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Path: CSPS Online Home » Abstracts » 2005 Abstracts » Chapter 13
2005 Annual Report Abstracts Chapter 14 »
Solubility and Diffusion Studies of Various Solvents in Polyethylene using Capillary Column Inverse Gas Chromatography
Justin Becker

CCIGC experiments at infinite solvent dilution were conducted for 15 polyethylene (PE)-solvent systems. Thermodynamics and diffusion data were collected for various types of penetrant molecules (normal alkanes, 1-alkenes, isomers of hexane, and ring compounds). Crystallinity of the PE was determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to correct the partition coefficient Kp since it was assumed that bulk sorption does not occur in the crystalline polymer. The accuracy of the data came into question when they were compared to theoretical predictions and literature data for thermodynamics parameters and literature data for diffusion parameters. The column coating was examined at both ends of the column via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and it was observed that the coating thickness (about 3 mm) was less than the coating thickness estimated by the column maker. The experimental elution profiles were re-regressed and compared to theory and literature data. Those regressed parameters were closer, some of which were in very good agreement. Even so, agreement was neither overwhelming nor comprehensive. Subsequent data were obtained at higher temperatures. Thermodynamic data appear to agree well with theoretical predictions, thus suggesting future direction for work on PE-solvent systems.

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