Meaning
Chromatographic method used to identify and quantify non-volatile additives and impurities in polymer extracts. Lc-hrms profiling combines liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry to see substances that cannot be detected by gas chromatography. The process is used to screen for antioxidants, light stabilisers and their related breakdown products.
Additive Identification
Determination of the presence of specific chemicals relies on matching the accurate mass and isotopic pattern to a known database. Lc-hrms profiling can identify molecules that are too large or too polar for other analytical techniques. This capability is critical for verifying the composition of complex multi-component resins.
Batch Consistency
Monitoring the chemical signature of incoming resin lots ensures that the material meets the buyer’s specifications. Lc-hrms profiling detects subtle changes in the additive package that might affect the long-term durability of the moulded parts. Identifying these variations early prevents production issues and costly product recalls.
Mass Accuracy
Measurement of the molecular weight to within a few parts per million allows for the unequivocal assignment of chemical formulas. Lc-hrms profiling reduces the risk of false positives when searching for restricted substances in a polymer matrix. High mass accuracy is the foundation for creating a defensible safety report for food contact materials.
The method is the preferred tool for non-targeted analysis of unknown migrants.
