Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) Analysis

Gas chromatography (GC) is a common chromatography method that relies on differences in partitioning behavior between a flowing mobile phase and a stationary phase in order to separate volatile or semi-volatile organic or inorganic compounds.  The GC technique is used for the identification and quantification of residual monomers or solvents in resins and coatings, for analysis of volatile components or impurities, for verification of additive levels in polymer formulations and finished products, for quantification of trace contaminants, for analysis of gas mixtures, and for on-line or at-line monitoring of reactions.  A number of specialized detectors are available, including FID (flame ionization), AED (atomic emission), FPD (flame photometric) and TCD (thermal conductivity).  In addition, mass spectrometry (MS) is available, allowing  great flexibility in both qualitative and quantitative evaluation of materials containing species that are difficult to separate.

Pyrolysis GC, Pyrolysis GC/MS Analysis

Pyrolysis is used to break down molecules thermally to compounds that are volatile enough to be analyzed using gas chromatography.  The degradation products of the original molecule create a pattern of peaks that is characteristic for the particular material.  When coupled with mass spectrometry, pyrolysis is an invaluable tool for identifying unknown polymer materials and copolymer composition.  Pyrolysis is also used to deformulate polymers and to identify thermal decomposition products of both polymers and non-polymers.

Headspace GC, Headspace GC/MS Analysis

Headspace analysis allows study of the components present in the gas phase above a sample in a chromatography vial.  Headspace GC is used for the analysis of volatiles and semi-volatile organics in solid, liquid and gas samples.  Arkema Analytical Solutions uses multiple stage headspace analysis to simplify the quantification process.