Fused silica capillary columns are essential gas chromatography (GC) tools due to their high efficiency and precision. These columns consist of a thin layer of fused silica coated with a polymer stationary phase on the inside and a polyimide polymer on the outside, providing strength and flexibility.
Key Specifications and Features:
Material and Construction: Made from high-purity fused silica, these columns are known for their durability and ability to withstand high temperatures, typically ranging from 300°C to 320°C. The polyimide outer coating enhances their flexibility and strength, ensuring they can be coiled and installed easily without breaking.
Column Dimensions: Fused silica capillary columns are available in various lengths (e.g., 15 m, 30 m, 60 m) and internal diameters (e.g., 0.25 mm, 0.32 mm, 0.53 mm). The film thickness of the stationary phase can also vary, with common thicknesses being 0.25 µm and 0.50 µm. These variations allow customization based on the specific requirements of the analytical application.
Performance: These columns provide excellent peak shapes and high resolution for a wide range of compounds. They are designed to have low bleed, high thermal stability, and reproducible retention times. This makes them suitable for demanding applications such as the analysis of volatile organic compounds and residual solvents in pharmaceuticals.
Applications: Fused silica capillary columns are widely used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, environmental testing, food and beverage analysis, and chemical research. They are particularly valued for their ability to separate complex mixtures with high precision and accuracy.