Identification and quantification of (polymeric) hindered-amine light stabilizers in polymers using pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–ultraviolet absorbance detection–evaporative light scattering detection

Direct analysis of polymers containing polymeric hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS) by using pyrolysis coupled to GC–MS is applied successfully for fast and straightforward identification of these HALS additives. Each of the HALS additives shows different pyrolysis gas chromatograms containing characteristic pyrolysis products. As a result, HALS additives with very similar chemical structures, e.g. Chimassorb 944 and Chimassorb 2020, can be distinguished. A HPLC method with both ultraviolet (UV) and evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD) is developed to quantify the various HALS additives in extracts of polymers. The critical factor of the HPLC method is the use of a basic amine, like n-hexylamine, as a solvent additive to facilitate the elution of HALS additives. The various HALS additives can be distinguished according to retention time and peak shape and by using different detection methods. The suitability of the developed methods is demonstrated by the analytical performance of the HPLC method and the identification and determination of the actual content of HALS additives in polyolefines using pyrolysis GC–MS and HPLC. The HPLC method can also be used for the determination of the specific migration of HALS additives from food contact materials.