Pyrolysis GC often deals with the characterization of unknown samples. When the sample is unknown, however, it can be challenging to select appropriate instrument set-up and method parameter starting points. In this online seminar, useful information is presented on using pyrolysis GC-MS to identify polymeric materials and how approach method development in the most efficient manner.

Pyrolysis GC-MS of polymeric materials – Identification of polymer components from a complex pyrolysate mixture using a database approach

Pyrolysis of polymeric materials as a sample introduction technique for gas chromatography most often results in complex chromatograms showing the polymer fragmentation. If the sample itself is a mixture of materials, however, the resulting chromatogram is even more complex. Examples range from simple co-polymers with different additives and impurities to highly complex environmental samples with microplastics content. In more complex cases simple mass spectral identification via library comparison will be of limited use. A new peak based data base approach can help provide information to help identity polymer materials in complex samples.