Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) or size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) is a widely used technique to characterise a wide variety of macromolecules, including commodity or bulk manufactured polymers.

This technique can be used to measure the molecular weight moments, molecular weight distribution, the intrinsic viscosity, and hydrodynamic size of these acromolecules.

While conditions that are both effective and practical have been determined for many of these commodity polymers, some need further optimisation in one aspect or another.

This case study describes a case where changes in operating conditions led to improvements in both cost and health and safety.