Analysis of thermo-oxidation products of polypropylene and polyethylene by Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Thermal and thermo-oxidative degradation of polyethylene and polypropylene is discussed. The products of thermal and thermo-oxidative degradation are analysed using a GC-MS after previous adsorption in a column containing a sorbent of styrene divinyl benzene copolymer type. Aldehydes are the products mostly resulting from the thermo-oxidation of polyethylene and methyl ketones are those resulting from the thermo-oxidation of polypropylene.