Characterisation of lignosulphonates and kraft lignin by hydrophobic interaction chromatography

To characterise the polymeric properties of processed lignins, a new method has been developed using hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC). This method separates the lignin polymers into fractions based on differences in hydrophobicity using low pressure liquid chromatography (LPLC). The hydrophobic column material consists of monodisperse polystyrene/divinylbenzene beads. An elution gradient was prepared monitoring the electrolyte concentration and pH. Citric acid buffer, containing ammonium sulphate that promotes adsorption to the column material, was used as mobile phase in a step-wise gradient together with ethanol (20/80% (v/v) ethanol/water, pH 12) and isopropanol (40/60% (v/v) isopropanol/water, pH 12). Depending on eluent composition, the degree of elution was 94% or higher. With the HIC method developed, lignosulphonates and kraft lignins were separated into seven distinctive peaks according to hydrophobicity.