Andreas Endesfelder

Characterization of a Linear Melamine Formaldehyde Resin

Abstract A novel linear melamine formaldehyde resin on the basis of the bifunctional tetramethylmelamine was created. It was found to posses several promising properties for industrial applications. Structural characterization of the material at its various production states was achieved with different mass spectrometric techniques. Liquid chromatography-ion trap mass spectrometry was used to completely separate the resins and identify the individual components. Detection with a diode array detector indicated a change of spectroscopic properties with the degree of polymerization. The material was also analyzed with analytical pyrolysis and a gel permeation chromatography system hyphenated to a mass spectrometer in order to unambiguously determine the molar masses.

Analysis of N-Methylmelamine Resins with Combined GPC, HPLC, Mass Spectrometric Techniques

Abstract This article deals with the development of methods for characterization and structural elucidation of N-methylmelamine resins as well as the cured material and composites made with these products. Resin characterization was achieved by ESI-ion trap MS and HPLC/PDA/MSn, which made the assignment of each species in the mixture possible. GPC as well as MS were used to follow the curing of the resin. Completely cured resins and composites are no more soluble in any solvent, and, therefore, the characterization was carried out with analytical pyrolysis and thermally assisted hydrolysis and methylation (THM) hyphenated to a GC/MS system.