--- type: "WebPage" title: "Pyrolysis GC-MS (Py-GC-MS) analysis laboratory" description: "Your needs: to characterize your materials using Py-GC-MS Pyrolysis GC-MS Analysis (Py-GC-MS), what are we talking about? Pyrolysis-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) analysis is a pyrolysis technique followed by gas chromatography, itself coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS).It allows the identification and quantification..." resource: "https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/py-gc-ms-pyrolysis-gc-ms/" tags: ["EN", "pll_610beb639af94", "Materials", "Our advanced techniques", "Thomas ROUSSEAU"] timestamp: "2025-12-31T08:56:29Z" published: "2021-08-05T13:45:07Z" language: "en" author: "bwa" --- # Pyrolysis GC-MS (Py-GC-MS) analysis laboratory ## Your needs: to characterize your materials using Py-GC-MS ### Pyrolysis GC-MS Analysis (Py-GC-MS), what are we talking about? Pyrolysis-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) analysis is a pyrolysis technique followed by gas chromatography, itself coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). It allows the identification and quantification of organic compounds in a sample and the determination of its chemical composition by decomposing it into its volatile components. These are then separated and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry (MS). ### Principle of pyrolysis gc ms analysis This chemical analysis technique relies on the degradation of materials by heat, particularly polymers, copolymers, and composites, which, for various reasons, cannot be analyzed directly by GC-MS. Pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) analysis is a highly versatile and easy-to-use technique, as it does not require complex sample preparation. ## Our solutions: expertise in chemical analysis of polymers by Pyrolysis GC-MS For over 30 years, our laboratory has had the experience and specific [analytical fleet](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources.md) needed to assist various companies with Py-GC-MS analysis of polymer-based or composite materials while providing **tailored support**. Our expertise allows us to offer you tailored GC-MS pyrolysis analyses based on the material issues you encounter. Our experts are at your disposal throughout the sample analysis process. From analysis to R&D, FILAB laboratory is able table to provide multisectoral expertise to fulfil various requests relating to thermal analysis: ## Our laboratory Pyrolysis-GC-MS analysis [Identification of an unknown polymer](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/identification-of-the-nature-of-a-polymer.md): determine the nature of a plastic or composite. Non-compliance analysis [Contaminant detection](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-sem-scanning-electron-microscopy/laboratory-analysis-contaminants.md) Formulation control Polymer [aeging test](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-material-testing/filab-accelerated-ageing-test-laboratory/)/degradation study [Technical training (Py-GC-MS)](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/rd/laboratory-analytical-chemistry-training/pyrolysis-gc-ms-training.md) ## Why chose FILAB for you Py-GC-MS analysis? As an independent laboratory, with a team made up of experienced doctors and engineers, FILAB guarantees the **reliability of its results**, ensures **a quick turnaround for requests** and provides **tailored support** for its clients. The physicochemical characterization of a polymer material can be performed using Py-GC-MS, as well as other thermal analysis techniques such as TGA or TGA-FTIR, and DSC. ## Other thermal analysis [DSC calorimetric analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-dsc-calorimetric.md) [GC-MS analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-gcms.md) [Thermal analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-material-testing/laboratory-analysis-thermal-thermogravimetric/) [TGA, TGA-FTIR](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/tga-tga-ftir-and-tga-ms-analysis-at-filab-laboratory.md)[and TGA-MS](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/tga-tga-ftir-and-tga-ms-analysis-at-filab-laboratory.md) [Analysis and characterization of polymers](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-material-testing/laboratory-polymer-characterization/) ### Why do a Pyrolysis GC-MS analysis? Pyrolysis GC-MS analysis enables the identification of the chemical composition of complex materials ([polymer deformulation](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/deformulation-polymers-laboratory.md), composites, biomaterials, etc.) without a solubilization step. It meets several industrial needs: - Quality control: verify the formulation, compliance, or purity of a finished product. - R&D development: characterize new materials, optimize a formulation, or compare batches. - Degradation analysis: study thermal or environmental aging and anticipate durability. - Contaminant detection: identify impurities or organic residues, even at low concentrations. - Expertise and litigation: provide analytical evidence in cases of non-compliance, customer complaints, or comparative studies. ## GC-MS Pyrolysis for Polymers ![polymères](https://filab.fr/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ecovadis-47.png) Pyrolysis GC-MS is particularly suited to the study of **polymers and composite materials**, as it allows their composition to be analyzed even when they are insoluble. It is used to **identify the nature of polymers** (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, PET, etc.), but also to **detect and quantify additives** present in formulations (plasticizers, stabilizers, fillers, flame retardants). The technique is also used to **assess the ageing or thermal degradation** of plastics exposed to heat, UV rays, or harsh environments. In R&D, it can be used to **compare production batches** or optimize new formulations. Finally, in regulatory or litigation contexts, Pyrolysis GC-MS is an effective tool for **monitoring material compliance and identifying contaminants** or unwanted products. ## FAQ What is Pyrolysis GC-MS? It is a technique that breaks down a polymer by heating and then identifies its fragments using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Why analyze a polymer by Pyrolysis GC-MS? To know its composition, check its purity, detect additives or study its aging. What types of materials can be analyzed? Mainly polymers and composites (plastics, resins, rubbers, fibers), even insoluble or difficult to dissolve. What results do we get with this method? A precise chemical fingerprint indicating the nature of the polymer, the presence of additives and possible degradation products. In which industrial cases is Pyrolysis GC-MS used? In quality control, in R&D to develop new formulations, to compare batches, detect contamination or resolve disputes.