Sorption of binary liquid mixtures on polymer networks Part I. Determination of surface excess isotherms and free energy functions.

Two groups of polymer networks (polymer resins) are investigated by selective liquid sorption from n-propanol-water mixtures. Group 1 consists of gel polymerized polar (hydrophilic) ion exchangers which swell in the binary liquid mixture. Group 2 consists of non-polar, non-swelling, macroporous resins. The free energy isotherms accompanying the sorption processes are calculated from the excess isotherms and the bulk activities. The adsorption excess free energies reveal the differences in polarity of the polymer network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]