Polymer-solute diffusion and equilibrium parameters by inverse gas chromatography

Inverse gas chromatography (IGC) was used to measure diffusion and thermodynamic parameters of volatile compounds in polymers. A comprehensive model for IGC is proposed, and a numerical solution for it is developed. Four capillary columns were prepared using PDMS and EPDM as the stationary phase. Toluene, ethanol, water, and some chlorinated compounds were the probes for the chromatographic experiments. Limitations of the IGC technique, although not reported in the literature, are explained. Nevertheless, the results for the systems chosen were satisfactory and agreed with the literature. The effect of adsorption on the column wall is important when water is used as a solute. The adsorption effect was incorporated into the model. The parameters obtained for water using the modified model became more reliable. The parameters obtained with IGC were used to get further understanding of the pervaporation process.