Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Applied to Printing Ink Problem

The analytical technique of computerized gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) will be demonstrated to be an invaluable technique for solving a wide range of graphic arts problems. Such instrumentation provides for the separation and unequivocal identification of complex chemical species. This paper will describe the utilization of a Hewlett Packard 5985 GC/MS in the following applications. (1) Its use for the identification and quantitation of specific polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in complex ink raw material ingredients. (2) The identification and quantitation of volatile compounds such as those retained on printed substrates or those found in the printing process environment. (3) The adaptability of GC/MS for the identification of monomers and oligomers used in radiation curing coatings and inks.