Supporting analytical laboratories
in microplastic research
Since 2024
Py-GC-MS calibration standards
EasyPyCal™ is our series of tailored Py-GC-MS calibration standards designed specifically for quantitative pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis. Our single-polymer and 6 & 12 polymer kit standards offer precise concentration control from 1.0 µg/mg to 50 µg/mg, enabling reliable calibration curve development. Each standard features sieved microplastic fragments (<50 µm) ensuring consistent particle homogeneity across sample aliquots. All standards include matching blank controls for accurate baseline correction and comprehensive certificates of analysis with full traceability data. Available in 0.15 g, 0.5 g and 1.0 g formats, each sample provides multiple runs.
Assortment
EasyPyCal™: Py-GC-MS calibration standards
Neat polymer powder
From 150 mg aliquots of dry, neat powder
Calibration standards supplied as high-purity polymer powders, available in more than 20 different polymer types.
Ideal for direct Py-GC-MS calibration or for preparing custom dispersions and solutions tailored to specific workflows. As neat powders, they can be readily adapted for method development, recovery tests, spike additions, and positive controls.
Polymer-matrix blend
From 1.0 µg/mg (0.1 %) to 50 µg/mg (5.0 %)
Flexible calibration standards consisting of high-purity polymer-matrix blends, covering more than 20 polymer types blended into a CaCO₃ or SiO₂ matrix.
Ideal for direct Py-GC-MS calibration or for preparing custom dispersions and solutions tailored to specific workflows. As neat powders, they can be readily adapted for method development, recovery tests, spike additions, and positive controls.
Our Py-GC-MS calibration standards are composed of carefully selected polymers representative of environmental micro- and nanoplastic pollution. Each polymer batch is sieved through a 300-mesh screen (<50 µm) to ensure particle size uniformity and homogeneity across aliquots. The polymer-matrix blends are subjected to high-energy vortex mixing for 5 minutes. This step is followed by 4 hours of vertical rotation with a knocking effect to loosen any powder adhering to the container. Finally, the sample is horizontally rolled with a swivel effect for 10 hours to thoroughly homogenize the contents (see figure below). Eight 304 stainless steel beads ranging from Ø = 2.0 mm to 5.5 mm are included throughout all mixing steps to enhance homogenization. All final samples include three Ø = 3.0 mm 316L stainless steel beads employed in the final mixing process.
Introducing a comprehensive kit compatible with the "ASTM D8401-24 Standard Test Method for Identification of Polymer Type and Quantity of Microplastic Particles and Fibers in Waters with High to Low Suspended Solids Using Py-GC-MS" priced at 699.95€.
A
B
C
D
The kit includes:
1.0 g 12-Polymer-CaCO₃ blend (see composition below)
A
B
1.0 g Blank i.e. pure CaCO₃
C
2.0 mL Dichloromethane w. ethyl eicosanoate (0.25 µg/µL)
D
1 x 10 µL glass syringe
Within the EasyPyCal™ ASTM D8401-24 kit, all polymers are provided as particles (<50 µm) homogenized within a CaCO₃ matrix in the proportions below, rather than dissolved in solvents. This not only simplifies handling but also offers a more realistic representation of environmental microplastics. The kit includes 2 mL of a dichloromethane solution of methyl eicosanoate (0.25 µg/µL) and a 10 µL syringe, enabling 8 µL injections (4 µg methyl eicosanoate) in accordance with the standard.
Polymer type
Polyethylene (PE)
Polypropylene (PP)
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Polyethylene terepththalate (PET)
Polystyrene (PS)
Polycarbonate (PC)
Styrene butadiene rubber (SBR)
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
Polyamide 6 (PA6)
Polyamide 66 (PA66)
Polyurethane (MDI-based) (PU-MDI)
Concentration (µg/mg)
40
10
10
4
2
1
4
2
2
1.25
4.5
2.5
Dichloromethane w. methyl eicosanoate
0.25 µg/µL
Calibration curves: ASTM D8401-24 kit
Analysis performed by CDS analytical with 6000 series Pyroprobe
Parameters
Sample analyzed: ASTM D8401-24 kit. CaCO₃ blend
Analysis performed by: CDS Analytical
Instrument used: Pyroprobe 6150
Pyrolysis Temperature: 600°C (40 seconds)
Oven: 40°C to 300°C at 12°C per min
Pre-column: Rxi-17Sil MS 2 m, 0.25 mm id, film thickness, 0.25 µm
Column: Rxi-5ms, 30 m, 0.25 mm id, film thickness 0.50 µm
Scan: 29-400 amu
Available polymer types
Polyethylene
The most widely produced plastic.
HDPE: ~15–20% of global plastic production; rigid, strong; bottles, pipes, crates.
LDPE: ~10%; flexible, transparent; bags, films, coatings.
Common pyrolysis marker(s)
-
Alkenes (C10, C12, C14 and C21).
Polypropylene
~20% of global production; common in packaging, automotive parts, textiles.
Common pyrolysis markers
-
2,4-Dimethyl-1-heptene (key diagnostic).
