Flow field-flow fractionation (flow FFF) is introduced as a chromatographic-like method with a potential for separating and characterizing water soluble polymers. The theory of the method is summarized, showing that one gets a size distribution curve based on the Stokes diameter, d. Problems in interpreting the elution profile in both flow FFF and gel permeation chromatography are discussed in the light of complications arising from electrostatic chain expansion in polyelectrolytes.
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