GAS-CHROMATOGRAPHIC PROPERTIES OF 2 THERMOTROPIC POLY(L-GLUTAMATES) WITH LONG ALKYL SIDE-CHAINS

Comparative gas chromatographic properties of two thermotropic Poly(L- glutamates) with long alkyl side chains (10 and 16 carbons called Poly 10 and Poly 16 respectively) are studied. Their thermal properties we re established with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and gas ch romatography. They present a cholesteric liquid crystal in a large tem perature range. The chromatographic separation abilities of the two po lymers in the liquid crystal state were studied using capillary glass columns. Interesting analytical performances were obtained in differen t fields: isomeric separation of alkanes, aromatics, polyaromatics, vo latile aroma compounds and cis and trans isomers. Some differences wer e noticed in their behaviours; 2 and 3-methyloctane and xylene isomers are separated only on Poly 10 while limonene and eucalyptol are separ ated only on Poly 16.