4.1 This practice provides general guidelines for the practice of liquid chromatography or size exclusion chromatography coupled with infrared spectrometric detection and analysis (LC/IR, SEC/IR). This practice assumes that the chromatography involved is adequate to resolve a sample into discrete fractions. It is not the intention of this practice to instruct the user on how to perform liquid or size exclusion chromatography (LC or SEC).

1.1 This practice covers techniques that are of general use in qualitatively analyzing multicomponent samples by using a combination of liquid chromatography (LC) or size exclusion chromatography (SEC) with infrared (IR) spectrometric techniques. The sample mixture is separated into fractions by the chromatographic separation. These fractions are subsequently analyzed by an IR spectroscopic method.

1.2 Three different types of LC/IR techniques have been used to analyze samples (1, 2).2 These consist of eluent trapping (see Practice E334), flowcell and direct deposition. These are presented in the order that they were first used.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.