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Coatings for Analytical Chemistry

Maximize Surface Inertness for Optimal Results

We are the Pioneer and Leader of Inert Coatings that Boost Analytical Performance

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Metal alloys like stainless steel are popular materials for analytical instrumentation and fluid handling because they are versatile, easy to fabricate, and generally resistant to a variety of chemicals. However, even the highest quality alloys, glass, and ceramics are prone to chemical adsorption and catalytic effects that degrade analytical sensitivity and efficiency, ultimately increasing costs and workflow time.  

SilcoTek inert coating solutions have been trusted for over three decades to marry high-performance surface properties with preferred materials of construction. Our proprietary coating processes offer a greater combination of chemical inertness and durability than polymers, electropolishing, exotic materials, or competitive coatings. 

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Coating Benefits

Chemically inert coatings from SilcoTek enable the gold standard of detection limits, resolution, and speed in chromatography, spectrometry, clinical diagnostics, and a variety of process analysis methods: 

  • Save money and more samples in less time. Achieve near-instant signal response while eliminating priming, passivation, or the use of additives. 
  • Improve peak shapes and recovery of analytes that have an affinity to metal surfaces, enhancing precision and accuracy of results without excess sample waste. 
  • Upgrade to sustainable silicon (Si)-based coatings that comfortably withstand higher temperatures and pressures than PFAS materials like PEEK or PTFE. 
  • Optimize how the surfaces of your system interact with process chemistries. Take better control of desired chemical/surface interactions at any pH or temperature. 

Applications

SilcoTek coatings improve any analytical chemistry process. They are especially effective with compounds that adsorb to and react with bare metals: 

  • Sulfur compounds like hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans 
  • Proteins and peptides 
  • Mercury and ammonia 
  • Nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides 
  • Amines, pesticides, and VOCs 
  • Antifungals and antibiotics
  • Psychoactive compounds and terpenes
  • Hydrochloric acid and other corrosive samples 
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Coating Services for Analytical Chemistry

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SilcoTek applies inert coatings from our ISO 9001:2015 certified facility to a wide variety of flow path components, including but not limited to: 

  • Liquid and gas chromatography columns 
  • Sampling needles and probes 
  • Frits and filters of any pore size 
  • Valves, fittings, and sample cylinders 
  • Tubing in both straight and coiled form 
  • Reactors, chambers, and manifolds 
  • Custom parts 

While our coating materials offer game-changing advantages, the processes we use to apply them are what make SilcoTek unique. We have perfected chemical vapor deposition (CVD) at scale, enabling economical coating of any part geometry at high volumes. Unlike typical liquid spray or physical coating methods, CVD enables coating of sub-micron sized openings, sharp edges, flexible components like bellows, and high aspect ratio flow paths. SilcoTek coatings have superior adhesion, allowing coated products to be bent and flexed without damaging the surface. 

Most Recommended Coatings

SilcoNert® 2000, also known as Sulfinert

Flagship coating for gas sampling and chromatography. Next-generation version of original SilcoSteel amorphous silicon technology, functionalized for maximum inertness. Learn more.

Dursan®

Ideal for most liquid chromatography (HPLC) applications, excluding SEC. Hydrophobic surface resists adsorption of proteins, peptides, and other chelating agents. Also durable and corrosion resistant for aggressive gas analyzer applications e.g. refinery and petrochemical. Learn more.

Siltride® 1000

Our most hydrophilic surface, emerging as the best inert solution for size exclusion chromatography (SEC). Learn more.

Silcolloy® 2000

Ideal for high temperature (400° C – 800° C) or acid corrosion applications. Several layers of amorphous silicon. Suitable for analysis down to ~50 ppm. Learn more.

Want to test our coating before you buy?

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Additional Resources

Technical Publications

An Introduction to Inert Coatings

Technical Insight: Characterizing the Performance of Surface Modifications that Enhance Sensitivity, Reliability, Reproducbility and Accuracy of Analytical Instruments

A Comparison of Coatings Used to Enhance the Moisture Performance of Analyzer Flow Paths

Case Studies

Improving Mercury Detection with Equinor in Europe’s Largest Methanol Production Plant

Enhance Process Sampling Accuracy and Safety with SilcoTek Coatings and SENSOR Sampling Systems

Ensuring Accurate Analysis in a Process Mass Spectrometer with SilcoNert® 2000

Application Guides

Achieving Metal Free HPLC Analysis with a Bio-inert CVD Coating

Sulfur Compound Sampling, Storage, and Transfer using SilcoNert®2000, The Ultimate Inert Coating

Prevent Mercury Loss During Transport and Storage with SilcoNert®2000

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