Astrotech Corp. (ASTC)

[mas]

This is from a study released this month and shows the leading edge of this technology which of course we had no doubt ...

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10973-014-3817-0?no-access=true#Fig8

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry
June 2014, Volume 116, Issue 3, pp 1435-1444

Study on thermal decomposition of polymers by simultaneous measurement of TG–DTA and miniature ion trap mass spectrometry equipped with skimmer-type interface

Abstract

Simultaneous thermogravimetry–differential thermal analysis and miniature ion trap mass spectrometry (TG–DTA–ITMS) instrument equipped with a skimmer-type interface has been successfully developed. The system allows precise real-time monitoring analysis of activated organic compounds such as pyrolysates because gaseous transformation of the evolved gases from the TG–DTA is suppressed by the skimmer-type interface. Also, excessive fragmentation during ionization of molecules can be avoided with the soft ionization method by photoionization. In addition, the miniaturized ITMS is equipped with unique tandem MS capability. These features permit a better understanding of the complicated thermal behavior and the precise pyrolysates of materials. The pyrolysis of various standard reagent polymers such as polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene, and polyphenylene sulfide has been examined by the TG–DTA–ITMS in inert atmosphere. The synergy effect of the skimmer-type interface and the ITMS was evaluated comparatively with conventional quadrupole mass spectrometry results. It was confirmed that the real-time monitoring ITMS/MS worked satisfactorily. Here, we demonstrate a valuable application of the TG–DTA–ITMS in the detailed analysis of commercial polymers.