Question

What are the advantages of fused-silica capillary columns compared with glass or metal columns?

Short answer

They have high physical strength, flexibility, and lower reactivity as compared to normal glass or metal columns.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction

A fused-silica open tubular column is a type of WCOT. They are narrow-bore capillary columns coated with a stationary phase on the inside, a polyimide polymer coating on the outside, and a layer of silica between them.

Advantages

They have thinner walls, and the protective polyimide coating provides strength to the capillary tubes. They have high physical strength, flexibility, and lower reactivity as compared to normal glass or metal columns.