Advanced Spectrometry Techniques: Polymer Analysis and MALDI-TOF
Free Virtual Seminar
On Demand
About the Event
Advanced Spectrometry Techniques: Polymer Analysis and MALDI-TOF
Effective Analysis of Polymers Vibrational Spectroscopy, and MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
Thousands of polymeric compounds and materials have been developed over the years to optimize the properties and performance of products spanning nearly every industry. There are a few areas where characterizing these products can be important: first is performing a quick polymer identification for recycling purposes; second is quality control to identify product defects or failures; and third is reverse engineering to facilitate product development in a highly competitive marketplace. Infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy are especially useful for the analysis of polymers in an industrial setting because in most cases it does not require sample preparation or expensive consumables. Examples will be presented demonstrating the effectiveness of IR and Raman analysis in each of these categories.
Chromatography Free Mass Spectrometry
Mass spectrometry (MS) has emerged as an indispensable tool for polymer analysis, facilitating the study of various aspects including polymer structure, composition, end-groups, additives, molecular weight distribution, and degree of polymerization. Its unparalleled sensitivity enables the detection and identification of minor polymer components, synthesis by-products, low-level impurities, and decomposition products. However, traditional MS analysis often relies on coupling with chromatographic techniques such as gas chromatography (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography (LC-MS) to separate complex mixtures prior to mass spectrometric analysis, resulting in a complex and time-consuming process.
To address these challenges, Bruker offers innovative solutions to streamline polymer analysis. Two complementary chromatography-free MS methods, Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI) and Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART), are presented as alternatives to traditional chromatography-coupled MS approaches. MALDI employs a laser to desorb and ionize molecules from a matrix-coated sample target, enabling rapid and direct analysis across various fields including material science, metabolomics, forensics, and environmental analysis. Similarly, DART ionizes samples in open air or solvent-free environments, facilitating direct analysis of solids, liquids, and gases without the need for sample preparation or chromatographic separation. These chromatography-free MS methods offer simplified workflows, expedited analysis, and enhanced efficiency, thus revolutionizing polymer analysis in research and industrial applications.