Efficiency Analysis of the Polymerization Process Use Case

The goal was to measure the quantity of residual non-polymerized monomer in the final product after the polymerization process.

To solve this problem, we developed both a method and a measuring instrument.

Method: The final polymerized product was subjected to a Soxhlet extraction procedure to dissolve everything in a strong solvent. This process results in a very complex matrix: in addition to the substance of interest, many other substances are present. To isolate the substance of interest, we developed a procedure based on the target substance’s properties: a solid-phase extraction, followed by a liquid-extraction. This final liquid-liquid extraction also had the role of concentrating the solution, thereby lowering the detection limit.

Instrument: As a measuring instrument, we developed a GC-UV system (gas chromatograph with UV detector). This has the advantage of positively confirming the identified substances (based on their UV absorption spectrum). The obtained liquid solution was injected into the system, and the result was compared with the injection of control samples (standards). Thus, the presence and quantity of residual monomer could be determined.