Meaning
High-resolution hybrid analytical instrumentation couples liquid chromatographic separation with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry to detect, identify and quantify non-volatile polar chemical substances. In plastics testing, liquid chromatography qtof mass spectrometry identifies unknown non-intentionally added substances, oligomers, additive degradation products and photoinitiators in packaging materials and food simulants. The instrument delivers high mass accuracy below five parts per million to establish exact empirical formulas.
Application is restricted to liquid-soluble polar compounds and cannot resolve non-polar volatile hydrocarbons that require gas phase chromatography.
High Resolution Analysis
Accurate mass measurement enables the structural identification of complex chemical migrants without prior calibration standards. During testing, liquid chromatography qtof mass spectrometry generates parent ion masses and characteristic MS/MS fragmentation spectra to elucidate unknown chemical structures. Quadrupole filters isolate precursor ions while the collision cell fragments them before time-of-flight mass resolution.
Chromatographers resolve co-eluting polymer additives through accurate mass extraction windows. Exact mass calculations differentiate between identical nominal masses of distinct chemical compounds.
Recycled Resin Screening
Post-consumer recycled plastics contain complex mixtures of printing additives, adhesives and degradation products that require rigorous chemical safety screening. Utilizing liquid chromatography qtof mass spectrometry allows testing laboratories to identify non-target contaminants in recycled packaging resins down to toxicological concern thresholds. Recycled polyethylene terephthalate flakes often yield cyclic oligomers and additive breakdown fragments that migrate into food simulants.
High-resolution screening confirms that decontamination processes eliminate dangerous chemical migrants. Advanced screening secures regulatory approval for closed-loop food contact packaging.
Regulatory Compliance
European Union packaging regulations mandate comprehensive risk assessments of non-intentionally added substances in food contact plastics. Laboratories perform liquid chromatography qtof mass spectrometry to verify that non-listed migrants remain below the generic migration threshold of zero point zero one milligrams per kilogram. Masterbatch formulations undergo screening to confirm the absence of dangerous chemical impurities before market clearance.
Comprehensive high-resolution data packages satisfy strict national health inspection guidelines. Advanced mass spectrometry provides the analytical foundation for non-target chemical identification in plastics.
