DSP

Discussion Group on Polymer Separation Methods

The 'Discussion group Separation methods for Polymers' (DSP) is an active subdivision of the Section Analytical Chemistry (SAC) that focuses on the separation and characterization of synthetic polymers and biopolymers.
DSP aims at providing a platform for scientists from both industry and academia to interact, share experiences and to discuss new developments.

All chromatographic separation methods for polymers are in scope of the DSP meetings, ranging from size-exclusion chromatography (SEC/GPC) to end-group analysis by liquid chromatography at critical conditions (LCCC).

Also particle size analysis techniques, such as hydrodynamic chromatography (HDC) and field-flow fractionation (FFF), are often discussed, as well as coupling of separation methods to high-end techniques, such as mass spectrometry (MS), infrared (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.

Twice a year a meeting/symposium is organized, where members present their research and share the difficulties in polymer separation.

Membership of the DSP, as well as attendance of most meetings is free of charge.

The next meeting of the Discussion group on the Separation of Polymers will be held on September 28th 2026 in Utrecht. 

If you are interrested in presenting or sponsoring the event please let us know at: Marcel Eleveld marcel.eleveld@akzonobel.com 

Best regards, on behalf of the DSP board.

24th International Symposium on Field and Flow-based Separations

Registration and abstract submission are now open athttps://isfff2026.org/for the 24th International Symposium on Field- and Flow-based Separations, iSFFF 2026, taking place in Washington, DC, May 17-20, 2026. Come join us for short courses, talks, posters, lively exchanges with colleagues, and conviviality galore as we celebrate the 60th birthday of Field-Flow Fractionation!

History of the DSP

The DSP was founded in 1990. In that time, Wim Staal, Martin Hetem and others organized meetings concerning polymer analysis by Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) and the group was called 'GPC users group'.

The intention was to exchange knowledge, share problems and to give members the oppertunity to present their research on polymer analysis by GPC.

From the mid-nineties also Gradient Polymer Elution Chromatgraphy (GPEC) became a discussion topic and because other polymer analysis techniques, such as pyrolysis-GC and mass spectrometry (ESI, MALDI) were discussed during the meetings, the name was changed in Discussion group Separation methods for Polymers (DSP).

Nowadays, the DSP organizes a spring-meeting (in March/April) and an autumn-meeting (in October/November)  hosted by one of the members company or institute. Since December 2002, the DSP is available on-line.

The Board

Ton Brooijmans

ton.brooijmans@covestro.com

Marcel Eleveld

Secretary - marcel.eleveld@akzonobel.com

Alina Astefanei

a.astefanei@uva.nl

Bob Pirok

Bob.Pirok@uva.nl

Mubasher Bashir

mbashir@dow.com

Mies van Steenbergen

m.j.vansteenbergen@uu.nl