Py-GC-MS calibration standards
Synthetic polymer calibration standards for Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC-MS). Select polymer type, diluent and polymer concentration between 1.0 µg/mg (0.1%) to 50 µg/mg (5.0%).
Production
Cryomilled, general purpose microplastic fragments (not guaranteed additive-free) sieved through 300 mesh (<50 µm particles), yielding at least n = 100 particles per mg (at lowest concentration of 0.5 µg/mg) and ensuring consistent homogeneity across typical 4 mg sample sizes. Microplastic fragments in dry, neat (powder) format are mixed with either SiO₂ or CaCO₃ diluent (calcined at 530°C), according to your requirements, to achieve the desired polymer concentration. The powder undergoes 24-hour mechanical mixing to ensure homogeneous particle distribution.
Polymer type(s)
- Single-polymer blends: A single polymer in either SiO₂ or CaCO₃ diluent OR in polymer powder format without diluent.
- Standard kit: 6 common polymers [LDPE, HDPE, PP, PVC, PET, PS, PC] in SiO₂ or CaCO₃ diluent. All polymers in equivalent ratios.
- Advanced kit: 12 common polymers [+ SBR, ABS, PMMA, PA6, PA6.6, PU {thermoset} & TPU {thermoplastic}]. Choose either: (1) all polymers in SiO₂ diluent with polyurethanes provided separately in CaCO₃ diluent, or (2) all polymers in CaCO₃ diluent. In both cases, polymers are present in equivalent ratios.
Important: In polymer kits, each polymer is supplied at the same concentration. For example, if you select 1 µg/mg, you will receive 1 µg/mg of each polymer individually, rather than 1 µg/mg for the total polymer mixture. Note: LDPE and HDPE are treated as separate polymers; in this example, each will be present at 1 µg/mg, resulting in a total PE concentration of 2 µg/mg in the sample.
Unit size
Single-polymer calibration standards are available in 0.5 g and 1.0 g aliquots at 149.95€ and 199.95€, respectively, regardless of polymer- and diluent composition. Standard- and advanced polymer kits are priced at 449.95€ and 549.95€ for 0.5 aliqouts, respectively, while 1.0 g aliqouts are priced at 549.95€ and 649.95€, respectively.
▶ To enable baseline correction pure diluent controls accompany all samples
Certificate of Preparation
All samples are accompanied by a sample-specific Certificate of Preparation (COP), with full traceability of applied polymer content from stock mixtures to the specific sample. COPs are accessible via a weblink or QR code printed on each sample label.
Download Certificate of Preparation (COP) example:
- Py-GC-MS calibration standard: 12 polymers-CaCO₃ blend
- Py-GC-MS calibration standard: 6 polymers-CaCO₃ blend
- Py-GC-MS calibration standard: PVC-CaCO₃ blend (1%)
Tip: For best performance, we recommend placing a small plug of quartz wool (not included) above the sample in the pyrolysis cup to prevent particle fly-off.
Wish to combine different polymer types in a single sample? Contact us for a price quote.
Py-GC-MS calibration standards
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE): 30,000 g/mol
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE): 80,000 g/mol
- Polypropylene (PP): 50,000 g/mol
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): 80,000 - 120,000 g/mol
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET): 40,000-60,000 g/mol
- Polystyrene [atactic] (PS): 250,000-350,000 g/mol
- Polycarbonate (PC): 30,000 - 60,000 g/mol
- Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS): 100,000 - 200,000 g/mol
- Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA): 5,000 g/mol
- Polyamide 6 (PA6): 120,000 g/mol
- Polyamide 6,6 (PA6.6): 120,000 g/mol
- Polyurethane (PU) [thermoset/polyether-based]: crosslinked network polymer; characterized by molecular weight between crosslinks (Mc), typically 150 - 4,000 g/mol, rather than an overall Mw
- Polyurethane [thermoplastic] (TPU): 80,000 g/mol
- Styrene butadine rubber (SBR): 200,000 - 300,000 g/mol
- Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE): 1,000,000 - 5,000,000 g/mol
- Polyacrylonitrile (PAN): 30,000 g/mol
Py-GC-MS calibrations standards (synthetic polymer fragments in either SiO₂ or CaCO₃ diluent) in dry, neat (powder) format do not expire if stored under dry and temperature-stable conditions, and away from direct sunlight.
