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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.

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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.

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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.

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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€.

ASTM D8401-24 defines a calibration-based method where polymer concentrations are set so their markers can be reliably quantified, with limited interference between polymers.

ASTM-D8401-24 Kit for microplastic analysis for Py-GC/MS.

A

B

C

D

The kit includes:

1.0 g 12-Polymer-Mineral blend (see composition below)

A

B

1.0 g Blank i.e. pure CaCO₃ or SiO₂*

C

2.0 mL Dichloromethane w. Methyl 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 or SiO₂ 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.

*CaCO₃ or SiO₂?

A SiO₂-based variant is also available. However, ASTM D8401-24 specifies CaCO₃ as the diluent matrix; therefore, the SiO₂ format is not compliant with the standard and is intended for method development or matrix-matching purposes only.

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

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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

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~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

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~10% of global production; important for pipes, construction work, irrigation systems.

Common pyrolysis marker(s)

  • Naphthalene

Polyethylene terephthalate

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~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

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<2% of global production; optics, electronics, glazing.

Common pyrolysis marker(s)

  • 4-Isopropylphenol-phenol

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~6% of global production; packaging, insulation, disposables.

Common pyrolysis markers

  • Styrene dimers and trimers (main identifiers).

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene

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~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

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<1% of global production; displays, glazing, optics.

Common pyrolysis markers

  • Methyl methacrylate (MMA, monomer) → almost complete depolymerization.

  • Methyl isobutyrate (minor).
     

Polyamide 6

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~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).

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Polyurethane

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~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

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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

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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)

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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)

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And more....

Custom formulations

If your research targets specific polymers in specialized combinations and tailored concentrations, we can work together to design a sample that fits your exact requirements. 

Custom formulation are available from 5.0 g aliquots, starting at 999.95€.

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Choose your matrix; CaCO₃, SiO₂, or another option you’d like to test.

Choose from more than 20 different polymer types in any combination at custom concentrations; or send us your raw plastic for in-house cryogenic milling and preparation.

Feel free to contact us for more information and general questions.

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Est. 2024

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Have a question?

Ask Dr. Nadiia Yakovenko: 
Nadiia@microplasticsolution.com

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