Porous poly meshes

Adsorbent choice. The choice of adsorbent material depends on the volatile compounds in the food. Of the synthetic porous polymers, the most widely used and best overall adsorbent is Tenax TA (poly-2,6-diphenyl-p-phenylene oxide) 60 to 80 mesh. While Tenax does not show an adsorption capacity for all volatiles, especially very small polar compounds such as acetaldehyde, it has good thermal stability and desorption capabilities. It also traps little water and generates very few artifacts. Table G1.2.2 shows a few limitations and advantages of various adsorbents, all of which can be purchased from chromatography suppliers. If very small volatiles are the goal, various Carbosieves could be used, or traps containing several adsorbents in series. Traps with mixed adsorbents should be desorbed immediately, before transfer between phases occurs. 

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