Direct insertion probe mass spectrometry of polymers

Abstract

This chapter reviews advances in the technique of direct insertion probe mass spectrometry (DIP-MS) and its applications in polymer analysis for various purposes. The applications for thermal characterization involve investigation of the thermal stability, degradation products, and decomposition mechanism of complex polymer samples, in particular polymers involving flame retardants, polyphenylene- and poly(phenylene vinylene)-based materials, and coalesced homopolymers and polymer blends. Examples focused on the use of DIP-MS for elucidation of structural characteristics of conducting polymers and thermosets are also given. The great potential of the technique for identification of additives in complex polymer matrices without time-consuming extractions or derivatizations (because components are separated as a function of their volatilities and/or thermal stabilities) is illustrated. © 2011 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.