Sorption of organic dyes by polyurethane foam

The sorption of fifty-nine organic dyes, indicators and stains by polyester and polyether-type polyurethane foams was investigated by use of aqueous solutions and powdered foam material. Comparisons were made with sorption from 50% methanol solutions for some dyes and also with solvent extractions done with diethyl ether or ethyl acetate for several dyes. The R f values for the dyes run on cellulose TLC plates in water or a mixed solvent mobile phase were compared to the distribution coefficients with polyurethane foam. The relationship between the structure of the test substances and their sorption is discussed.