Size exclusion chromatography of cellulose dissolved in LiCl/DMAC using macroporous monodisperse poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) particles

Two types of hydrophilic macroporous monodisperse particles (MMP) based on poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) have been investigated for use as column material for size exclusion chromatography (SEC) analysis of cellulose dissolved in lithium chloride/N,N-dimethylacetamide (LiCl/DMAc). The particles appeared inert to the mobile phase and no adsorption of cellulose could be detected. Favorable chromatographic properties associated with monosized particles such as low back pressures and high flow rates were obtained. Two MMP columns of different pore size distributions coupled in series, allowed separation of cellulose in the molecular weight range 10(4)-10(7) g/mole. The particles were suitable for SEC of cellulose samples dissolved in 0.5% LiCl/DMAc and the reproducibility and long term stability were superior to that of a comparable commercial SEC column.