Journal Published Online: 01 March 1989
Volume 34, Issue 2

The Classification of Photocopies by Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) was used to compare photocopy toner material from photocopies from 62 different (brand name or model number or both) photocopy machines. A simple sample lifter was developed for obtaining a specimen of toner from the copy free of paper fibers. Toner obtained from a single, standard typewritersized character usually provided enough organic material to give a satisfactory pyrogram. Based upon the presence or absence of peaks in the pyrograms, the toners were separated into 18 classes. Most of the toner classes fell into 2 general groups: those containing a large amount of styrene, usually with smaller amounts of butyl methacrylate or other methacrylates or acrylates, or some combination of these chemicals; and those toners consisting mainly of some type of epoxy resin.

Author Information

Munson, TO
College of Science and Technology, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN
Pages: 14
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS12644J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12644J