Effect of Stereoregularity on TOF-SIMS Spectra of Polymers

Abstract
This study shows the utility of time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) for the analysis of stereoregular polymers. It is possible to obtain distinctive spectra for polymers of different stereoregularity. The high mass region of the spectrum from 600 to 3000 Da is related to differences in polymer stereoregularity. Differences occur in the relative intensities and/or locations of clusters for polymers of different stereoregularities. Polymers studied include poly(methyl methacrylate), polypropylene, and polypropylene oxide. The extent of stereoregularity influences the degree of difference observed in the TOF-SIMS spectra.