STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF POLYMERIC MATERIALS BY LASER MICROPROBE MASS ANALYSIS (LAMMA).

Mass spectrometry of organic solids has been advanced by the development of the laser ionization source (LAMMA) utilized in these studies of various polymer systems. Analysis of LAMMA results shows the informational capabilities of the technique, including the abilities to sense small structural differences in simple homopolymers and detect each constituent of polymer mixtures (including previously unknown contaminants). The LAMMA utilizes a Nd-YAG laser as the ionization/vaporization source. It is focused and directed by a pilot laser through an oil immersion lense onto the rear of a sample. This paper reviews experimental results obtained by the authors in microstructural characterization of various synthetic polymers and biopolymers.