-
2,4-Dimethyl-1-heptane.
Polyvinyl chloride
~10% of global production; important for pipes, construction work, irrigation systems.
Common pyrolysis marker(s)
-
Naphthalene
Polyethylene terephthalate
~7% of global production; beverage bottles, textiles.
Common pyrolysis markers
-
Benzophenone (reaction product with CaCO₃)
-
Vinyl benzoate
-
Benzoic acid
-
Terephthalic acid dimethyl ester / dimethyl terephthalate
Polystyrene
Polycarbonate
<2% of global production; optics, electronics, glazing.
Common pyrolysis marker(s)
-
4-Isopropylphenol-phenol
~6% of global production; packaging, insulation, disposables.
Common pyrolysis markers
-
Styrene dimers and trimers (main identifiers).
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
~2% of global production; housings, automotive, toys.
Common pyrolysis markers
-
2-Phenethyl-4-phenylpent-4-enetrile
-
Styrene unit: Styrene α-Methylstyrene Indene
-
Acrylonitrile unit: Acrylonitrile Benzonitrile 2-Cyanostyrene
-
Butadiene unit: 1,3-Butadiene 4-Vinylcyclohexene (butadiene dimer) Cyclopentadiene
Polymethyl methacrylate
<1% of global production; displays, glazing, optics.
Common pyrolysis markers
-
Methyl methacrylate (MMA, monomer) → almost complete depolymerization.
-
Methyl isobutyrate (minor).
Polyamide 6
~2% global production; clothing, automotive, fishing gear.
Common pyrolysis markers
-
Caprolactam (dominant marker)
-
Cyclopentanone
-
5-Cyanovaleramide
-
ε-Aminocapronitrile (supportive)
Polyamide 6,6
~2% of global production; automotive, machinery, textiles.
Common pyrolysis markers
-
Cyclopentanone (dominant marker)
-
Adiponitrile (from adipic acid unit).
-
Hexamethylenediamine fragments (amines).
Polyurethane
~7% of global production; insulation, foams, industrial elastomers.
Common pyrolysis markers
Without CaCO₃:
-
MDI (4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate) → most important marker
-
2,4′-MDI isomer → secondary isomer peak
With CaCO₃ (ASTM D8401-24 reaction):
-
MDA (4,4′-methylenedianiline) → PRIMARY QUANTIFICATION MARKER
-
2,4′-MDA isomer → secondary
MDI-Based [Estane® 58887]
Polyurethane
~1% of global production; coatings, paint fillers.
Common pyrolysis markers
Without CaCO₃:
-
IPDI (isophorone diisocyanate) → main marker
-
Isophorone diamine (IPDA) → corresponding diamine
IPDI-based
Styrene butadiene rubber
[Styrene = 21 ± 2 mass%]
~<1% of global production (35–45% synthetic rubber production); tire tread material; commonly used as a proxy for road tire wear.
Common pyrolysis marker(s)
-
4-Vinylcyclohexene
Polyacrylonitrile
<1% of global polymer production; primarily used in carbon-fiber precursors, acrylic fibers, and technical textiles.
Common pyrolysis markers
-
Acrylonitrile
-
Acetonitrile
-
Hydrogen cyanide (HCN)
Polytetrafluoroethylene
<0.1% of global polymer production; high-performance fluoropolymer used in coatings, seals, cables, and chemical-resistant components. Commonly known as Teflon®; classified as a polymeric PFAS.
Common pyrolysis markers
-
Tetrafluoroethylene (TFE).
-
Hexafluoropropylene (HFP)
An important message from the Microplastic Solution Team
About our Py-GC-MS calibration standards: Py-GC-MS is a powerful and complex, but still developing analytical technique, particularly when applied to complex polymers and mixed material- or environmental samples. Calibration plays an important role in method development and performance evaluation, and we recognise that no single standard can address all analytical challenges.
Our calibration standards are therefore designed to support method familiarisation, comparison, and quality control, rather than to represent a universal or final solution.
When working with Py-GC-MS, we recommend starting with simple systems and gradually increasing sample complexity. Beginning with single-polymer materials allows characteristic pyrolysis products to be established before progressing to multi-polymer mixtures. The basic and advanced polymer kits represent increasingly complex samples; the advanced kit is also intended to explore methodological limitations and is therefore best used once the method is well understood.
As the field continues to evolve, we are continuously working to refine and improve our standards based on ongoing research, user feedback, and practical laboratory experience. We do not have all the answers; rather, we see this as a collaborative process and are strongly motivated to explore open questions together with our users. We are committed to supporting our clients, discussing analytical challenges, and learning alongside them as methodologies continue to develop.
We encourage users to contact us with questions, feedback, or specific analytical needs; these exchanges directly contribute to the continued improvement of our calibration standards.
- Founder and CEO
microplasticsolution.com
+ 33 6 72 05 29 17
Addresses:
Administrative HQ: 9 rue des enfants d'Izieu, 31320 Castanet-Tolosan, France.
Laboratory: 6 impasse Dordac, 31650 Saint-Orens-de-Gameville, France.
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Est. 2024
