Nonequilibrium and Polydispersity Peak Broadening in Thermal Field-Flow Fractionation

Abstract
New theoretical procedures and an expanded data base have been combined to yield improved calculations for nonequilibrium plate height and polydispersity contributions in field-flow fractionation (FFF). Five thermal FFF column systems having a fourfold range in column width and length were operated with four solutes to yield eleven distinct channel-solute systems. After data were corrected for relaxation effects, comparison of experimental plate height measurements with theory showed good overall agreement for nonequilibrium parameter X. Calculated values of polydispersity agreed reasonably well with supplier's values. Data reliability has been discussed in relationship to column dimensions and experimental parameters.