Thermal Decomposition Behavior of a Chelating Resin Immobilizing Carboxymethylated Polyethyleneimine: Possibility of Estimation of Carboxymethylation Rate

Chelating resins immobilizing carboxymethylated polyethyleneimine (CM-PEI) with different carboxymethylation rates were prepared. The thermal decomposition behavior of CM-PEI resins was investigated using thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis/photo ionization-quadrupole mass spectrometry (TG-DTA/PI-QMS) and ion attachment ionization-quadrupole mass spectrometry equipped with direct inlet probe (DIP/IA-QMS). The obtained results suggested that the carboxymethyl group decomposed at relatively low temperature (150 °C - 300 °C); the peak areas at m/z 45 and 59 in TG-DTA/PI-QMS and m/z 58, 70, and 72 in DIP/IA-QMS significantly increased with increasing carboxymethylation rate. These relationships should be useful for estimating the carboxymethylation rate of CM-PEI resin.

Mass spectrometric investigation and formation mechanisms of high-mass species in the downstream region of Ar/CF(4)/O(2) plasmas

Mass analysis has been conducted on the positive ions and neutral species in the downstream region of Ar/CF(4)/O(2) plasmas. The neutral species have been ionized by Li(+) attachment before mass analysis. The CF(2)O(+), C(2)F(5)O(+) and C(n)F(2n-1)O(+) (1 <or=n<or= 6) positive ions and the C(n)F(2n)O (1 <or=n<or= 7) neutral species have been found as the species composed of C, F and O. The intensity of C(2)F(4)O observed via the Li(+)-attachment mass spectra has been exceptionally weak in comparison to the intensities of CF(2)O and C(3)F(6)O. In addition, neither C(2)F(4) nor C(3)F(6) have been observed, although C(n)F(2n) (n>or= 4) have been observed as the species composed only of C and F. These findings suggest that C(n)F(2n)O (n>or= 3) are produced mainly through the following reactions: CF(3)(CF(2))(m)CF = CF(2) + O((3)P) --> CF(2)((3)B(1)) + CF(3)(CF(2))(m)CFO (m>or= 1) and CF(3)(CF(2))(m)CF = CF(CF(2))(n)CF(3) + O((3)P) --> CF(3)(CF(2))(m)CF + CF(3)(CF(2))(n)CFO (m, n>or= 1), where the CF(3)(CF(2))(n)- group might have side chains, as in (CF(3))(2)CF(CF(2))(n-2)-. With the help of quantum chemistry calculations of reaction enthalpies and transition states, the formation mechanisms of the observed species have been discussed in detail.