@incollection{KuschKnuppMorrisson2005, author = {Peter Kusch and Gerd Knupp and Andrew Morrisson}, title = {Analysis of Synthetic Polymers and Copolymers by Pyrolysis- Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry}, series = {Bregg, Ahn (Eds.): Horizons in polymer research}, publisher = {Nova Science Publisher}, address = {New York, NY}, isbn = {1-59454-412-3}, pages = {141 -- 191}, year = {2005}, abstract = {Structural analysis and the study of degradation properties are important in order to understand and improve performance characteristics of synthetic polymers and copolymers in many industrial applications. Polymers/copolymers are inherently difficult to analyze because of their high molecular weight and lack of volatility. Traditionally, various analytical techniques are used to characterize polymers/copolymers including physical testing (rheological testing), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, size-exclusion chromatography (SEC)/gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and mass spectrometry (MS). Often, time consuming sample preparation, including hydrolysis, dissolution, or derivatization is needed before analysis.}, language = {en} }