| Abstract: | This study was conducted to evaluate the potential of pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in the electron impact and the chemical ionisation mode to characterize the chemical nature of solid deposits of polyol ester aviation lubricants generated in a laboratory test. Pyrolysis products can be unambiguously identified or plausibly derived using previous results on the structure of oligomeric aging products. Experience gained from model esters can easily transferred to fully formulated lubricants. The results are complemented by 13C‐NMR data and thermal analysis which elucidate the heterogeneity of the deposits. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
