Gas Chromatography in Analysis of Polymers and Rubbers

Abstract

This article gives an overview of gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) of low molar mass compounds present in or migrating from polymers and rubbers. GC is a powerful tool for the analysis of volatile and semi‐volatile organic compounds. The capability of GC to separate and quantify small amounts of analytes makes it highly applicable for the analysis of low molar mass compounds in polymers, such as residual monomers, initiators, catalysts, additives, and degradation products. Correctly chosen and performed sample preparation is a key step before GC‐MS analysis and crucial for obtaining correct results. This can be especially challenging when analyzing low molar mass compounds in solid matrices or in complex aqueous solutions. Some commonly applied extraction techniques are shortly presented including extraction techniques that can be utilized for extraction of low molar mass compounds from solid and aqueous matrices as well as air. Last but not least, examples of extraction and analysis of low molar mass compounds present in, formed in, or migrating from different polymeric materials during processing, service‐life, or reprocessing (recycling) are given with special focus on packaging and medical applications as well as degradable polymers.