The data presented demonstrates how ultra-high-performance size-exclusion chromatography (UHPSEC) combined with refractive index (RI) and mass spectrometry (MS) detections can accelerate polymer analysis by accurately measuring polymer molecular weight (MW) distribution and detecting polymer additives simultaneously, with a single system. The additional functionality offered by combining the UHPSEC system with RI and single-quad mass detectors is further highlighted by simultaneous analysis of the additive concentration in the polymer is shown. Several additives were spiked into the polymer sample and analyzed alongside the MW of the polymer in a single injection. The mass detector was used in selected ion recording (SIR) mode for added selectivity and quantitative analysis of target compound in addition to full scan mode for qualitative, screening purposes. Initial data revealed that the additives of m/z 356 (Irganox® 1222) to m/z 1177 (Irganox® 1010) elute after the polystyrene. The additives eluted in descending mass order and all eight additives were well distributed over a retention interval of 2 min. Additionally, these results demonstrate the analytical advantages of the UHPSEC system for low molecular weight compounds which were chromatographically separated at significantly better resolution as compared to traditional SEC approaches.

The result of the molecular weight distribution analysis of the polystyrene 706a sample.

Overlay of mass chromatograms of the additives at a concentration of 0.5 ppm and their elution order desending according to their mass.

Jennifer Gough

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