Pore size distribution in Separon using mercury contact angles in pores and hysteresis in porosimetry

The porous co-polymer Separon HEMA 1000 for HPLC column packing was examined by using a special method of mercury porosimetry evaluation. The advancing and receding contact angles of mercury in pores were determined and the method used is described in detail. The pore distribution curves obtained from mercury porosimetry and from the nitrogen desorption isotherms are in good agreement. The dependence of the hysteresis of the porosimetry curves and mercury retention in the pores on the intrusion volume was investiaged to characterize the porous structure of the sample. The influence of the pore potential on the hysteresis was evaluated.