Mass Resolution
Ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry screening protocols using electrostatic ion trapping enable accurate mass identification of non-intentionally added substances in packaging materials. This high-throughput testing methodology, known as orbitrap screening, measures orbital oscillation frequencies of electrostatic ions to achieve mass resolving power exceeding one hundred thousand. Sub-part-per-million mass accuracy allows unambiguous formula assignment for unknown additives, photoinitiators, and degradation products extracted from paperboard.
The technique evaluates complex chemical mixtures without prior compound tuning, stopping where exact mass alone cannot resolve structural stereoisomers.
Compound Discovery
Non-targeted analytical workflows applied to food contact paperboard demand exceptional mass accuracy to untangle complex matrix interferences. Implementing orbitrap screening allows laboratories to detect trace migrants at concentrations below zero point one microgram per kilogram in food simulants. High-resolution full-scan acquisition collects complete spectral data, enabling retrospective digital screening for newly flagged packaging contaminants without re-extracting paperboard samples.
Fragmentation spectra generated through higher-energy collisional dissociation provide structural confirmation for unknown printing ink components and mineral oil hydrocarbons. Substrate mills and converting facilities rely on these high-resolution data streams to verify the chemical purity of barrier-coated folding boxboards. Complex extract chromatograms are resolved cleanly, separating trace polymer additives from dominant wood extractive backgrounds.
Non-Targeted Analysis
Full-scan high-resolution acquisition replaces conventional targeted single-reaction monitoring for unknown contaminant detection. Using orbitrap screening in food contact compliance verifies the absence of unapproved barrier chemicals and photoinitiator residues. Rigorous spectral library matching ensures defensible safety assessments for commercial food packaging board.
