Determination of N,N'-ethylenebisstearamide additive in polymer by normal phase liquid chromatography with evaporative light scattering detection

Screening of additives in plastics with high resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry and different ionization sources: direct probe injection (DIP)-APCI, LC-APCI, and LC-ion booster ESI

Plastics are complex mixtures consisting of a polymer and additives with different physico-chemical properties. We developed a broad screening method to elucidate the nature of compounds present in plastics used in electrical/electronic equipment commonly found at homes (e.g., electrical adaptors, computer casings, heaters). The analysis was done by (a) solvent extraction followed by liquid chromatography coupled to high accuracy/resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS) with different ionization sources or (b) direct analysis of the solid by ambient mass spectrometry high accuracy/resolution TOFMS. The different ionization methods showed different selectivity and sensitivity for the different compound classes and were complementary. A variety of antioxidants, phthalates, UV filters, and flame retardants were found in most samples. Furthermore, some recently reported impurities or degradation products derived from flame retardants were identified, such as hydroxylated triphenyl phosphate and tetrabromobisphenol A monoglycidyl ether.

Graphical abstract

Rapid identification of polymer additives by atmospheric solid analysis probe with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

RATIONALE

A method using an atmospheric solid analysis probe (ASAP) combined with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (QTOFMS) assisted by a pre-built MS library was found to be efficient in fast and direct analysis of additives for polymers. By this method, sample pretreatment could be eliminated from the additives identification process.

METHODS

Some crucial parameters, such as desolvation gas temperature, corona current, sample cone voltage and collision energy, should be optimized. A MS library of 100 polymer additives, including phenols (Irganox 1010, Irganox 1076), hydroxyl phenyl benzotriazole derivatives (Tinuvin 326, Tinuvin 327, Tinuvin 328), hindered amines (Tinuvin 944, Tinuvin 770) and plasticizers, was built based on the optimized conditions. To verify the application of the MS library, the ASAP-QTOFMS method was applied to identify complex additives, a simulated polypropylene (PP) sample and a real polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) sample purchased from a local market.

RESULTS

By searching the exact mass, and comparing the MS and MS/MS spectra of samples with standards in the MS library, complex additives such as Irganox GX 2921, as well as additives in PP and PMMA samples, could be identified quickly and easily. The determination of mass accuracy increased the confidence of peak identification as well. Moreover, the results also provided information of the characterization for PP and PMMA polymers.

CONCLUSIONS

A rapid identification method has been developed for polymer additives by ASAP-QTOFMS. A MS library of 100 polymer additives was built by this method. Using ASAP-QTOFMS assisted by the pre-built MS library, polymer additives can be quickly identified. This method was found to be a promising tool in the rapid analysis of additives in polymers and polymer matrices.