Factors that influence separation and rate of elution: 1. Polarity of mobile phase (solvent) 2. Substrate interactions with stationary phase Thus, for paper chromatography, time is not a factor that largely affect the separation. Solution Factors that influence separation and rate of elution: 1. Polarity of mobile phase (solvent) 2. Substrate interactions with stationary phase Thus, for paper chromatography, time is not a factor that largely affect the separation..