Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatographic Techniques for the Analysis of Automobile Finishes: Collaborative Study

Abstract

Abstract Samples of 7 automobile topcoats currently used by the major American automobile manufacturers were analyzed by various pyrolysis-gas chromatographic techniques. The samples were similar shades of white paint with small differences in the organic vehicle composition. The study involved analysis of the 7 samples and identification of an unknown sample chosen from the 7. A ninth chip was also included for determination of the reproducibility of the analytical technique. The samples were analyzed by other methods of analysis, including diamond cell infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Sample sizes from 4 to 200 μg were needed for the various methods of analysis and, in all cases, the unknown sample was correctly identified.