This report demonstrates the efficacy of direct insertion probe mass spectrometry for identifying synthetic polymers, suggesting practical applications in recycling and analysis.
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.
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Nissinen et al. (2026) studied this question.
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