Polyimide Resin Polyimide Resin

cat.# 20445 cat.# 20445

Polyimide resin functions as an adhesive when connecting capillary col- Polyimide resin functions as an adhesive when connecting capillary col-
Figure 1: Make a clean, square Figure 1: Make a clean, square
umns using a Press-Tight® connector. Using this product is not required; cut for optimum connector umns using a Press-Tight® connector. Using this product is not required; cut for optimum connector
however, when applied according to the instructions below, polyimide performance. however, when applied according to the instructions below, polyimide performance.
resin will help you ensure a durable connection. This product is usable resin will help you ensure a durable connection. This product is usable
up to the maximum temperature of your columns—not to exceed 350 °C. up to the maximum temperature of your columns—not to exceed 350 °C.
(For instructions on properly installing a Press-Tight® connector, refer to (For instructions on properly installing a Press-Tight® connector, refer to
the Press-Tight® connector instruction sheet.) the Press-Tight® connector instruction sheet.)
The cut on the right will produce The cut on the right will produce
Installation a poor seal. Installation a poor seal.

1. Holding the column end upright, lightly score the column tubing 1. Holding the column end upright, lightly score the column tubing
with a ceramic scoring wafer, but do not break it. Figure 2: A brown ring indicates with a ceramic scoring wafer, but do not break it. Figure 2: A brown ring indicates
2. Point the column end downward, then lightly tap the column (it a proper seal. 2. Point the column end downward, then lightly tap the column (it a proper seal.
should break easily) to remove the end portion. Inspect the cut. If should break easily) to remove the end portion. Inspect the cut. If
the tubing does not break or the cut is not uniform (Figure 1), repeat the tubing does not break or the cut is not uniform (Figure 1), repeat
steps 1–2. steps 1–2.
3. Gently wipe the end of the column with a solvent like methanol or 3. Gently wipe the end of the column with a solvent like methanol or
acetonitrile. acetonitrile.
4. Gently insert the column end into the Press-Tight® connector until it Figure 3 4. Gently insert the column end into the Press-Tight® connector until it Figure 3
is firmly gripped in the radial restriction. Be careful not to press too is firmly gripped in the radial restriction. Be careful not to press too
hard or the column end will crush. A continuous brown ring where hard or the column end will crush. A continuous brown ring where
the column end compresses inside the connector indicates a proper the column end compresses inside the connector indicates a proper
connection (Figure 2). connection (Figure 2).
5. Follow steps 1–4 for inserting the other column end into the connector. 5. Follow steps 1–4 for inserting the other column end into the connector.
6. For both connections, apply a very small amount of polyimide resin 6. For both connections, apply a very small amount of polyimide resin
halfway around the column tubing near the opening of the halfway around the column tubing near the opening of the
Press-Tight® connector (Figure 3). Allow 30 min to air dry. Press-Tight® connector (Figure 3). Allow 30 min to air dry.
Note: Do not use excess polyimide resin or apply it all the way around Note: Do not use excess polyimide resin or apply it all the way around
the column tubing. This may cause the seal to rupture during the Storage the column tubing. This may cause the seal to rupture during the Storage
curing process. After being opened, the poly- curing process. After being opened, the poly-
7. With carrier gas flowing, leak check the connections by first checking imide resin can be stored at room 7. With carrier gas flowing, leak check the connections by first checking imide resin can be stored at room
temperature for a maximum of 2 temperature for a maximum of 2
for bubbles in the polyimide resin, and then by using Restek’s for bubbles in the polyimide resin, and then by using Restek’s
weeks with only minimal change weeks with only minimal change
electronic leak detector (cat.# 22655) before the column is heated. electronic leak detector (cat.# 22655) before the column is heated.
in properties. When refrigerated in properties. When refrigerated
8. To cure the resin, heat the column by programming the GC oven at 5–8 °C, this product may be 8. To cure the resin, heat the column by programming the GC oven at 5–8 °C, this product may be
from 40 °C to 150 °C at 4 °C/min (hold 30 min) to 220 °C at 1 °C/min kept for approximately 4–6 from 40 °C to 150 °C at 4 °C/min (hold 30 min) to 220 °C at 1 °C/min kept for approximately 4–6
(hold 30 min). months. Polyimide resin is mois- (hold 30 min). months. Polyimide resin is mois-
ture sensitive; always keep the ture sensitive; always keep the
9. Periodically leak check the connections to confirm seal integrity. bottle closed when not in use. 9. Periodically leak check the connections to confirm seal integrity. bottle closed when not in use.

Questions about this or any other Restek® product? Contact us or your Questions about this or any other Restek® product? Contact us or your
local Restek® representative (www.restek.com/contact-us). local Restek® representative (www.restek.com/contact-us).
Restek® patents and trademarks are the property of Restek Corporation. (See www.restek.com/Patents-Trademarks for full list.) Restek® patents and trademarks are the property of Restek Corporation. (See www.restek.com/Patents-Trademarks for full list.)
Other trademarks in Restek® literature or on its website are the property of their respective owners. Restek® registered trademarks Other trademarks in Restek® literature or on its website are the property of their respective owners. Restek® registered trademarks
are registered in the U.S. and may also be registered in other countries. are registered in the U.S. and may also be registered in other countries.

© 2015 Restek Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. © 2015 Restek Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
www.restek.com www.restek.com
#202-04-003 Rev. date: 03/15 #202-04-003 Rev. date: 03/15