Preparation and characterization of alkyl methacrylate capillary monolithic columns

Capillary columns were designed and prepared by in situ polymerization using either butyl or hexyl methacrylate monomers in a surface treated fused-silica tubing. The pressure drop across the columns was measured as a function of linear velocity using water and acetonitrile, the results showed a good permeability and a high mechanical stability for both columns. The monolithic stationary phases were also characterized by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). The column efficiency was evaluated by calculating the number of theoretical plates, while the influence of several parameters was investigated, such as, flow rate, mobile phase composition and column temperature. To show the applications, mixtures of aromatic hydrocarbons were separated by using both columns.