The Quick Discrimination of Nylon
by ionRocket-DART®-MS

Background

Nylon, the synthetic polymer and aliphatic polyamide, is one of the most widely used industrial polymers. Nylon is widely diffused due to its high rigidity and elasticity. Nylon-6,10 and nylon-6,12 reflect similar tendencies in FT-IR spectrum. In addition, the melting temperatures of both polymers measured by DSC are approximately 220ºC. This makes it difficult to discriminate between the two analogs.

Sample

Nylon-6,10 and nylon-6,12 (e.g. toothbrush).

Method

The analyzing tool was the ionRocket heating system connected to the DART®-MS (Direct Analysis in Real Time – Mass Spectrometry). Small quantities of the samples were put on the POT and analyzed. The temperature was increased by 100ºC per minute, from 30ºC to 600ºC.

Result

TIC is shown in Fig 1. MS spectra measured at 300ºC is shown in Fig 2.
In Fig 2, the monomers and dimers were mainly observed.
The comparisons of ionRocket-DART®-MS spectra made it possible to distinguish between nylon-6,12 and nylon-6,10.

Fig.1 TIC of each sample. R.T. 100°C/min 600°C
Fig.2 MS spectrum measured at 300°C. The preset temperature of DART®-SVP was 400°C. Ionization was DART® positive.

Target

Material Development / Chemical Industry / Foreign Material Analysis