Comparison of polarity parameters for glass fibers obtained by inverse gas chromatography and solvatochromism

Glass fibers with different surface properties (differently sized and unsized) have been investigated by means of inverse gas chromatography (IGC) at infinite dilution as well as by UV/Vis spectroscopy of solvatochromic probe dye molecules. Surface acid–base parameters obtained from the specific energies of adsorption of polar probes using IGC were compared with empirical polarity parameters obtained from shifts in the UV/Vis absorption maxima of adsorbed solvatochromic probe dyes. Both methods give useful information on surface characteristics. Solvatochromism seems to be suitable for a quick sizing characterization and, therefore, this method may become a significant surface analytical tool in the field of adhesion compared with the established IGC methodology.