Meaning
Advanced testing technique combines liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry to identify complex molecules in a polymer extract. An lc-hrms analytical run provides the exact mass of a chemical, allowing researchers to determine the elemental formula of unknown migrants. This is the primary tool for detecting non-intentionally added substances that result from chemical reactions during the moulding process.
Chemical Identification
Separation of the sample occurs in the chromatography column before the molecules are ionized and weighed by the mass spectrometer. The precision of lc-hrms analytical equipment is such that it can distinguish between two molecules that differ by only a fraction of the mass of a single proton. This capability is essential for identifying degradation products of additives that are not present in any commercial database.
Data Processing
Software algorithms compare the observed mass spectra against theoretical models to suggest possible chemical structures. During an lc-hrms analytical project, the chemist must also consider the fragmentation patterns of the molecules to confirm their identity. This rigorous approach ensures that even trace contaminants in medical or food-grade plastics are identified and assessed for safety.
Screening Scope
Testing can look for hundreds of different compounds in a single run.
