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Updated: Jun 11, 2026

MALDI-ToF MS Method for the Characterization of Synthetic Polymers with Varying Dispersity and End Groups
Published on: October 3, 2025
On the use of electrospray ionization and desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for bulk and surface
Nicolas Bonnaire1, Adeline Dannoux, Christine Pernelle
1CNAM-Génie analytique, 292 rue Saint-Martin, 75141 Paris, France.
Abstract:
Electrospray ionization (ESI) and desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) mass spectrometry were for the first time compared to investigate degradation products resulting from radiolysis of polyurethane (PUR) irradiated using accelerated electrons. First, DESI optimization was performed to obtain the best results in terms of sensitivity for surface polymer analysis. Then, a comparison was performed between DESI-MS and ESI-MS characterization of the degradation products of irradiated PUR with different doses up to 10 MGy. Similar results were obtained despite a lower sensitivity of DESI. Finally, DESI results obtained by direct surface analysis of irradiated PUR films as a function of depth were compared to bulk analysis results obtained by ESI. This comparison shows that degradation products of PUR are very comparable at the surface or within the polymer, confirming the radio-oxidation homogeneity.
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