Publications

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Chemical structure and physical properties of materials, such as polymers, can be altered as aging progresses, which may result in a material that is ineffective for its envisioned intent. Butyl rubber formulations, starting material, and additives were aged under thermal-oxidative conditions for up to 413 total days at up to 124 ÀC. Samples included: two formulations developed at Kansas City Plant (KCP) (#6 and #10), one commercially available formulation (#21), Laxness bromobutyl 2030 starting material, and two additives (polyethylene AC-617 and Vanax MBM). The low-molecular weight volatile thermal-oxidative degradation products that collected in the headspace over the samples were preconcentrated, separated, and detected using cryofocusing gas chromatography mass spectrometry (cryo-GC/MS). The majority of identified degradation species were alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, ketones, and aldehydes. Observations for Butyl #10 aged in an oxygen-18 enriched atmosphere (18O2) were used to verify when the source of oxygen in the applicable degradation products was from the gaseous environment rather than the polymeric mixture. For comparison purposes, Butyl #10 was also aged under non-oxidative thermal conditions using an argon atmosphere.

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Aged materials, such as polymers, can exhibit modifications to their chemical structure and physical properties, which may render the material ineffective for its intended purpose. Isotopic labeling was used to characterize low-molecular weight volatile thermal-oxidative degradation products of nylon 6.6 in an effort to better understand and predict changes in the aged polymer. Headspace gas from aged (up to 243 d at 138 °C) nylon 6.6 monomers (adipic acid and 1,6- hexanediamine) and polymer were preconcentrated, separated, and detected using cryofocusing gas chromatography mass spectrometry (cryo-GC/MS). Observations regarding the relative concentrations observed in each chromatographic peak with respect to aging time were used in conjunction with mass spectra for samples aged under ambient air to determine the presence and identity of 18 degradation products. A comparison of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) library, unlabeled, and isotopically labeled mass spectra (C-13 or N-15) and expected fragmentation pathways of each degradation product were used to identify the location of isotopically labeled atoms within the product's chemical structure, which can later be used to determine the exact origin of the species. In addition, observations for unlabeled nylon 6.6 aged in an O-18 enriched atmosphere were used to determine if the source of oxygen in the applicable degradation products was from the gaseous environment or the polymer. Approximations for relative isotopic ratios of unlabeled to labeled products are reported, where appropriate. © American Society for Mass Spectrometry, 2012.

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In many industrial processes, gaseous moisture is undesirable as it can lead to metal corrosion, polymer degradation, and other materials aging processes. However, generating and measuring precise moisture concentrations is challenging due to the need to cover a broad concentration range (parts-per-billion to percent) and the affinity of moisture to a wide range surfaces and materials. This document will discuss the techniques employed by the Mass Spectrometry Laboratory of the Materials Reliability Department at Sandia National Laboratories to generate and measure known gaseous moisture concentrations. This document highlights the use of a chilled mirror and primary standard humidity generator for the characterization of aluminum oxide moisture sensors. The data presented shows an excellent correlation in frost point measured between the two instruments, and thus provides an accurate and reliable platform for characterizing moisture sensors and performing other moisture related experiments.

Fiber-optic gas phase surface plasmon resonance (SPR) detection of several contaminant gases of interest to state-of-health monitoring in high-consequence sealed systems has been demonstrated. These contaminant gases include H{sub 2}, H{sub 2}S, and moisture using a single-ended optical fiber mode. Data demonstrate that results can be obtained and sensitivity is adequate in a dosimetric mode that allows periodic monitoring of system atmospheres. Modeling studies were performed to direct the design of the sensor probe for optimized dimensions and to allow simultaneous monitoring of several constituents with a single sensor fiber. Testing of the system demonstrates the ability to detect 70mTorr partial pressures of H{sub 2} using this technique and <280 {micro}Torr partial pressures of H{sub 2}S. In addition, a multiple sensor fiber has been demonstrated that allows a single fiber to measure H{sub 2}, H{sub 2}S, and H{sub 2}O without changing the fiber or the analytical system.

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