Application of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) in failure analysis in the automotive industry

This paper describes the application examples of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) in failure analysis for the identification of chemical materials like mineral oil from a malfunctioning motorbike and a complaint car tire rubber. Furthermore, failure case demanding identification of chemical composition of solid plastic particles from a failed mechanical engineering component is demonstrated. The obtained analytical results were then used for troubleshooting and remedial action of the technological processes.