Meaning
Chemical analysis utilizes a heated oven and a specialized column to vaporize and separate heavy molecules. Laboratory technicians employ high temperature gas chromatography to study waxes and polymer additives that would remain stationary in standard systems. This technique operates at temperatures exceeding three hundred degrees Celsius.
Column Durability
Stationary phases must be chemically bonded to the capillary walls to withstand the extreme heat without bleeding. Effective high temperature gas chromatography requires columns made from polyimide-coated fused silica or stainless steel. These materials prevent the degradation of the column during long analysis cycles.
Molecular Separation
Solutes move through the system at different rates based on their volatility and affinity for the stationary phase. In high temperature gas chromatography the oven temperature is often ramped to force the elution of the heaviest components. This process allows for the profiling of synthetic waxes and lubricants used in moulding.
Contaminant Detection
Identification of low level impurities helps in maintaining the quality of virgin and recycled resins. Using high temperature gas chromatography reveals the presence of oligomers and degradation products that affect the mechanical properties of the plastic. This data is used to verify the purity of incoming raw materials.
High molecular weight hydrocarbons that would otherwise be missed are captured using this specialized method. The resulting chromatograms provide a complete picture of the additive package and any potential contaminants.
