Influence of preadsorbed water on chromatographic detention of organic volatiles by cellulosic substrates

A modified gas chromatographic system was used to measure the effects of pread sorbed water on the adsorption and desorption of various organic volatiles by cellulosic substrates. To minimize diffusion effects, short columns and fast carrier gas flow rates were used. The data yielded sticking coefficients, residence times, equilibrium constants (adsorption isotherms), and surface concentrations for a group of adsorbates including a homologous series of alcohols. In general, sticking coefficients increased, and residence time, equilibrium constants, and surface concentrations decreased as the concentration of water vapor increased. Sticking coefficients correlated with the total solubility pa rameters of the adsorbates.