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Figure 1
The analysis time of an industrial paint sample is reduced by 75% using the EZ-Flash® system
with a 10m, 0.25mm ID, 1.0µm Rtx®-5 column.
• 14 • 800-356-1688
A wide variety of petrochemical materials are used
in the synthesis and formulation of polymers and
plastics. Low molecular weight monomeric com-
pounds react with an “external” agent, such as a
catalyst, UV light, or IR radiation. The reaction cre-
ates a high molecular weight polymeric compound
by combining the monomers into long or branched
chains. If some of the monomer is left unreacted,
the small fragments cause physical and sensorial
changes in the final plastic. Cracks in structural
Fast, Accurate Analysis of
Petrochemicals in Polymers
and Plastics
Using an Rtx ®-5 Column & EZ Flash® GC
✔ Reduce analysis time by 75%!
✔ Ideal for plastics or petrochemicals in packaging testing.
by Ellen Veenstra, Applications Chemist, Thermo Orion and
Christine Vargo, US Sales & Distribution Manager
plastic can form from the stresses due to incom-
plete polymerization. Discoloration can occur if the
reactive monomer interacts with other materials or
additives in the final product. Out-gassing can cause
an off-odor or "plastic" taste in packaging materials
used in foods or beverages.
To ensure product consistency from batch to batch,
laboratories must analyze petrochemicals in their
finished product. These volatile compounds typical-
1. vinyl acetate
2. ethyl acrylate
3. methyl methacrylate
4. t-butyl acrylate
5. ethyl methyl acrylate
6. isobutyl acrylate
7. allyl methacrylate
8. styrene
9. butyl acrylate
10. hydroxyethyl acrylate
11. isobutyl methacrylate
12. hydroxypropyl acrylate
13. butyl methacrylate
14. hydroxyethyl methacrylate
15. hydroxypropyl methacrylate
16. glycidyl methacrylate
17. dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate
18. Hydroxybutyl acrylate
19. cyclohexyl methacrylate
20. t-butylaminoethyl methacrylate
21. diethylaminoethyl methacrylate
22. 2-ethylhexyl acrylate
23. 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate
24. ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate
25. iso-bornyl acrylate
26. iso-bornyl methacrylate
27. lauryl methacrylate
28. -methylstyrene dimer
ly are analyzed by capillary gas chromatography
(GC) using a 30-meter column. Analysis times often
must exceed 30 minutes to achieve sufficient reso-
lution of these volatile compounds. However, by
using a high efficiency, direct thermal transfer of
these compounds with an EZ-Flash® GC attachment
from Thermo Orion, analysis times can be reduced
greatly while still maintaining excellent separation.
For example, the typical analysis of plastics in a
paint sample on a 30m Rtx®-5 column takes almost
42 minutes. The same analysis using a 10m Rtx®-5
column and an EZ-Flash® system is accomplished in
less than 5 minutes (Figure 1).
Every minute counts when improving laboratory
throughput and efficiency. The EZ-Flash® system
uses resistive heating techniques and fast tempera-
ture programming to achieve increased productivi-
ty. The EZ-Flash ® system is compatible with 0.53mm
ID, 0.32mm ID, and smaller ID (0.2 -0.10mm)
columns.
10m, 0.25mm ID, 1.0µm Rtx® -5 (cat.# 10250-107)
Inj. temp.: 250°C; Inj. type: split; Inj. volume: 1µL; Split ratio: 100:1; Split flow: 100mL/min.; Carrier gas: helium; Mode: ramp pres-
sure: 4.74psi to 7.07psi @ 0.58psi/min. (hold 0.5 min.) to 8.29psi @ 1.05psi/min. to 10.82psi @ 13.38psi.min.; Nominal initial flow:
1mL/min.; Det. type: FID @290°C; Oven program: 40°C (hold 0.5 min.) to 150°C @20°C/min. (hold 2 min.)
Chromatogram courtesy of Thermo Orion, Beverly, MA, .
EZ-Flash ® Temperature Profile
Time (sec.) Temp (ºC)
0 40
240 140
270 140
340 190
350 280
480 280
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
23
22
26 25 24
For more information on
the EZ Flash ® system,
contact Thermo Orion at
1-888-EZFLASH or
27 28
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