Polymeric fiber rods for separation applications

1. A separation element for use in a chromatographic analysis system for the separation of a mixture using a stationary phase and a mobile phase, the separation element comprising:

a fluid transmissive fiber rod comprising

a plurality of bundled entangled fibers configured to provide a tortuous path that promotes uniform flow through which a mobile phase may flow as part of a separation process, the plurality of fibers providing a stationary phase for the separation process and

an impermeable thermoplastic sleeve surrounding, confining and being adhered to the plurality of bundled entangled fibers, wherein the plurality of bundled fibers and impermeable thermoplastic sleeve are integrally manufactured.

2. The separation element of claim 1 wherein the bundled fibers are entangled and bonded to each other at spaced apart contact points to form a self-sustaining fiber structure.

3. The separation element of claim 1 wherein the fibers are unbonded and wherein the sleeve supports and contains the bundled fibers to form a self-supporting rod structure.

4. The separation element of claim 1 wherein the impermeable thermoplastic sleeve comprises at least one of the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester and nylon.

5. The separation element of claim 1 wherein the impermeable thermoplastic sleeve is adapted to withstand an internal pressure in a range of about 10 psi to about 5000 psi.

6. The separation element of claim 1 wherein the impermeable thermoplastic sleeve is adapted to withstand an internal pressure in a range of about 50 psi to about 300 psi.

7. The separation element of claim 1 wherein the fiber rod has a length dimension that is at least about 5 cm.

8. The separation element of claim 1 wherein the fiber rod has a maximum cross-section dimension in a range of about 1 μm to about 1000 mm.

9. The separation element of claim 1 wherein the fiber rod has has a maximum cross-section dimension in a range of about 1 mm to about 300 mm.

10. The separation element of claim 1 wherein the fiber rod has a porosity of about 10% to about 90%.

11. The separation element of claim 1 wherein the fiber rod has a porosity of about 30% to about 50%.

12. The separation element of claim 1 wherein the plurality of fibers includes individual fibers having a diameter in a range of about 1 μm to about 150 μm.

13. The separation element of claim 1 wherein the fibers comprise bicomponent fibers.

14. The separation element of claim 1 wherein the fibers comprise at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polyamides, polyolefins, polyesters, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene/acrylic acid copolymers and salts of same, ethylene/methacrylic acid copolymers and salts of same, ethylene vinyl acetate, polystyrene, polysulfones, polyphenylene sulfide, polyacetals, and polymers comprising blocks of polyethylene glycol, copolymers thereof and derivatives thereof.

15. The separation element of claim 1 wherein the fibers comprise at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of nylons, nylon 6, nylon 6,6 polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, copolymers thereof and derivatives thereof.

16. The separation element of claim 1 wherein the fiber rod further comprises non-fibrous particles.

17. The separation element of claim 16 wherein the non-fibrous particles are selected from the group consisting of beads, powders, and nanoparticles.

18. The separation element of claim 16 wherein the non-fibrous particles comprise at least one of the set consisting of silicas, coated silicas, PMMA styrene/DVB and zeolytes.

19. The separation element of claim 1 further comprising a coating on the surface of the fibers.

20. The separation element of claim 19 wherein the coating comprises a compound selected from the group consisting of fluorocarbon, C-4, C-8, C-18, and hydrophilic coatings.

21. The separation element of claim 1 wherein the fluid transmissive fiber rod is adapted for use with a mobile phase comprising at least one of water or TFA.

22. The separation element of claim 1 wherein the fluid transmissive fiber rod is adapted for use with a mobile phase comprising a solvent and at least two components to be separated.

23. The separation element of claim 1 wherein the fluid transmissive fiber rod is adapted for use with a mobile phase comprising a solvent at least two components to be separated.

24. The separation element of claim 23 wherein at least one of the at least two components to be separated comprises a biomolecule.

25. The separation element of claim 24 wherein the biomolecule is selected from the group consisting of a protein, a polypeptide a polysaccharide, and a polynucleotide.

26. The separation element of claim 1 wherein the chromatographic analysis system includes a separation column tube having an impermeable, pressure-resistant wall and wherein the fiber rod is adapted for insertion into the separation column tube.