Rapid Identification of High Polymers using a Simple Pyrolysis Unit with a Gas–Liquid Chromatograph

Abstract

FOR some years it was standard practice in these laboratories to pyrolyse polymers in an intimate mix with ignited silver sand under carefully controlled conditions in an inert partial atmosphere. The degradation products were fractionated and examined by gas–liquid partition chromatography. The performance of the entire process in one stage was considered as a natural development of the technique, and the piece of apparatus to be described is now in regular use.