Abstract
Determining sample volumes for gas sorption measurements by pycnometry is often considered to be trivial, as it is assumed that helium does not sorb to the sample material. The aim of this study is to show the contrary, i.e., helium may sorb to certain polymers and to introduce the proposed helium-sorption correction algorithm for compensating for such helium sorption. By using a Rubotherm magnetic suspension balance, the volume of a commercial polyether block amide (Pebax© MH 1657) was analyzed with the new algorithm based on kinetic data. Helium was found to sorb to all tested Pebax© MH 1657 samples. Compared to the conventional calculations, the proposed algorithm yielded more precise sample volumes. To ensure accurate sorption measurements of any gas, it is important to take into account possible helium sorption.
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We would like to thank the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation for financial support of this research endeavor.
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Lorenz, K., Wessling, M. How to determine the correct sample volume by gravimetric sorption measurements. Adsorption 19, 1117–1125 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10450-013-9537-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10450-013-9537-0