Characterization of bis-(phenoxy)phosphazene polymers using radio frequency glow discharge mass spectrometry

A radio frequency glow discharge mass spectrometry (rf-GDMS) source is eval uated for future applications in the "fingerprint" characterization of poly phosphazene membranes. The rf-GDMS spectra of a series of bis(phenoxy)phosp hazene polymers contain ions that originate from both the phosphazene backb one and the phenoxy moiety, resulting in signature ions of the polymer fami ly. "Fingerprint" ions from the substituted R-group on the phenoxy moiety o f the different derivatives allows the individual polymers to be distinguis hed from one another. The ability of the rf-GDMS source to characterize the se materials directly in the solid state will be useful for the continued a pplication of these polymers as separation membranes. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.