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Abstract
The elution behavior of polyethylene glycols, polyethylene oxide, polypropylene glycols, and sodium poly(methacrylic acid) in several mobile phases (water, methanol, acetone, dimethylacetamide, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether) was studied. The elution behavior of polyvinyl alcohol in water was also measured. ZSM‐5 and Y‐type zeolites were used as column packings. Full retention of the polymers was found in several chromatographic systems. Polyethylene oxide with average molar masses up to 545 kg/mol, polyvinyl alcohol up to 128 kg/mol, and sodium poly(methacrylic acid) up to 1027 kg/mol were fully retained within specific column packings. Additionally, to the full adsorption, a decreased recovery of polymers was observed in some sorbent–solvent systems. According to the hydrodynamic radius of macromolecules in solution, the polymer should be sterically fully excluded from all pores of the zeolites. It is assumed that polymer chains are adsorbed in flower‐like conformation, i.e., a part of polymer chain could penetrate into pores after a change in the conformation of chains. The results indicate that microporous sorbents possess high adsorption potential towards polymers.
Acknowledgment
J.F. Denayer is grateful to the F.W.O. Vlaanderen for a fellowship as postdoctoral researcher.