title: Application of High-Resolution MALDI-TOFMS with a Spiral Ion Trajectory for the Structural Characterization of Free Radical Polymerized Methacrylate Ester Copolymers.
abstract: The structural characterization of copolymers by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) remains a challenging task, since their random comonomer distribution creates very complicated mass spectra. In this study, a high-resolution TOF mass spectrometer with a spiral ion trajectory was applied to the structural and compositional characterization of free radical copolymerized poly(methyl methacrylate-co-tert-butyl methacrylate), poly(MMA-co-tBMA)s in ethyl lactate acting as a chain transfer agent. Virtually complete peak assignments of the isobaric components within the poly(MMA-co-tBMA)s served to identify the end-group combinations and copolymer compositions of individual copolymer components, allowing the distributions of comonomer compositions and six types of end-group combinations to be evaluated.
authors.affiliation: Research Institute for Environmental Management Technology, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST).
authors.forename: Hiroaki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sato
authors.affiliation: Research Institute for Environmental Management Technology, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST).
authors.forename: Yoko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ishii
authors.affiliation: Corporate Research Laboratories, Mitsubishi Rayon Co. Ltd.
authors.forename: Hikaru
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Momose
authors.affiliation: MS Business Unit, JEOL Ltd.
authors.forename: Takafumi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sato
authors.affiliation: Advanced Technology Department, JEOL Ltd.
authors.forename: Kanae
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Teramoto
keywords: MALDI spiral-TOFMS; chemical composition; copolymer characterization; end group structure