When it comes to chromatography, precision and efficiency are the keys to success. Achieving the performance that leads to operational success relies on selecting the right material to fabricate your chromatography plates.
Woven wire mesh and polypropylene, for example, are two prominent materials used that offer their unique list of pros and cons. But, selecting between the two must be a strategic move to reach optimal precision and efficiency.
Having said that, how do woven wire mesh and polypropylene differ? Which one makes more sense for you?
Since its establishment 150 years ago, W.S. Tyler has become dedicated to promoting operational success by manufacturing and supplying woven wire solutions that match the performance you expect.
With that, this article was written to establish the key difference between the two materials, so you're equipped to make an educated decision that will project your operation to a greater height. You will learn:
- The definition of woven wire mesh
- The benefits of using woven wire mesh chromatography plates
- The drawbacks of using woven wire mesh chromatography plates
- The definition of polypropylene
- The benefits of using polypropylene chromatography plates
- The drawbacks of using polypropylene chromatography plates
- The material you should be using
What Is Woven Wire Mesh?
Woven wire mesh, or simply woven wire, is a screening/filtration media that is fabricated using a centuries-old weaving technique that resembles traditional fabric weaving. Fully customizable, parameters such as the wire diameter, mesh count, alloy, and weave pattern can be hand-selected, ensuring seamless integration.
Now, it is important to note that the weaving process used to fabricate woven wire is heavily monitored and methodically planned out. This leaves you with exact pore openings that deliver optimal separation performance.
Why Use Woven Wire Chromatography Plates?
Woven wire can be constructed from alloys that transfer and distribute heat efficiently. In the world of chromatography, this is critical as the success of countless processes relies on your ability to control the environmental temperature.
The material is also widely used for chemical resistance. This allows it to perform efficiently, even when faced with the harshest solvent solutions.
Something particularly unique to woven wire is that it has a relatively high percentage of open area. With limited closed space, woven wire improves the relationship between the sample and stationary phases.
Not to mention, its durability and structural integrity render it reusable and easily cleaned.
The Disadvantages of Woven Wire Mesh?
While not necessarily common, you should always be mindful of the fact woven wire posses the threat of metal ion leaching. This is a prominent issue when an unsuitable alloy is used.
Now, these are two aspects that make the surface of woven wire uneven: the knuckles at each wire intersection and the microscopic grains on the surface of the wires. The uneven surface has the potential to impact the distribution of the stationary phase, ultimately affecting the accuracy and reliability of your results.
While heat conductivity is considered a benefits to using woven wire, it can also be pitfall. More specifically, it can cause focal spots of overheating or overall temperature control issues.
When compared to other materials used for chromatography screening, woven wire is known to cost more. This is both in material costs and in preventive maintenance.
To learn more about how much woven wire mesh costs, read the article below:
What Is Polypropylene?
Polypropylene is best defined as a thermoplastic polymer. It is particularly known for its durability, low density, chemical resistance, and cost-effectiveness.
Featuring an impressively high melting point, polypropylene delivers the heat resistance needed to withstand various chromatography applications. Furthermore, its ability to be formed with ease means you can fabricate it to fit your exact screening needs.
Why Use Polypropylene Chromatography Plates?
There are several reasons in which polypropylene is used to fabricated chromatogrphy plates. First and foremost is its resistance to chemicals.
Because the solutions separated by chromatography can vary dramatically, having a material like polypropylene that won't degrade is critical.
Another key benefit of polypropylene chromatography plates is their durability. Not only does this improve their overall longevity, it helps boost the safety of your process as well.
This, alongside its heat resistance, feeds into its versatility. More specifically, these two factors excel when subjected to high volume and high heat simultaneously.
Not to mention, it is considered to be one of the more cost-effective screening media used for chromatography.
The Disadvantages of Polypropylene?
While resistant to most chemicals present in the chromatography industry, there are several chemicals that can comprise the integrity of polypropylene chromatography plates. This often comes in the form of warping or other instances of structural anomalies.
When compared to other materials like glass or woven wire, polypropylene is the least resistant to extreme temperatures. This means the hotter your system gets, the less compatible polypropylene gets.
Additionally, polypropylene does not have the same level of desirable mechanical strength as comparable materials. This reduces its adaptivity to high-stress/high-pressure environments.
Lastly, because it is a polymer, polypropylene lacks superior conductivity properties. This means you may find it hard to achieve desirable results when your process relies on electrical or thermal conductivity.
Which Material Should I Be Using To Fabricate My Chromatography Plate?
When determining whether woven wire or polypropylene should be used to fabricate your next chromatography plates, you must look at the specifics of your operation. This includes temperature variations, corrosiveness of the substance being screened, etc.
When dealing with more extreme chemicals or temperatures, woven wire may offer a more desirable level of thermal and corrosion resistance. You will also want to lean towards woven wire's superior mechanical strength if your chromatography plates will be subjected to heightened stress and pressure loads.
And if your process relies of conducting electricity, woven wire is, again, will most likely provide a better outcome.
Now, if you are attempting to operate within strict budgetary constraints, the cost-effectiveness of polypropylene will be the best fit. It is also a more environmentally friendly material, which is critical to the vast amount of organizations attempting to reduce their carbon footprint.
But again, the material you use ultimately falls on the material you are working with, the separation performance you seek, and the volume of material being screened.
Achieve One-Of-A-Kind Woven Wire Performance With POROSTAR®
Woven wire mesh and polypropylene are both materials commonly used to fabricate chromatography plates. Woven wire mesh is the preferred option when mechanical stress and conductivity are required, whereas polypropylene is the ideal material for those who value cost-savings over performance.
With woven wire standing as the more prominent material, it is important to understand that the material comes in many forms. It can even be used to fabricate multi-layered chromatography plates that deliver a level of operational efficiency that was once thought to be impossible.
For this reason, you must explore multi-layered options, such as POROSTAR®.
W.S. Tyler has been innovating the way the world utilizes woven wire mesh in an effort to create a cleaner, safer world for over 150 years. We strive to help you fully understand the options available so you can overcome any obstacles or concerns you may be facing.
Read the following article to gain insight into what POROSTAR is and how it can elevate your chromatography success: