Gas-liquid chromatographic study of polystyrene-n-alkane interactions

Gas-liquid chromatography is used to study the thermodynamic interactions b etween polystyrene and n-alkanes (C-6-C-10). Polystyrene is used as a stati onary phase with n-alkanes as the probe molecules. Retention times and spec ific retention volumes are measured over the temperature interval of 60 to 170 degreesC. Partial molar free energy of mixing, polymer-solvent interact ion parameter, glass-transition temperature, and solubility parameter of po lystyrene at infinite dilution are calculated. Experimental results are dis cussed in terms of the theoretical calculations and size of the probe molec ules. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.