Accurate analytical results depend on more than the instrument performing the measurement. Every surface that contacts a sample before it reaches the detector can influence the final result. Tubing, fittings, valves, filters, regulators, sample cylinders, and instrument components may adsorb or react with sensitive compounds, particularly when measuring at trace levels.
At JASIS 2026, SilcoTek GK will highlight how advanced chemical vapor deposition (CVD) coatings can improve analytical performance by creating an inert, stable surface throughout the sample flow path.
JASIS brings analytical and scientific instrument manufacturers and dealers together to showcase the technologies supporting advances in research, testing, and measurement. As one of Asia’s largest exhibitions for analytical and scientific instrumentation, the show provides an ideal opportunity to explore how better surface chemistry can help improve analytical accuracy, response time, and reliability.
Stainless steel is widely used in analytical systems because it is durable, cleanable, and compatible with demanding operating conditions. However, an untreated stainless steel surface can contain chemically active sites that interact with the sample.
Reactive compounds may adsorb to the surface, decompose, or remain behind and later desorb into a different sample stream. These interactions can contribute to:
These effects become especially important as detection limits move from parts per million to parts per billion or parts per trillion. At those concentrations, even small interactions between an analyte and the flow path can affect the reliability of the measurement.
SilcoTek coatings modify the surface of stainless steel and other materials without replacing the strength and durability of the underlying component. Our CVD process applies a thin, conformal silicon coating that acts as a barrier between the sample and reactive metal surfaces.
Because the process is not limited to line-of-sight deposition, the coating can be applied to complex internal pathways and intricate components. This makes it possible to treat parts such as tubing, fittings, valves, regulators, filters, sample cylinders, GC components, and other surfaces that come into direct contact with the sample.
The resulting surface can reduce adsorption and unwanted chemical reactions while maintaining the dimensions and function of precision analytical components.
SilcoNert® 2000 is engineered to provide exceptional inertness for reactive compounds. It is commonly used in sampling and analytical systems handling sulfur compounds, volatile organic compounds, ammonia, mercury, and other substances that can be difficult to reliably transport and measure using untreated metal surfaces.
In sulfur analysis, for example, compounds such as hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan can be rapidly lost to stainless steel. SilcoNert 2000 coated tubing and sample cylinders have demonstrated improved recovery and stability by preventing these compounds from interacting with the underlying metal.
Similar surface interactions can affect VOC analysis, environmental monitoring, process gas analysis, emissions testing, flavor and fragrance testing, breath analysis, and other applications requiring reliable measurement of active compounds.
Adsorption does more than reduce the amount of analyte reaching the detector. It can also delay the response of the analytical system.
When reactive molecules initially contact an untreated flow path, they may attach to active sites along the surface. The analyzer may not report the correct concentration until those sites become saturated. When the sample concentration decreases, retained molecules may slowly desorb, causing the analyzer to continue reporting the compound after its actual concentration has changed.
This behavior can produce slow response, extended conditioning periods, and misleading results. An inert coated flow path reduces the interaction between the sample and the surface, helping the analyzer respond more quickly to changes in concentration and return to baseline more efficiently.
Analytical performance is only as reliable as the most reactive surface in the system. Coating a long section of tubing while leaving a valve, fitting, filter, or regulator untreated can still create an opportunity for sample loss.
For the best results, the complete wetted flow path should be considered, including the surfaces used during:
SilcoTek works with analytical instrument manufacturers, component suppliers, laboratories, and end users to identify critical surfaces and develop coating strategies for complete systems. Existing components can often be coated without requiring a redesign or a change to a less durable substrate.
As analytical technologies become more sensitive, surface chemistry will continue to play an increasingly important role in system performance. Lower detection limits place greater demands on sample integrity, while faster process measurements require flow paths that respond quickly and consistently.
SilcoTek coatings help instrument manufacturers and laboratories address these challenges while retaining the mechanical advantages of stainless steel and other engineered materials. From gas chromatography and process analyzers to environmental monitoring and research instrumentation, an inert flow path can help ensure the sample reaching the detector is representative of the sample originally collected.
JASIS 2026 will be held September 2–4 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. Visit booth 8B-606 to learn how SilcoTek coatings can improve analyte recovery, reduce adsorption, shorten response times, and protect sample integrity throughout your analytical flow path.
Bring us your most difficult analytical surface challenge. Our team can help evaluate the sample, substrate, operating conditions, and system configuration to identify an appropriate coating solution.