The polymeric materials suffer degradation processes due to chemicals and/or physical agents such as light, heat, mechanical stress. The degradation phenomena affect all stages of polymer life, from the synthesis to in service use and recycling. The degradation of macromolecular systems has always been a very active and multifaceted field of study. In some cases the polymer degradation is required, for instance to promote the release of active molecules (drugs in stimuli responsive polymers). In other cases, degradation produces molecules harmful for human health (BPA from polycarbonate).
Most of the degradation processes involve cleavage of the polymer chains, cross-linking reactions, as well as change on macromolecular structure and composition in the case of copolymer systems. The high sensitivity of modern Mass Spectrometry techniques associated with the ability to characterize each oligomer species in the polymer formulation, resulted in a growing use as investigation method in the area of polymer degradation. The research activity in our lab is mainly focused on the studies of mechanisms involved during degradation of functional polymers as well as on structural characterization of degradation products and additives by using MALDI TOF and ESI MS techniques. Research activity also includes preparation of samples, degradation (weathering, pyrolysis, thermo-oxidation, chemical and thermo-mechanical degradation) and stabilization studies.
People to contact: Sabrina Carroccio
List of selected publication:
P.Rizzarelli, S.Carroccio
Modern mass spectrometry in the characterization and degradation of biodegradable polymers
Analytica Chimica Acta 808, 18-43 (2014)
P.Carampin, E.Lallana, J.Laliturai, S.Carroccio, C.Puglisi, N.Tirelli
Oxidant-Dependent REDOX Responsiveness of Polysulfides
Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics 213, 2052-2061 (2012)
E.Lallana, T.Ferreri, S.Carroccio, A.M.Puga, N.Tirelli
End-group rearrangements in poly(propylene sulfide) matrixassisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight analysis. Experimental evidence and possible mechanisms
Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry 26, 2158-2164 (2012)
S.Carroccio, P.Rizzarelli, D.Zampino
A Snapshot of Thermo-Oxidative Degradation Products in Poly(bisphenol A carbonate) by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics 212(24), 2648-2666 (2011)
P.Rizzarelli, S.Carroccio, C.Puglisi
Polymer Degradation
Mass Spectrometry in Polymer Chemistry Chapter 13, 437-465 (2011)
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