Quantitative Analysis of Step-Growth Polymers by Size Exclusion Chromatography

We report an advanced analysis protocol that allows to quantitatively study the course of step-growth reactions by size exclusion chromatography on the example of the depolymerization of a Diels–Alder polymer based on a furane/maleimide couple at elevated temperatures. Frequently occurring issues of molar mass calibrations and overlap of monomer with solvent signals are addressed for determining reliable molar masses. Thereby, even kinetic...