Polymer Analysis

The aim of this book is to familiarize the reader with the practical aspects of polymer analysis. A wealth of practical detail, including some detailed methods is included. The book covers not only the analysis of the main types of polymers and copolymers now in use commercially, but also the analysis of minor non-polymeric components of the polymer formulation, whether they be deliberately added, such as processing additives, or whether they occur adventitiously, such as moisture and residual monomers and solvent. A broad scheme for the examination of polymers is discussed in Chapter 2. Practically all of the major newer analytical techniques and many of the older classical techniques, have been used to examine polymers and their additive systems. As so many different polymers are now used commercially it is also advisable when attempting to identify a polymer to classify it by first separating it into pure polymeric and gross non polymeric fractions (Chapter Z) and then carrying out at least a qualitative elemental analysis and possible a quantitative analysis (Chapters 3 and 4) and then in some cases, depending on the elements found, to carry out functional group analysis (Chapters 6 and 9).

This book introduces the techniques used for the analysis of polymers. It covers the main aspects of polymer science and technology; identification, polymerization, molecular weight, structure, surface properties, degradation and mechanical properties. * Clear explanations of each analytical technique * Describes the application of techniques to the study of polymers * Encourages learning through numerous self-assessment questions and answers * Structured for flexible learning

This volume provides an overview of polymer characterization test methods. The methods and instrumentation described represent modern analytical techniques useful to researchers, product development specialists, and quality control experts in polymer synthesis and manufacturing. Engineers, polymer scientists and technicians will find this volume useful in selecting approaches and techniques applicable to characterizing molecular, compositional, rheological, and thermodynamic properties of elastomers and plastics.

Principles and Practices of Polymer Mass Spectrometry helps readers acquire the skills necessary for selecting the optimal methods, handling samples, analyzing the data, and interpreting the results of the mass spectrometry of polymers. This guide describes the principles of polymer MS and best practices in polymer characterization. It discusses different approaches, including MALDI, ESI, TOF MS, and FT-MS. It provides a guide to developing appropriate sample preparation protocols for different polymers. Complete with examples of applications and experiments, this is an excellent reference for scientists, researchers, graduate students, and others.

This book reviews the various thermal methods used for the characterisation of polymer properties and composition. All these methods study the properties of polymers as they change with temperature. The methods discussed in this book are: differential photocalorimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, dielectric thermal analysis, differential thermal analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, evolved gas analysis, gas chromatography, gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry, mass spectrometry, microthermal analysis, thermal volatilisation, thermogravimetric analysis and thermomechanical analysis. Each technique is discussed in detail and examples of the use of each technique are also given. Each chapter has an extensive list of references so that the reader can follow up topics of interest. This book will be a useful reference for those who already use any of these thermal methods but will also be of interest to undergraduates and those who are just starting to use these techniques.

The combination of chromatography with mass spectroscopy is a very useful technique which is being increasingly used by polymer chemists to improve existing polymers and to discover new ones with specific physical properties such as thermal stability and retention of properties over a long service life.This technique is extremely powerful for the analysis and characterisation of polymers and is often based on the use of controlled chromatography - mass spectroscopy to measure a polymer's decomposition with techniques such as pyrolysis, followed by chromatography to separate any breakdown product, and, finally, mass spectroscopy, to achieve an unequivocal identification of the pyrolysis products obtained. The detail that can be obtained by such methods includes structure of the polymer backbone, branching, end groups, isomeric detail and fine detail in the structure of copolymers.The first three chapters of the book discuss the various chromatographic and mass spectroscopic techniques now available.Chapters 3-8 cover the complementary methods, based on the combination of mass spectroscopy with various chromatographic techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography and supercritical fluid chromatography.Pyrolysis chromatography-mass spectroscopy is a method of studying the structure of polymers which involves subjecting the polymer pyrolysis products to a chromatographic technique to simplify subsequent analysis and, finally mass spectroscopy to identify the pyrolysis products with the possibility of deducing finer details of polymer structure than were previously attainable by classical methods (Chapters 9-11).By providing a thorough up-to-date review of work in this field it is hoped that the book will be of interest to all those engaged in polymer research and development, and polymer users in general.

Polymer Analysis, Degradation & Stabilization