A Compendium of Thermoplastic Polymer Pyrograms
Abstract
The identification of polymeric materials is important from several perspectives. The first is that the knowledge of the structure of a polymer yields a great deal of information on the properties of that polymer. This information is critical in determining if a polymer is suitable for a particular application. Identification of a polymer can also indicate changes in a polymer arising from in-service conditions. That is, have additives such as plasticizers or antioxidants been depleted or has he polymer absorbed compounds that alter its properties? Polymer identification is also critical in failure analysis. In this Technical Memorandum pyrograms of commodity and engineering thermoplastics are presented. Pyrograms are chromatograms arising from a pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. The pyrograms are discussed with emphasis on pyrolytic degradation products that are characteristic of the individual polymers. Often these can be related back to the structure of the polymer and can be used to differentiate between series of polymers with similar chemistry or identify the components of polymer blends.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA599529
Entities
People
- John A. Hiltz
- John J. Power
Organizations
- Defence Research and Development Canada