Ink Chromatography

[npatrone]

I have started performing paper chromatography on various inks, starting with the color brown. Although the pigments seperate well there is little banding present rather contiguous bleeding with distinct color bands. The lack of banding makes it difficult to calculate movement ratios and hinders the distinctions between inks of similar color. I have read articles on changing the solvent ( using water now) by adding various alcohols or even small amounts of ammonia. Before I starting mixing various solvents in different ratios has anyone had particular success with one solvent vs another? i am using good quality chromatography paper so this is not the problem.

Thanks

[lapis]

Ahh.... my favourite theme. I use distilled water plus alchohol. 50:50 by vol. Either n-butanol or n- or isopropanol. Works well. I use a good thick blotting paper. But not too dense otherwise it takes too long (for me). Strips about 8-10 cm long (1 cm wide) take about 20-30 min. That's fine. Take a look at a few of my jobs. I'll try and locate them later.

 

Lots of luck!

 

Mike

[npatrone]

thanks; will try that ratio