Characterisation of synthetic polymers with FT-ICR-MS

Mass-spectrometric characterisation of commercial polymer formulations is used to determine molecular weight distribution, to identify monomeric units and end-groups, sequence and structure of copolymers as well as additives and impurities. In particular high resolution high speed, FTICR-MS analysis will shown to be invaluable in polymer characterisation. Here, a few examples will be presented of direct polymer analyses with MALDI FTICR-MS for both molecular weight distribution determination and end-group identification of medium size synthetic polymers. Additionally it will be shown how temperature programmed “in-source” pyrolysis FTICR-MS can be used as an indirect method for the analysis of polymer additives.