SEC-Py-GC/MS Coupled System for Polymer Molecular Weight Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing the molecular weight of polymer compounds with multiple unit polymers require separation of each polymer, which is complex and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An analysis method combining size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) with pyrolysis gas chromatography (Py-GC)-mass spectrometry (MS) to directly measure the molecular weight of each unit polymer in a polymer compound, involving sample injection, collection, pyrolysis, and normalization of mass spectra to calculate molecular weights using a calibration curve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods (NMR, IR, SEM) are used to analyze polymer composition and structure, then monomer content ratio and polymer structure can be confirmed, but molecular weight cannot be determined for each polymer component without separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines SEC (for molecular weight separation) with Py-GC/MS (for compositional analysis) into a single integrated system. The SEC column separates polymer components by molecular weight, and the coupled Py-GC/MS detector analyzes the compositional characteristics of each separated component, enabling simultaneous determination of molecular weight and composition for each polymer component without requiring separate analysis steps
Solution Approach 2:
The Py-GC/MS detector serves multiple functions: it identifies monomer content ratio, confirms polymer structure, and characterizes each separated polymer component from SEC. This multi-functional detector replaces the need for multiple separate analytical instruments, providing comprehensive polymer characterization in a single system
2Productivity
If polymer compounds with two or more kinds of unit polymers are analyzed using conventional methods, then overall composition can be determined, but molecular weight of each unit polymer requires separation into unit polymers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges SEC separation capability with Py-GC/MS detection capability into a coupled system where the SEC column effluent is directly introduced into the Py-GC/MS detector. This allows simultaneous separation by molecular weight and compositional analysis, eliminating the need for separate separation and analysis operations and enabling determination of molecular weight for each unit polymer in a single run
3Measurement precision
If SEC is used to separate polymer by molecular weight, then molecular weight distribution can be obtained, but identification of each polymer component requires additional separation methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent couples SEC with Py-GC/MS where SEC provides molecular weight-based separation and the Py-GC/MS detector provides compositional fingerprinting of each eluting component. The combination allows identification of different polymer components based on their pyrolysis products while simultaneously determining their molecular weights, eliminating the need for additional separation methods
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables simple and accurate measurement of molecular weights of each unit polymer without the need for separating the polymer compounds, allowing for concurrent analysis of molecular weight distribution and molecular weight of each unit polymer.
Implementation Method 1
molecular weight of the polymer can be determined using size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) in which the material is separated according to the size of the molecule (molecular weight)
Implementation Method 2
introducing the sample collected in the step (A) directly into pyrolysis gas chromatography (Py-GC)-mass spectrometry (MS)
Implementation Method 3
pyrolysis gas chromatography (Py-GC)-mass spectrometry (MS)
Implementation Method 4
pyrolysis gas chromatography (Py-GC)-mass spectrometry (MS) which is connected to the size exclusion chromatography, thereby obtaining a mass spectrum
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for analyzing the molecular weight of each polymer comprised in a polymer compound, and an analysis system used therefor. More specifically, the present invention relates to an analysis method of components of polymer compounds and molecular weight by component using a system in which size-exclusion chromatography (SEC)-pyrolysis gas chromatography (Py-GC)-mass spectrometry (MS) are connected in series and to an analysis system used in the method.