit MW Polystyrene Max. pore size (A)
CLM3044 D1000, Org GPC/SEC Col 6 > 17,000 2,500 50
CLM3045 D2000, Org GPC/SEC Col 6 > 17,000 5,000 150
CLM3046 D2500, Org GPC/SEC Col 6 > 17,000 20,000 300
CLM3047 D3000, Org GPC/SEC Col 6 > 17,000 70,000 500
CLM3048 D4000, Org GPC/SEC Col 7 > 17,000 400,000 1,500
CLM3049 D5000, Org GPC/SEC Col 10 > 11,000 4,000,000 5,000
CLM3050 D6000, Org GPC/SEC Col 10 > 11,000 (20,000,000) 10,000
CLM3051 D7000, Org GPC/SEC Col 18 > 6,000 (200,000,000) 20,000
CLM3052 DGuard 8 guard column
CLM3053 D6000M, General Mixed Org 10 > 13,000 (20,000,000) 10,000


Table 5: HFIP-column details
Part Number Grade Particle Size (μm) Theoretical Plate Number (per column) Exclusion Limit MW PMMA Max. pore size (A)
CLM3054 HFIP3000, HFIP-GPC Col 10 > 10,000 10,000 500
CLM3055 HFIP4000, HFIP-GPC Col 7 > 12,000 100,000 1,500
CLM3056 HFIP5000, HFIP-GPCCol 10 > 10,000 1,000,000 5,000
CLM3057 HFIP6000, HFIP-GPC Col 10 > 10,000 (10,000,000) 10,000
CLM3058 HFIP7000, HFIP-GPC Col 18 > 4,000 (100,000,000) 20,000
CLM3060 HFIP6000M, HFIP-GPC Col 10 > 10,000 (10,000,000) 10,000
CLM3059 HFIPGuard, HFIP-GPC Guard Col 15 Guard 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 Number Grade Particle Size (μm) Theoretical Plate Number (per column) Exclusion Limit MW polysterene Max. pore size (A)
CLM1011 I-MBLMW-3078 10 > 7,500 20,000 1,000
CLM1012 I-MBMMW-3078 10 > 7,500 200,000 10,000
CLM1013 I-MBHMW-3078 10 > 7,500 10,000,000 100,000
CLM1014 I-OLIGO-3078 5 > 15,000 10,000 500
CLM1019 I-GUARD-0478 10 NA 20,000 1,000
Table 7: I-column solvent compatibility.
Solvent All I-Columns Solvent All I-Columns
THF Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP)
Chloroform m-Cresol ×
Benzene o-Chlorophenol ×
Toluene Quinolin
p-Xylene N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP)
o-Dichlorobenzene (ODCB) Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)
Trichlorobenzene (TCB) 30% m-Cresol/Chloroform ×
Dioxane 30% o-Chlorophenol/Chloroform ×
Diethyl ether 30% HFIP/Chloroform
Ethyl acetate Hexane
Acetone Acetonitrile
Methyl ethyl ketone Methanol
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
Grade Particle
Size
(μm)
Theoretical
Plate Number
(per column)
Exclusion
Limit MW
Pullulan
Max.
pore size
(A)
Max
pressure
(MPa)
CLM3015 A2000, Aq GPC/SEC Col 8 > 12,000 4,000 100 5.0
CLM3016 A2500, Aq GPC/SEC Col 6 > 16,000 10,000 200 5.0
CLM3017 A3000, Aq GPC/SEC Col 6 > 16,000 100,000 800 5.0
CLM3018 A4000, Aq GPC/SEC Col 10 > 16,000 1,000,000 2,000 3.0
CLM3019 A5000, Aq GPC/SEC Col 13 > 12,000 (4,000,000) 7,000 3.0
CLM3020 A6000, Aq GPC/SEC Col 13 > 12,000 (20,000,000) 15,000 3.0
CLM3021 A6000M, Aq GPC/SEC Col 13 > 12,000 (20,000,000) 15,000 3.0
CLM3022 A7000, Aq GPC/SEC Col 35 > 1,500 (500,000,000) 30,000 0.5
CLM3023 AGuard 10 guard column
CLM3024 A7Guard 35 guard column
Table 9: A-column solvent compatibility
Column type Methanol Acetonitrile DMF DMSO
A2000 0 % 0 % 0 % 0%
A2500 (refer to caution below) 0 - 100 % 0 - 75 % 0 - 100 % 100%
A3000 0 - 100 % 0 - 75 % 0 - 100 % 0%
A4000, A5000, A6000, A6000M 0 - 75 % 0 - 75 % 0 - 100 % 0%
A7000 0 - 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 number Grade Description Exclusion Limit Max Pressure Dimensions
CLM1031 C-MBLMW-3078 Mixed Bed Low MW >20K PS 2500 PSI 7.8 mm x 30 cm
CLM1032 C-MBMMW-3078 Mixed Bed Mid MW >200K PS 1500 PSI 7.8 mm x 30 cm
CLM1033 C-MBHMW-3078 Mixed Bed High MW >10M PS 1500 PSI 7.8 mm x 30 cm
CLM1034 C-OLIGO-3078 Oligomeric MW >10K PS 2500 PSI 7.8 mm x 30 cm
CLM1039 C-Guard-0478 Guard Column >20K PS 2500 PSI 7.8 mm x 4 cm

Table 10: Cation-column solvent compatibility

Solvent CATION Columns Solvent CATION Columns
THF Dimethylacetamide (DMAc)
Chloroform Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP)
Carbon tetrachloride m-Cresol ×
Benzene o-Chlorophenol ×
Toluene Quinolin ×
p-Xylene N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP)
o-Dichlorobenzene (ODCB) Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)
Trichlorobenzene (TCB) m-Cresol/Chloroform 30/70 v/v ×
Dioxane o-Chlorophenol/Chloroform 30/70 v/v ×
Diethyl ether HFIP/Chloroform 30/70 v/v
Ethyl acetate Hexane
Acetone Acetonitrile
Methyl ethyl ketone Methanol
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 Number Grade Particle Size (μm) Theoretical Plate Number (per column) Exclusion Limit MW Max. pore size (A) Max pressure (MPa)
Protein Pullulan
CLM3025 P2500, Protein SEC Col 5 >21,000 150,000 60,000 400 5.0
CLM3026 P3000, Protein SEC Col 5 > 21,000 700,000 170,000 1,000 5.0
CLM3027 P4000, Protein SEC Col 7 > 16,000 (1,000,000) 500,000 1,500 5.0
CLM3028 PGuard 7 guard 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 Number Grade Particle Size (μm) Exclusion Limit MW Protein Max. pore size (A) Max. Pressure (MPa)
CLM5004 PLS5030 Protein LS col 5 1,250,000 300 5.0
CLM5007 PLS5200G Protein LS guard col 5 Guard column
CLM5008 PLS3030 Protein LS col high-res 3 1,250,000 300 5
CLM5012 PLS3030G Protein LS guard col high-res 3 Guard column
CLM5013 PLS3030H Protein LS col high-res hydrophobic 3 1,250,000 300 5
CLM5017 PLS3030G Protein LS guard col high-res hydrophobic 3 Guard column

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