Monosized stationary phases for chromatography

Polymer particles with a highly monodisperse particle size distribution were produced by a two-step microsuspension method. This process is based on the activation of monosized polymer seed particles by the introduction of a low-molecular-weight material, which leads to a large increase in the monomer swelling capacity of the seed particles. The versatility of the process allows the preparation of polymer monosized compact or macroporous particles of predetermined particle size in the range 1–100 μm and with application of a wide selection of polymeric materials. Underivatized, rigid, porous particles were developed for size-exclusion chromatography in organic solvents. The uniform packing that may be achieved with monosized particles has resulted in chromatographic columns with unusual efficiency and separation capacity. By coating the particle surface with a hydrophilic cross-linked polymer, supports for aqueous phase ion-exchange and size-exclusion chromatography may be produced.