High resolution cross-fractionation of Polyolefins has been made possible through the new Polymer Char’s CFC fully automated instrument. Two-dimensional distribution relating molar mass and composition variables is often required for comprehensive characterization of complex materials, and complete cross-fractionation is the only technique which has determined it with no loss of information.

This compact automated instrument fractionates the polymer according to crystallinity, following a TREF separation process (Temperature Rising Elution Fractionation). Meanwhile, the resulting fractions are continuously injected towards the online GPC columns where a second fractionation, this time according to molar mass, is performed. Resulting fractions are measured by an integrated infrared detector, IR4 or IR5, which can provide composition information as well.