Mass spectrometric evaluation of the volatile substance contents of solids

A mass spectrometric method for the routine evaluation of the volatile substance contents of elastomers and plastics has been established. Samples 0·6 × 0·6 × 5mm³ are completely outgassed at various temperatures in the unmodified ion source of a high resolution (organic) mass spectrometer, the sensitivity of which is monitored by a constant influx of argon gas. Quantitative evaluation of evolved volatile substances is done by time integration of discrete or mass integrated mass spectra, followed by comparison with calibration runs on known quantities or (preferably) the evolved substances, or on a standard substance (n-hexatriacontan). The reproducibility of the method is about 10%, and the minimum measurable amounts are 10^?9?10^?10 g (1?0·1 ppm). Quantitative mass spectral data for the volatile substance contents of some common elastomers and plastics are presented. It is shown that usually these substances are not due to the polymer itself but to additives which differ for different makes of the same basic polymer.