An advanced size exclusion chromatographic technique for the characterization of wood adhesive resins

Triple detector size exclusion chromatography (SEC3) was used to determine absolute molecular weights, molecular size, and branching of base-catalyzed wood adhesive resins. This technique revealed differences in molecular weights of samples, which appear similar by traditional SEC technique (using a single concentration detector and column calibration). The effects of additives and different cook profiles on molecular weights, molecular size, and Mark-Houwink parameters were studied. The differences in molecular and structural characteristics of the resins can be related to their performance.