Py-GCMS
What is Py-GC/MS?
Py-GC/MS (Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry) is an analytical technique that uses rapid thermal pyrolysis to break down polymers and complex organic materials into smaller, volatile fragments. These fragments are then separated by gas chromatography (GC) and identified by mass spectrometry (MS).
Unlike conventional GC/MS, which often requires solvent extraction or volatile samples, Py-GC/MS is especially suitable for insoluble, non-volatile, highly crosslinked, or highly filled materials. It is widely used for polymer identification, material fingerprinting, batch-to-batch comparison, contamination/root-cause investigation, and aging/degradation studies.
What Py-GC/MS Can Help You Solve
Polymer identification & material confirmation (resin type, copolymers, blends)
Fingerprint comparison between lots, suppliers, or production conditions
Failure analysis & root-cause investigation (unexpected organics, process residues, degradation products)
Odor / contamination source tracing (foreign organic components, abnormal peaks)
Aging & degradation evaluation (thermal/oxidative/UV aging signatures)
Micro-sample analysis for particles, films, residues, or trace foreign materials
Typical Applications
Plastics & elastomers: PE, PP, PS, PVC, PA, PET, PMMA, rubbers, etc.
Adhesives, coatings, inks, resins: binder identification, formulation changes, abnormal organics
Electronics & semiconductor materials: encapsulants, insulating materials, tapes, films, contamination checks
Composites & fibers: matrix identification, batch-to-batch comparison, organic residue investigation
Foreign particles / unknown residues: quick screening to support source attribution
Test Capabilities & Deliverables
Test Capabilities
Qualitative identification of major pyrolysis products and polymer markers
Library search & marker-based interpretation (when applicable)
Comparative analysis (sample vs. reference/control) to highlight differences
Semi-quantitative comparison (optional): relative peak area/ion intensity trends for batch comparison
Deliverables
TIC chromatograms and key peak annotations
Identified compounds list (RT, match score, characteristic ions; project-dependent)
Comparison summary (similarities, differences, likely contributors)
Raw data files (optional upon request)
Sample Requirements
Sample types: solids, powders, films, cured adhesives, coatings scrapings, elastomers, residues, particles
Typical amount: mg-level (depends on matrix and objective)
Packaging: clean glass vials or clean aluminum foil; seal well to prevent contamination
Reference/control sample: strongly recommended for difference analysis
Information to provide: material background, process/use conditions, issue description, and expected outcomes
Workflow
Requirement review (identification / comparison / contamination / degradation)
Method setup (pyrolysis temperature program, GC column and MS acquisition conditions)
Testing (pyrolysis → GC separation → MS detection)
Data interpretation (marker identification, library search, fingerprint comparison)
Reporting (figures + conclusions + actionable recommendations)
Why Choose Our Py-GC/MS Service
Minimal sample preparation for insoluble or non-volatile materials
High sensitivity for organic fingerprints and polymer markers
Effective for troubleshooting (abnormal organics, residues, degradation products)
Suitable for micro-samples such as particles, thin films, and trace residues
Experienced interpretation focused on clear conclusions and practical next steps
FAQs
Can Py-GC/MS identify what polymer my sample is?
Yes. Py-GC/MS is highly effective for polymer identification by recognizing characteristic pyrolysis markers and overall chromatographic “fingerprints.” It is commonly used to distinguish resins (e.g., PE, PP, PS, PVC, PA, PET, PMMA) and compare blends or copolymers.
Can Py-GC/MS “reconstruct” the full formulation (additives, exact ratios)?
Py-GC/MS is best for qualitative identification and comparison, not full formulation reconstruction. It can often indicate presence of certain additives or residues, but exact composition and absolute ratios typically require a multi-technique approach (e.g., GC/MS, LC-MS, FTIR, NMR) and appropriate standards.
Is Py-GC/MS quantitative?
By default, Py-GC/MS is primarily qualitative. Semi-quantitative comparison (relative peak areas/ion intensities) can be provided for trend or lot-to-lot comparison. For absolute quantification, a targeted method with standards and validation is needed, and we may recommend HS-GC/MS, TD-GC/MS, or conventional GC/MS depending on the analytes.
What kinds of samples work best for Py-GC/MS?
Py-GC/MS is ideal for insoluble or non-volatile materials, including plastics, rubbers, cured adhesives, coatings, resins, composites, films, powders, residues, and micro-particles.
How much sample do you need?
Usually milligram-level is sufficient. For trace particles or thin films, smaller amounts may work depending on the matrix and objectives. If you have very limited sample, we can prioritize a screening + comparison strategy.
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