OPTIMIZATION OF THE SEPARATION OF MICRON-SIZED LATEX-PARTICLES BY GRAVITATIONAL FIELD-FLOW FRACTIONATION

Optimization of separation of latex particles by gravitational field-f low fractionation is described. The separation was performed in a ribb on-like glass wall channel 36 cm long; the steps of optimization were performed on the basis of both theoretical considerations and experime ntal measurements. Theoretical considerations were based on separation governed by the Earth's gravity and lift forces. The experimental con ditions optimized were the quality of the surface of the channel wall and the type and concentration of the carrier liquid surfactant. As a result of the optimization it was possible to separate 5, 7, 10, 15, a nd 20 mum diameter particles in 4 min, using a 0.01 % solution of Twee n 60 (nonionic surfactant) in an 80 mum high channel with its bottom m odified by MS200 silicon oil.