SummaryMultidimensional chromatography was used to resolve the specific chlorobiphenyl (CB) congeners 28,S2,101,118,138,153, and 180 in technical aroclor standards. Single column analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) results in co-elution of key congeners with other components in the mixture; therefore using two columns of different selectivity was necessary to enhance the resolution achievable on just one column. The HT8 column (8% phenylpolycarborane-siloxane phase) has been reported to have specific selectivity characteristics for improved PCB separation. When coupled with a BPXS column (5 % phenylpolysiloxane-silphenylene phase), it has been shown here to provide unambiguous identification of 7 marker compounds which are used to monitor PCB occurrence and distribution. A11 seven marker CBs are present in aroclor 1254, and by adjusting the size of the heartcut window, it was possible to obtain resolution of the marker congeners from other congeners. Single column analysis is unable to achieve this result. This offers an alternative to GC-MS analysis.

A styrene isoprene block copolymer, known as Kraton 1107, is used to study some of the parameters involved in the pyrolysis process. Using a continuous mode microfurnace pyrolysis system interfaced to a capillary gas chromatography system, the effect of pyrolysis temperature and gas flows through the pyrolysis chamber were studied. Comparisons in sample introduction methods were made. Introducing the sample in solution, rather than conventional solid sample introduction, was found to offer some advantages.