DIN EN ISO 10927:2011-07

The molecular mass and molecular mass distribution of a synthetic polymer are fundamental characteristics that result from the polymerization process. They are very important for fundamental studies and for processing and product applications and are used for quality control of polymers and for specification purposes in the commerce of polymers. The comparability of MALDI-TOF-MS results obtained in different laboratories can be ensured by using standardized conditions of measurement, identical samples and identical matrix preparation methods. The classification of MALDI-TOF-MS as an equitable (standardized) method compared with other established methods of polymer characterization could result in a significant increase in the use of MALDI-TOF-MS. This standard specifies a general method for determining the average molecular mass and molecular mass distribution of polymers from 2 000 g/mol to 20 000 g/mol by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). The average molecular masses and molecular mass distributions are calculated from a calibration curve constructed using synthetic-polymer and/or biopolymer standards. This method is therefore classified as a relative method. The method is not applicable to polyolefins or to polymers with a polydispersity > 1,2. The Committee responsible for this standard is NA 002-00-02-03 AK "Gelpermeationschromatographie" ("Gel permeation chromatography") at DIN.