Analytical characterization of erucamide degradants by mass spectrometry

Polyolefins use erucamide as one of their primary slip agents. The degradation of erucamide can occur during polymer processing and long-term storage, leading to the formation of numerous oxidation products. Erucamide degradation produces compounds that adversely affect the odor and color properties of polyolefins. The article describes the comprehensive characterization of erucamide degradation products formed in three different lots of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) using thermal desorption-gas chromatography mass spectrometry (TD-GC/MS) and liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) techniques. More than 20 volatile and non-volatile degradation compounds of erucamide were identified in LDPE. The structures of non-volatile degradants were predicted using both the molecular formula generated and MS/MS fragmentation data obtained by LC-HRMS. The non-volatile and volatile degradation compounds formed in odorous LDPE resins were compared with that of the reference sample of LDPE having no odor. Further, the plausible mechanism of formation of volatile and non-volatile degradation compounds of erucamide is proposed. (C) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The article comprehensively characterizes the degradation products of erucamide in low-density polyethylene, using thermal desorption-gas chromatography mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry techniques. More than 20 volatile and non-volatile degradation compounds of erucamide were identified in LDPE, and the structures of non-volatile degradants were predicted. The study also compared the degradation compounds formed in odorous LDPE resins with those in odorless LDPE, and proposed a plausible mechanism for the formation of volatile and non-volatile degradation compounds of erucamide.