Tenax

Tenax is a term used in several fields, but it is best known in analytical chemistry and environmental monitoring as a family of porous polymer resins that serve as solid sorbents to capture volatile organic compounds and other trace gases for subsequent analysis by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry or other techniques. These resins are valued for their thermal stability and low background in GC analysis, and they can be supplied in bead or cartridge formats. Common grades include Tenax TA and Tenax GR, which differ in pore structure and sorption characteristics to suit different analyte profiles and sampling conditions. The resins are typically loaded into air-sampling sorbent tubes or used in thermal desorption systems and are selected for their broad sorption range and resistance to moisture in many applications.

Etymology and usage beyond sorbents: The term tenax comes from Latin tenax, meaning tenacious or holding fast. In scientific writing, the word is sometimes used adjectivally or in taxonomic names to convey tenacity or persistence of a trait, but its use as a standalone term outside resin products is limited.

Other uses and branding: There are unrelated uses of the term as a brand or product name, reflecting its Latin meaning and general connotations of durability and grip. In contexts outside analytical sorbents, Tenax may appear as part of trademarks or nomenclature for diverse products, but those uses are not standardized across disciplines.