A novel β-cyclodextrin polymer/tungsten carbide composite matrix for expanded bed adsorption: Preparation and characterization of physical properties

A series of matrices named CroCD–TuC are prepared by the reversed-phase suspension crosslinking technique for expanded bed adsorption. The matrices have regular spherical shape, and follow logarithmic normal size distribution with the range of 80–320 μm and mean diameter of 143–168 μm. The densifier of tungsten carbide embedded within the β-cyclodextrin polymer skeleton causes a significant increase of particle density. The maximum wet density of matrices is 2.09 g cm−3, which shows a potential for the operation in an expanded bed at high flow rate. The matrices also have suitable water content and pore properties for the chromatographic separation use. Moreover, the addition of tungsten carbide improves the rigidity of the matrices, which can tolerate high pressure at high flow rate and show low compressibility in the column. The new matrices can also be ionized in NaOH solution, which may provide some beneficial information for peculiar usage.