Comparison of methods for characterizing comonomer composition in ethylene 1-olefin copolymers: 3D-TREF vs. SEC-FTIR

In this paper, two methodologies for determining comonomer composition in ethylene 1-olefin copolymers, namely three detectors coupled to a temperature rising elution fractionation unit (3D-TREF) and size exclusion chromatography coupled to a Fourier transfer infrared detector (SEC-FTIR), are examined and compared. Because the two methods are based on different separation mechanisms, insight into the resin's molecular architecture is gained from two entirely different, yet complementary perspectives. The choice of which method to use will be determined by the specific structure vs. property issue under study. Comparative results from the analysis of copolymers produced by Ziegler-Natta, chromium and metallocene catalysts show that both the methods are useful for characterizing LLDPE resins. However, the 3D-TREF method may offer more insight into the heterogeneity of resin blends, particularly when the blend components have similar molecular weights. Although some MW-dependency information of the temperature fractions can be ascertained via viscometer and light scattering detectors, SEC-FTIR is the more appropriate method to detect compositional heterogeneity in resin blends that are composed of two or more resins with the same copolymer compositions, but with different molecular weights.