Frontier Lab “Eco-Cup G series” Glass sample cups

Significance of the Topic

This summary highlights the use of disposable glass sample cups in pyrolysis and thermal desorption analysis, offering improved visibility, inertness and cost savings compared to traditional stainless steel cups. Such advancements support accurate material characterization and reduce contamination risks.

Objectives and Study Overview

The aim of the study was to compare Pyrex glass (Eco-Cup G), quartz-coated glass (Eco-Cup GQ) and deactivated stainless steel cups in GC/MS analysis of polymers and flame retardants. Performance metrics included analyte recovery, thermal stability and precision in both thermal desorption (TD) and pyrolysis (Py) modes.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Thermal desorption analyses were carried out from 200 to 340°C and GC ramped from 80 to 320°C on a Frontier Laboratories pyrolyzer coupled to a GC/MS system. Pyrolysis experiments used a fixed temperature of 550°C with UA5-30M-0.25 µm column. Sample handling employed Eco-Stick GS/GD and Eco-Pickup GF tools to ensure compatibility with the smaller cup diameters.

Main Results and Discussion

In TD-GC/MS of polystyrene containing decabromodiphenyl ether (DeBDE), Eco-Cup G achieved a peak area of 4,992 counts with 3.8% RSD, closely matching the 5,517 counts and 4.1% RSD of stainless steel cups. Py-GC/MS results showed consistent monomer/trimer (S/SSS) ratios across 450–600°C, with Eco-Cup GQ exhibiting RSD values below 2% comparable to stainless steel. Both glass formats demonstrated sufficient inertness and analytical precision.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Reduced cost—approximately half the price of deactivated stainless steel cups.
• Transparent construction—enables visual monitoring of sample placement and residue.
• High inertness—suitable for reactive compounds like brominated flame retardants.
• Disposable design—minimizes cross-contamination and maintenance.

Future Trends and Applications

Emerging developments may include higher temperature-resistant glass coatings, integration with automated sampling platforms, adaptation to a wider variety of matrices, and coupling with advanced MS detectors or hyphenated techniques for deeper material insights.

Conclusion

Disposable Pyrex and quartz-coated sample cups deliver reliable performance for TD and pyrolysis GC/MS, matching or exceeding stainless steel alternatives in precision and inertness while reducing cost and contamination risks.

Instrumentation Used

• Frontier Laboratories Pyrolyzer
• Gas Chromatograph–Mass Spectrometer with UA-PBDE column (15 m × 0.25 mm, 0.15 µm)
• Eco-Cup G and Eco-Cup GQ sample cups
• Eco-Stick GS/GD and Eco-Pickup GF sample handling tools

References

1. Frontier Laboratories. Eco-Cup G and GQ disposable sample cups. Application note TT151109(Ver.1.41).