Abstract: The transition phenomena of polyslyrenesulfonic acid (PSSA) with various degree of sulfonation were investigated by inverse gas chromatograpl y (IGC). The model Z-shaped retention diagrams have been obtained. The glass transition temperatures of a series of PSSA which were measured from these diagrams are in agreement with those measured by thermally stimulated discharge current analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic viscoelastometry previously. Furthermore, the IGC method with excellence of convenience and accuracy might provide more definite data for explaining the molecular mechanism of transition phenomena of solid PSSAionomers. In addition, we have explored the effect of the water adsorption of PSSA on determination of T_g, According to these Z-shaped retention diagrams, the enthalpy of adsorption of n-dodecane on surface of PSSA was also calculated. The result of this calculation shows the enthalpy of adsorption was essentially independent of the degree of sulfonation of PSSA.

Key words: Inverse gas cbromatography, Polystyrenesulfonic acid, Glass transition temperature