Multiple headspace extraction—A procedure for eliminating the influence of the sample matrix in quantitative headspace, gas chromatography

Abstract

A stepwise gas extraction procedure is described for the quantitative gas chromatographic analysis of volatile compounds in solid and liquid samples. This procedure is a modification of the usual headspace analysis and can be carried out with the same equipment, provided a pressure and time controlled sampling system is used. This procedure is called ‘Multiple Headspace Extraction (MHE)’ therefore. This method has first been developed for the analysis of monomers in polymers and residual solvents in printed films, but it is shown that can be applied to various other sample types also including even liquid samples.