Determination of Molecular Mass Distribution of Polymer Types by EN ISO 10927 Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS)

In the EN ISO 10927 standard, which is a European standard and re-published by the International Standards Organization (ISO), matrix-assisted laser desorption / ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) measures 2.000 g/mol-1 to 20.000 g/mol- 1 describes a general method for determining the average molecular mass and molecular mass distribution of polymers.

Average molecular masses and molecular mass distributions are calculated from a calibration curve constructed using synthetic polymer or biopolymer standards. This method is therefore classified as a relative method. This method is not applicable to polyolefins or polymers with a polydispersity greater than 1,2.

For the purposes of this standard, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) has different durations of flight in a field-independent flight tube, depending on the mass of polymer ions formed after ionization, desorption and high voltage acceleration with a laser. It refers to the mass spectrometric technique in which the separation based on

The MALDI process involves the desorption and ionization of an analyte dispersed in an organic small molecule matrix. The matrix must be able to absorb laser energy. A metal salt may be added to cationize the analyte. A polymer is co-crystallized or mixed together with the matrix molecule and deposited on the target. A short pulse of UV laser is used to desorb the matrix and analyte. Laser energy is transferred to the matrix molecules, causing them to evaporate. The analyte and matrix molecules leave the target surface in a plume. Due to the very short desorption time, the polymer molecules are not degraded. The polymer in the desorption cloud acquires a cation and is accelerated by high voltage and is detected at the end of the flight tube. The species' flight time is a measure of its mass. The mass distribution of the polymer is determined from the distribution of the arrival times and the calibration of the arrival times against known mass standards.

Among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it has given for businesses in various sectors, our organization, with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment, within the scope of EN ISO 10927 standard, matrix assisted laser desorption / ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF- MS) also provides testing services for the determination of molecular mass and molecular mass distribution of polymer species.