Paint spray mass spectrometry for the detection of additives from polymers on conducting surfaces

Paint Spray is developed as a direct sampling ionisation method for mass spectrometric analysis of additives in polymer-

based surface coatings. The technique simply involves applying an external high voltage (5 kV) to the wetted sample placed

in front of the mass spectrometer inlet and represents a much simpler ionisation technique compared to those currently available.

The capabilities of Paint Spray are demonstrated herein with the detection of four commercially available hindered amine light

stabilisers; TINUVIN® 770, TINUVIN® 292, TINUVIN® 123 and TINUVIN® 152 directly from thermoset polyester-based coil

coatings. Paint Spray requires no sample preparation or pre-treatment and combined with its simplicity – requiring no specialised

equipment – makes it ideal for use by non-specialists. The application of Paint Spray for industrial use has significant potential

as sample collection from a coil coating production line and Paint Spray ionisation could enable fast quality control

screening at high sensitivity.