Quantitative Analysis of Synthetic Polymers via Laser Assisted Micro-Pyrolysis Flowing Atmospheric Pressure Afterglow High Resolution Mass Spectrometry: Co-polymer Fractions and Additives

Synthetic polymers are ubiquitous and have become a part of everyday life. Copolymers are of particular interest and are used in advanced applications because of the tunability of physical and mechanical properties afforded by combining two or more different monomers. The ratio of each monomer fraction can be adjusted to direct optimal applications depending on the properties required. State-of-the-art techniques for determining comonomer content, such as FTIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and standardized acidimetry (as used in EVA copolymer analysis) provide sensitive and accurate quantification but are limited by low sample throughput because of either laborious sample preparation or complicated data analysis. Other polymer components of interest that also influence function are additives. For example, phthalate additives improve flexibility and durability but can leach out leading to human exposure and have been associated with negative health implications. Thus, phthalates are strictly regulated and require careful monitoring. Again, state-of-the-art techniques for quantifying phthalates, such as solvent extraction-HPLCMS and Py GC-MS have been shown to provide accurate and sensitive quantification but is limited by low throughput with long sample preparation and separation times.
Ambient mass spectrometry has seen remarkable development owing to its advantages of rapid analysis in atmospheric conditions with little-to-no sample preparation. Laser-assisted micro-pyrolysis (LAMP) flowing atmospheric-pressure afterglow (FAPA) high resolution mass spectrometry is an AMS technique that overcomes sensitivity limitations of plasma-based sources toward low vapor pressure analytes (large or tightly bound) to enable analysis of polymers, with added advantages of 3D imaging, as demonstrated in pressure adhesive tape samples, and quantification of lignocellulosic biomass. Herein, LAMP FAPA HRMS is shown for accurate quantification of copolymers and additives