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This paper reviews the application of matrix-assisted
laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS)
to the analysis of synthetic polymers, and includes
data obtained by Toyota CRDL. In MALDI-MS of synthetic
polymers, the selection of a matrix and cationizing
agent, as well as the sample preparation techniques,
are very important to obtaining a successful spectrum.
MALDI-MS makes it possible to measure the absolute molecular
weight and molecular weight distribution of synthetic
polymers having narrow polydispersity. For most synthetic
polymers with wide polydispersity, on the other hand,
a technique combining size-exclusion chromatography
and MALDI-MS has been proposed to determine the absolute
molecular weight distribution in order to overcome the
problem with mass discrimination whereby the high molecular
weight components are hard to detect, such that the
molecular weight distribution cannot be obtained accurately.
Additionally, MALDI-MS makes it possible to characterize
the molecular structure of the products of degradation
caused by light or heat, as well as insoluble samples
such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon.
It is expected that MALDI-MS will significantly contribute
to the progress of materials development and degradation
analysis. We believe that many interesting avenues of
research remain unexplored in the field of MALDI-MS
of synthetic polymers. These include the search of a
universal matrix that can ionize any synthetic polymers,
sample preparation techniques, and so on.
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