Characterization of Steric Field-Flow Fractionation Using Particles to 100 μm Diameter

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Abstract
Steric field-flow fractionation has been applied to a larger range of particle sizes than heretofore studied, thus expanding the upper diameter limit to approximately 100 μm. The large size range investigated (6–100 μm), combined with velocity-dependent studies, provided the parameters for two simple empirical retention equations. The implication of these equations to selectivity and plate height were investigated theoretically. The experimental results, combined with the theory, showed that the diameter-based selectivity was less than unity and decreased somewhat with increasing velocity. Calculated polydispersity contributions appeared to constitute a major part of peak broadening, but observed plate heights increased with flow velocity whereas the polydispersity contribution was predicted to decrease with velocity. The theoretical and practical implications of the results are summarized.