Масс-спектрометрия как современный метод анализа полимеров

The study was devoted to the investigation of the place of modern mass spectrometric methods in the polymer research. The development of methods was investigated and it was shown that practically until the end of the 20th century, the use of mass spectrometry for investigation of polymers was extremely limited due to the non-volatility of polymers. The method of pyrolytic mass spectrometry is considered as the most common method for determining the molecular weight distribution, the determination of end groups, and other general problems. More modern methods of “soft” ionization, allowing ionizing polymers from a condensed state with simultaneous desorption into the gas phase were also described. A review of the literature has shown that such methods have almost completely replaced or significantly supplemented the tools of polymeric material researchers. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI), field desorption (FD), fast atom bombardment (SIMS), and electrospray ionization (ESI) are described in the literature. Also, pyrolytic mass spectrometry with direct injection and combined with gas chromatographic separation were described as being a more classical method. It was shown that mass spectrometry is the most versatile and sensitive method for any tasks related with the analysis and investigation of polymer materials.