Binary diffusion coefficient, partition ratio, and partial molar volume for docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and α-linolenic acid at infinite dilution in supercritical carbon dioxide

A tracer response technique with a poly(ethylene glycol) coated capillary column was employed to measure binary diffusion coefficient and partition ratio for the omega3 group of long chain unsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and a-linolenic acid at infinite dilution in supercritical (SC) carbon dioxide at temperatures from 308.15 to 343.15 K and pressures from 9 to 30 MPa. The binary diffusion coefficients for each solute were expressed with the Schmidt number correlation as well as the correlation with temperature and CO2 viscosity. The partition ratios were correlated with temperature and CO2 density. Moreover, the partial molar volumes were obtained from the partition ratios for each solute. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V All rights reserved.