Estolide Molecular Weight Distribution via Gel Permeation Chromatography

Using the universal calibration and the Mark‐Houwink equation (MHE) ( ), three batches of oleic estolide acids and their corresponding 2‐ethylhexyl esters were characterized using gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The MHE parameters in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at 40 °C were determined (for acids: α = 0.442 ± 0.003 and log 10 K =2.505 ± 0.007, for esters: α =0.531 ± 0.006 and log 10 K =2.794 ± 0.018). The fits of the GPC chromatograms yielded...