Polymer Analysis
Polymer Analysis (Characterization) is key part of materials evaluation for ensuring suitability of the materials for intended applications. It will also help further to improve the performance of the materials. Polymer testing techniques are typically used to determine molecular mass, molecular structure, morphology, thermal properties, and mechanical properties. Under thermal analysis, Pyrolysis-GCMS plays an important role in getting detailed chemical analysis and it is being recognized as key technique in advanced materials characterization, deformulation (reverse engineering) and failture analysis. Please attend our Pyrolysis-GCMS webinars to learn more about Py-GCMS for polymer analysis.
Polymer Analysis (Characterization) by Pyrolysis-GCMS
Which Techniques are Used in Polymer Analysis?
As the field of polymer and plastics characterization is so vast, there are numerous techniques and methods that may be prescribed to gain a deeper understanding of your raw materials or products. MS has become essential in polymer analysis due to its flexibility. MS systems can be coupled with myriad other instruments to facilitate a broad range of tests, thus satisfying the dynamic needs of polymer characterization studies. We introduce Pyrolysis-Gas Charomatography which has great potential in advanced polymer analysis. To understand more about this technique, attend Py-GCMS webinars and visit our website.
Pyrolysis-GCMS is a hyphenated analytical technique that allows analysis of polymeric materials directly by treating the sample at elevated temperature and allowing the evolved or breakdown compounds to get separated through GC column and detected by Mass Spectrometry (MS).
Using a pyrolyzer, natural or synthetic resins (polymers) are heated at high temperatures such as 600 °C. The polymer is then broken down into small molecules. The molecules are analyzed with an analytical instrument called a gas chromatograph mass spectrometer for polymer compositions and additives.
In familiar examples, polymer products such as plastic bottles, rubbers, and nylon products are also analyzed to check for their quality and safety, such as whether or not they contain harmful chemical substances.
Polymer Testing (characterization)
Analysis of polymer and additives types in three types of cables, used in home electric applications is demonstrated using Py-GCMS technique. Type A material analysis indicated the polymer type as a blend of polyvinyl chloride and polyvinyl acetate, or a
copolymer of polyvinyl chloride-vinyl acetate (P(VC-VAc)). Palmitic acid and stearic acid, used as lubricants, were also detected as additives. Type B material shown to be PVC and the additives detected as an antioxidant
tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphite (commercial name Irgafos 168, etc.) . Type C materials showed the presence of light stabilizer 2-(2‘- hydroxy-3’-tert -butyl-5‘-methylphenyl)-5-chlorobenzotriazole (commercial name Sumisorb 300, etc.) and an anti-aging agent 3,3’-thiodipropionic acid didodecyl (commercial name Nocrac 400, etc.), and saturated hydrocarbons derived from wax were detected. In pryolysis, the polymer type shown to be EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate).
