APPLICATION OF SIMS IN POLYMERS AND LIGNOCELLULOSIC MATERIALS

Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS), a new surface analysis technique, as begun to be applied to the studies of organic macromolecule surfaces either for chemical imaging and functional group analysis or for the determination of molecular weight distribution. The instrumental conditions that are critical for obtaining a meaningful spectrum are discussed for polymers which have properties similar to lignocellulosic materials, i.e., they are thermally fragile and electrically insulating. Examples are given for qualitative and quantitative analyses. Possible uses of SIMS for characterization of lignocellulosic materials are suggested.