# Chemical Fingerprinting of Synthetic Polymers via Direct Insertion Probe Mass Spectrometry

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a new method for identifying synthetic polymers using mass spectrometry with minimal sample prep, useful for recycling and environmental analysis.

## Contribution

The novel use of temperature-programmed DIP-APCI-MS for polymer chemical fingerprinting with minimal preparation.

## Key findings

- DIP-APCI-MS enabled reliable identification of 38 polymers via thermal decomposition patterns.
- The method provides detailed structural information and monitors degradation with temperature.
- It shows potential for applications in microplastic analysis and plastic recycling.

## Abstract

We report on the
chemical fingerprinting of synthetic polymers
using direct insertion probe mass spectrometry (DIP-MS), an analytical
approach requiring only minimal sample preparation. A total of 38
different polymers were analyzed using temperature-programmed DIP-MS
with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) to establish
a comprehensive spectral library. The studied polymers included homo-
and copolymers from various classes, such as polyolefins, polyethers,
polyesters, polyamides, styrenics, thermoplastic elastomers, and fluoropolymers.
DIP-APCI-MS provided detailed structural information, enabling reliable
identification of nearly all polymers based on their characteristic
thermal decomposition patterns. Moreover, the utilization of temperature-programmed
approach allowed monitoring of sample degradation as a function of
temperature, further aiding polymer identification. Overall, temperature-programmed
DIP-APCI-MS proved to be a robust and efficient method for the chemical
fingerprinting of synthetic polymers, with potential applications
in areas such as microplastic analysis and plastic recycling.