Adsorption of polymers at the solution‐solid interface. VIII. Competitive effects in the adsorption of polystyrenes on silica

The adsorption behavior on silica of some polystrenes of moderate molecular weight distribution, both singly and in mixtures, has been examined. The adsorption isotherms indicate that, in both a good solvent (trichloroethylene) and under theta conditions, the species of higher molecular weight is preferentially adsorbed at or near full surface coverage, but that the smaller adsorbate has an improved opportunity for adsorption at low surface coverage. The use of tritiated adsorbates substantiate the isotherm data in cyclohexane solution.