New materials and packing techniques for micro-HPLC packed capillary columns

Summary Plastic tubing of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is used for the preparation of HPLC packed capillary columns. The polymer is rigid but not fragile, has great resistance to chemical and physical agents and comes in standard 1/16″ O.D. These features can extend the column lifetime and facilitate the overall employment of HPLC capillary columns. Serial connection of short columns is also possible with no increase in dead volume. A new, rapid and effective packing method has been developed to be compatible with the characteristics of the material. Several C8 and C18 columns have been prepared and tested and some applications are shown.