Webinar on Pyrolysis GC-MS Analysis of Polymeric Materials

During the online Chromatography event of FHI Dr. Eike Kleine-Benne of GERSTEL hightlighted the Pyrolysis GC-MS analysis of unknown samples. When the sample is unknown, however, it can be challenging to select appropriate instrument set-up and method parameter starting points. 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. In this online webinar, useful information is presented on using pyrolysis GC-MS to identify polymeric materials and how approach method development in the most efficient manner.