Organic polymer analysis by laser ionization mass spectrometry and pattern recognition techniques

Results obtained by combining pattern recognition techniques with the organic microanalysis capability of laser ionization mass spectrometry (LIMS) for identifying and classifying the mass spectra produced from 19 different polymer formulations are reported. The data demonstrates that the LIMS mass spectra of many polymers are sufficiently unique to permit accurate classification of different polymers. The results obtained also suggest that pattern recognition procedures combined with laser microprobe analyses could provide a routine and reliable method of performing microanalytical characterization of unknown polymers.