Analysis of waterborne paints by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry with a temperature-programmable pyrolyzer

Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) with a temperature-programmable pyrolyzer was used for the analysis of waterborne paints. Evolved gas analysis (EGA) profiles of the waterborne paints were obtained by this temperature-programmed pyrolysis directly coupled with MS via a deactivated metal capillary tube. The EGA profile suggested the optimal thermal desorption conditions for solvents and additives and the subsequent optimal pyrolysis temperature for the remaining polymeric material. Polymers were identified from pyrograms with the assistance of a new polymer library. The solvents were identified from the electron ionization mass spectra with the corresponding chemical ionization mass spectra. The additive was identified as zinc pyrithione by comparison with authentic standard. Zinc pyrithione cannot be analyzed by GC–MS as it is. However, the thermal decomposition products of zinc pyrithione could be detected. The information on the decomposition temperature and products was useful for the identification of the original compound.