Abstract
The influence of carrier solutions on particle retention was studied by varying surfactants and ionic strength in flow field-flow fractionation. Experiments were made with five different submicron polystyrene latex standards at three different types of surfactants and seven different ionic strengths. Departures in particle retention from the general theory were observed. At low ionic strength, it is shown that migrating sample zone is clearly lifted away from the ideal equilibrium height and that the repulsive interaction dominates between the particle and the channel wall. As ionic strength increases up to a certain level, particle retention becomes closer to the general theory. Further increase in ionic strength is shown to prolong the retention. An optimum regime of ionic strength is also suggested with the proper choice of surfactants.