AppNote 159: Thermal Gravimetric Analysis/Mass Spectrometry Simulation using the GERSTEL PYRO Core System

Abstract

This study shows the use of the GERSTEL MPS/TDU/CIS with pyrolysis module for generating simulated thermal gravimetric mass spectrometry data (TGA-MS) of polymer samples. This mode of operation is also referred to as evolved gas analysis (EGA). For EGA analysis, a short piece of uncoated capillary is attached from the GC inlet to the mass spectrometer. A relatively slow temperature ramp is run similar to that used for actual TGA analysis. The total ion chromatogram can be plotted as a function of temperature to produce simulated TGA-MS data. The mass spectral data is used to identify degradation products at various temperatures. Several types of polymers are examined in this study. Simulated TGA-MS data is compared with actual TGA data.