What is That Plastic? Using solid phase extraction (SPE)

Plastics, often considered environmental adversaries, persist in landfills or disintegrate into ubiquitous microplastics, causing harm across diverse ecosystems from towering mountains to the ocean depths. However, when used responsibly, plastics stand as a remarkable invention, shaping our daily lives for the past century. From commonplace kitchen tools to cutting-edge technologies like spacesuits, credit cards, and artificial organs, plastics have made indispensable contributions.

Beyond their utilitarian roles, plastics have become integral to our cultural heritage, finding a place in museums worldwide. While it might appear straightforward to exhibit or store plastics, they undergo degradation over time through various environmental factors, such as UV light, oxygen exposure, and plasticizers leaching. This degradation poses challenges for museums aiming to preserve their collections.

In an effort to safeguard plastics in museums, it is crucial to identify the specific polymers present. Museums commonly face degradation issues with cellulose acetate, cellulose nitrate, plasticized polyvinyl chloride, rubber, and polyurethane foam. Techniques like Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) have been employed to identify plastics based on their vibrational characteristics. However, challenges arise due to the interference of fillers and colors in obtaining a clean spectrum.

To address these issues, researchers are exploring innovative methods, including the analysis of emitted compounds during plastic degradation. Solid phase microextraction gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry (SPME-GCMS) is a prominent technique, providing insights into volatile organic compounds released during plastic breakdown. It is noteworthy that Gas Chromatography with Ultraviolet detection (GC-UV) can be employed in tandem with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) for a comprehensive analysis.

As the array of plastic varieties continues to expand, the power of chromatography emerges as an essential tool for researchers to monitor and manage the diverse landscape of plastics, ensuring their sustainable use and preservation. You can find SPE cartridges here.