Determination of capillary electrophoretic methodology and its application as a mechanistic tool for gaining insight into the composition of, and detergent action on, coloured macromolecule fabric stains.

A range of Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) techniques have been developed for the analysis of various chemical components in a range of real matrices. The techniques developed have then been used as a tool for monitoring the chemistry of complex systems. The use of such methods is a novel application of CE. Methodologies have been developed to analyse inorganic anions by Capillary Zone Electrophoresis (CZE). This is an area until recently has received little attention in the literature. The developed methodology is then applied to analysis of anions in sample matrices including sulphates in detergents. The development and application of methods to analyse inorganic cations by CZE is also described. Previous published work had concentrated on the separation and analysis of cations from the same periodic group. This work demonstrates the successful separation of cations from a wide range of periodic groups including simultaneous separation of alkali, alkaline earth and transition metals. This multi-elemental analysis technique is described in both standard solutions and real matrices. Optimisation of separations is performed using a statistical experimental design leading to calculation of a response surface model of the system under study. The knowledge gained from the early work is then used to develop methodology for the analysis of large organic molecules, including dyes and natural pigments. An advanced CE technique (Micellar Electrokinetic Chromatography) is described and optimised to produce fingerprints for use in mechanistic study. The mechanism of Dye Transfer Inhibition (DTI) on the prevention of dye leaching from fabrics during the washing process is investigated. This application illustrates how CE can be used for gaining an insight into mechanistic chemistry in addition to simple analysis. The knowledge gained from the analysis of dyes is applied to the development of methods for fingerprinting natural coloured macro-molecules. Fingerprints of the major components in haemoglobin breakdown process are characterised. This information was then used in an attempt to identify the nature of fabric stains and the action of washing on the stained pigment. A summary of the thesis is presented which contains suggestions for future work.

Author dc:creator

• Pretswell, Emma Louise

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• A.R. Morrisson, B.A. McGaw and J.S. Park

Language dc:language

en

Identifier

oai:rgu-repository.worktribe.com:2807537
https://doi.org/10.48526/rgu-wt-2807537

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:rgu-repository.worktribe.com:2807537