Composition and microstructure analysis of chlorinated polyethylene by pyrolysis gas chromatography and pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry

A pyrolysis gas chromatography method was developed to determine the composition and microstructure of chlorinated polyethylene (CPE). This method utilized specific aromatic compounds which were formed through dehydrochlorination of trimers after pyrolysis of CPE polymers at elevated temperatures, The composition and microstructure calculation was based on the difference between the levels of ethylene and vinyl chloride trimers formed. This method is valid for CPE polymers containing between 35 and 48 wt% chlorine. The composition of CPE polymers used in this study was corroborated with C-13.NMR results and the manufacturer's product specification.