Interpretation of the fragmentation patterns in static SIMS analysis of polymers. Part I. Simple aliphatic hydrocarbons

Abstract

Abstract A number of simple aliphatic hydrocarbon polymers have been studied by static SIMS. The low‐mass positive spectra reflect structural differences in the polymeric structure, which result in characteristic fingerprint spectra. Unsaturation and differences in branching lead to very distinct spectral features which show promise for the application of SIMS as an analytical technique in polymer‐related areas. An attempt is made to interpret the spectra in terms of molecular structure, fragmentation mechanisms and ion stabilities. The chemical nature of ion beam damage in PE and PP was studied to some extent.