Characterization of bis-(phenoxy)phosphazene polymers using radio frequency glow discharge mass spectrometry

Abstract

A radio frequency glow discharge mass spectrometry (rf-GDMS) source is evaluated for future applications in the "fingerprint" characterization of polyphosphazene membranes. The rf-GDMS spectra of a series of bis(phenoxy)phosphazene polymers contain ions that originate from both the phosphazene backbone and the phenoxy moiety, resulting in signature ions of the polymer family. "Fingerprint" ions from the substituted R-group on the phenoxy moiety of the different derivatives allows the individual polymers to be distinguished from one another. The ability of the rf-GDMS source to characterize these materials directly in the solid state will be useful for the continued application of these polymers as separation membranes.

Chemical Analysis of Plasma‐treated Organic Surfaces and Plasma Polymers by Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry

“…In comparison with SIMS, GDMS is able to provide a quantitative surface and depth‐profile elemental analysis of metal and semiconductor samples, with little matrix effects . It has also been applied to polymers, either in direct current or radio‐frequency modes . The direct current mode leads to a quantitative elemental analysis of the samples.…”

“…In contrast, pulsed GDMS is more comparable to cluster SIMS, because it provides chemical and molecular information at the surface and along the sample depth. In that approach, low energy Ar ions produced in the plasma sputter polymer fragments from the surface, which are then ionized by electrons or argon metastable atoms . The issue of thermally sensitive material degradation encountered in pulsed GDMS of polymers could be solved using cryogenically cooled samples .…”

Determination of Bromine in Flame-Retardant Plastics Using Pulsed Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry

“…11,12 This source, coupled with mass spectrometric detection, also proves useful in the structural characterization of polymers. 11,[13][14][15] Using direct current GDMS with the secondary cathode technique, Schelles and Grieken determined elemental species in plastics. 16 With this technique, iron contained in a PTFE sample at 100-500 ppm was readily observed.…”

“…Glow discharge mass spectrometry (GDMS) has been well established as a direct elemental analysis method for solid samples. , Its advantages include low detection limits, minimum matrix effects, stable ion signals, and simple sample preparation , This source, coupled with mass spectrometric detection, also proves useful in the structural characterization of polymers. ,− …”