Shodex GPC Column Options for Nylon 11/12 Analysis Without HFIP

Record: 694

Category: Column Selection
Product: KF and KD series
Sample: Nylon 11/12

Question
A customer wants to analyze Nylon 11 and Nylon 12 but prefers to avoid using HFIP as the mobile phase. The Shodex catalog mentions that some GPC columns (KF-804 to KF-807 and KD-804 to KD-807) can be used with m-cresol as a substitute solvent. Are there any Shodex applications with m-cresol, or recommendations for Nylon analysis using m-cresol instead of HFIP?

Answer

Shodex does not currently have published Nylon 11 or Nylon 12 chromatograms using m-cresol as the mobile phase. However, several Shodex organic SEC/GPC columns are chemically compatible with m-cresol and are suitable for HFIP-free Nylon analysis.

Shodex has evaluated solvent compatibility across our organic SEC/GPC portfolio, including m-cresol, in the following application:

Solvent Replacement Applicability of Organic SEC/GPC Columns

For Nylon 11/12 molecular-weight analysis, either the KF or KD series may be used, depending on the expected molecular-weight range and solvent preference. Both series include single-pore columns (e.g., KF-804, KF-805, KD-804, KD-805) as well as mixed-gel columns (designated with “M” or “L,” such as KF-806M or KD-806M).

Single-pore columns are typically selected when the Nylon grade has a relatively narrow molecular-weight distribution and more targeted selectivity is desired. Mixed-gel columns are better suited for samples with broader or unknown molecular-weight distributions, as they provide wider calibration ranges and more flexible coverage.

Because m-cresol is significantly more viscous than HFIP, operation usually requires elevated column temperatures to maintain stable flow and acceptable backpressure. Users should confirm that their HPLC system and column oven can safely support these conditions.

To determine the most appropriate pore size and whether a single-pore or mixed-gel column is optimal, it is important to know the expected molecular-weight range of the Nylon 11/12 sample. For assistance with column selection or solvent compatibility, please contact support@shodexhplc.com. 

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