Rapid characterization and screening of
polymer samples to determine average molecular weight, molecular
weight distribution and other properties is disclosed. Rapid flow characterization systems and methods, including liquid
chromatography and flow-injection analysis systems and methods are preferably employed. High
throughput, automated sampling systems and methods, high-temperature characterization systems and methods, and rapid, indirect calibration compositions and methods are also disclosed. In preferred high-temperature embodiments, the
polymer sample is maintained at a temperature of not less than about 75° C. during
sample preparation, loading into a liquid
chromatography or flow-injection analysis
system, injection into a mobile phase of a liquid
chromatography or flow-injection analysis
system, and / or
elution from
chromatographic column. The described methods, systems, and device have primary applications in combinatorial
polymer research and in industrial
process control.