“It could not be done” according to the literature, but we did it.
Restek’s experience with surface coatings began in 1987. Thermoelectron’s Egis division contacted us to pacify the metal
surfaces of their new explosives detector because we were known in the analytical industry as the silicone coating experts.
It “could not be done” according to the literature—but we developed technology to coat intricate metal parts with an
inert layer, preventing low ppt levels of explosives from adsorbing on the metal surface. Driven by this success, we
applied our technology to capillary gas chromatography columns, essentially duplicating the inertness of glass within
metal tubing. Our highly robust stainless steel columns were perfect for process analyses. The end product from this
work was Silcosteel® treatment for stainless steel tubing. Silcosteel® treated tubing currently is used in
analytical testing equipment by all major manufacturers of gas chromatography sampling and analysis equipment.
Since this initial project, Restek’s coatings experts have developed a family of surface treatments to address specific
needs and thereby enhance the performance of system components in many applications, spanning multiple industries and
market areas. Restek treated components increase the lifetime of stack monitoring equipment exposed to sulfuric acid.
Silcosteel®-AC treated injector nozzles have longer service life because coking is inhibited. Sulfinert® treated
sampling equipment increases the reliability of process measurements in refineries and petrochemical plants. A mass
spectrometer manufacturer demands Silcosteel® treated parts to increase instrument sensitivity for analyzing
pesticides. Restek air sampling equipment has been used to sample diverse environments, from city air to submarine
cabins to NASA space shuttles.
Some 17 years ago we were a small group of young, eager chemists willing to try anything. Now, there are many Restek
scientists eager to advance our surface treatment technology, and our visions have evolved into highly reproducible,
patented surface layers applied with computer-controlled precision. The Performance Coatings Division has evolved into
a separate division of Restek, devoting its energies exclusively to meeting your surface passivation needs.
Discover our capabilities here, then challenge us. Give us your toughest surface activity problems, and watch our team
innovate. Restek has been “turning visions into reality” since the earliest days of our company. Let us do what
“cannot be done” for you.
|
