Characterizing synthetic polymers and additives using new ionization methods for mass spectrometry.

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Novel inlet and vacuum ionization techniques offer enhanced specificity, simplicity, and speed for direct surface analysis of synthetic polymers and additives.
• Mass spectrometry (MS) is employed on commercial platforms like Waters SYNAPT G2 and Thermo LTQ Velos for polymer and additive analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare existing inlet ionization methods with a newly developed vacuum ionization technique.
• To evaluate the efficacy of matrix assisted ionization vacuum (MAIV) for analyzing synthetic polymers and additives.

Main Methods:

• The study introduces and compares matrix assisted ionization vacuum (MAIV) with established inlet ionization methods.
• MAIV utilizes 3-nitrobenzonitrile (3-NBN) as a matrix for analyzing synthetic polymers and additives by direct exposure to mass spectrometer vacuum.
• Samples can be introduced dry or slightly wet, accommodating various sample presentations.

Main Results:

• Ionization occurs via cationization or deprotonation, enabling analysis in both positive and negative detection modes.
• Coupling MAIV with ion mobility spectrometry mass spectrometry (IMS-MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) fragmentation enhances dynamic range and structural analysis capabilities.
• The 3-NBN matrix demonstrates specificity for ionizing both small and large nonvolatile molecules.

Conclusions:

• Matrix assisted ionization vacuum (MAIV) using 3-NBN is highly effective for analyzing synthetic polymers and additives.
• The specificity of the 3-NBN matrix facilitates the detection of low-abundance additives within complex synthetic polymer matrices.
• This method provides a valuable tool for detailed polymer and additive analysis using mass spectrometry.