Polymer and Colloid Analytics
Polymer Analysis
In the polymer analysis core facility, we perform current state-of-the-art characterization of synthetic and biological polymers and nanomaterials. We regularly tailor the characterization approach for each new sample to include optimization of measurement conditions (solvent, temperature, columns, filtration, and separation techniques). Our main fields of expertise are chromatography, thermal analysis, light scattering and the determination of basic physico-chemical properties. We routinely use the following physicochemical characterization techniques:
- Size exclusion chromatography (SEC/GPC and SEC/GPC-MALLS)
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
- Field flow fractionation (AF-FFF)
- Static and dynamic light scattering (SLS/DLS)
- Refractive index increment (dn/dc)
- Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)
- Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)
- Differential scanning fluorimetry (nanoDSF)
- Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA)
- Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC)
- Viscometry
- Density determination of liquids and solids
- Determination of refractive index of liquids and solids
Additionally, we advance the characterization of polymers and nanomaterials in biological media such as protein solutions, plant extracts or blood plasma. In this context, we closely collaborate with different groups throughout the institute to combine the expertise of polymer analytics with e.g. electron microscopy, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, mass spectrometry or nonlinear optics.
More information can be found here:
Colloid Analysis
The laboratory for colloid analysis gives access to a variety of analytical techniques to characterize the physicochemical properties of dispersions. We can measure the size of dispersions by dynamic light scattering (Malvern, Nano S90), surface charges by zeta-potential measurements (Malvern, Zetasizer Nano Z), and surface and interfacial tension with a Du Noüy ring/Wilhelmy plate tensiometer (Dataphysics, DCAT25).
We also have a variety of tools to prepare well-controlled emulsions using high-shear homogenization (IKA, Ultra-Turrax), ultrasonication (Branson, W450D), and microfluidization (microfluidic corp, LM10 and LV1).