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Fingerprinting and identification of isolated plastic polymers with pyrolysis comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography and flame ionization detection

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Abstract

An approach using pyrolysis with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with flame ionization detection is introduced for identifying common isolated plastic polymers. A quadrupole mass spectrometer is employed as a parallel detector to aid method development and improve polymer identification in complex matrices. Common plastic polymers including polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, poly(methyl methacrylate), styrene-butadiene rubber, and polyethylene terephthalate are accurately identified within a total analysis time of 45 min. A strategy to enhance compatibility of high-resolution capillary gas chromatography using a 150-µm internal diameter column technology and a larger internal volume microfurnace–based pyrolyzer is discussed. This strategy resulted in minimizing the band broadening effect caused by the pyrolyzer’s internal volume and overcoming the slow pressure buildup when the sample is inserted into the furnace. Prolonged pressure buildup to reach a final pressure setting can cause a safety shutdown to the pneumatic control system. The developed approach is complementary to spectroscopic techniques by offering mass based, chemical composition analysis of plastics.

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Acknowledgements

Drs. Naoko Akiya, Jaime Curtis-Fisk, Wayde Konze, Tonya Stockman, and Peilin Yang of Dow Chemical, Analytical Science, Core R&D are acknowledged for their encouragement and support. Drs. Grace Xiuhan Yang and Cristina Serrat, also of Dow, are acknowledged for their help in reviewing and preparing the manuscript. Ms. Poly de Minnows is acknowledged for being an inspiration to research in environmental science. Ms. Catherine Gelmini is acknowledged for her help with the graphics.

Funding

This project is partially funded by the Dow Internal 2022 Analytical Science Capability Development Fund.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dow Chemical Canada ULC, Highway 15, Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, T8L 2P4, Canada

    Jim Luong, Ronda Gras, Yujuan Hua & Guangyu Liu

  2. Australian Centre for Research On Separation Science (ACROSS), University of Tasmania, Private Bag 75, Hobart, 7001, Australia

    Jim Luong & Ronda Gras

  3. Centre for Advanced Sensory Science (CASS), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood Highway, Burwood, Australia

    Robert A. Shellie

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  1. Jim Luong
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The manuscript was written with the contributions of all authors. All authors have approved the final version of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Jim Luong.

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Published in the topical collection Comprehensive 2D Chromatography with guest editors Peter Q. Tranchida and Luigi Mondello.

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Luong, J., Gras, R., Hua, Y. et al. Fingerprinting and identification of isolated plastic polymers with pyrolysis comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography and flame ionization detection. Anal Bioanal Chem 415, 2483–2492 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-022-04424-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-022-04424-6

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