Analytical Resolution
Analytical instrumentation combining two dimensional gas chromatography with time of flight mass spectrometry separates complex chemical mixtures in packaging. The implementation of GCxGC TOF MS allows the separation of overlapping peaks that would be indistinguishable in conventional gas chromatography. This technique is particularly valuable for identifying mineral oil hydrocarbons that migrate from paperboard into food.
The system provides highly detailed chemical profiles, enabling the detection of trace contaminants at low concentration levels.
Separation Mechanism
Two columns with different stationary phases resolve compounds by volatility and polarity sequentially. The first column separates the molecules based on their boiling points, and a modulator collects the effluent before injecting it into the second column. This second separation occurs very rapidly, and the time of flight mass spectrometer captures high-speed scans of the emerging peaks.
This dual separation increases the peak capacity of the system, allowing the identification of hundreds of individual compounds.
Data Analysis
Data processing software transforms the high-speed scans into a two-dimensional chromatogram with distinct spots for each chemical class. This visualization helps analysts quickly distinguish between saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons. The high sensitivity of this method makes it the standard for complex migration studies in food packaging.
