This document evaluates the performance of new GC capillary columns and compares them to columns from established manufacturers. Tests were conducted for column bleed, retention index, film thickness, and trace level acid and base performance.
This document examines a sampling of new GC capillary columns that claim performance equivalence to established manufacturers, specifically comparing them against Agilent Technologies' DB- and HP- brands. The study focuses on general utility 5% phenyl and wax columns with dimensions of 30 m x 0.25 mm id and 0.25 um film thickness.
The evaluation utilizes rigorous quantitative test procedures to assess column bleed, retention index, film thickness, and trace level acid and base performance. The analysis includes thermal-cycling stress tests using replicate injections of chromatographically active analytes at trace levels (5 ng on-column) to monitor effects on column inertness.
All columns tested had dimensions of 30 m x 0.25 mm id and a 0.25 um film thickness.
The study used 2,4-dinitrophenol, n-octylamine, N,N'-diethylethanolamine, and naphthalene as active analytes.
The bleed specifications for DB-5 and DB-5ms are 6 and 4 pA respectively, using an FID.