Pyrolysis can be done inside the OPTIC 3 injector liner.   
This can be done with both:  
  
Liquid samples or Solid samples  
  
Why Pyrolysis?  
Pyrolysis, coupled with GC/MS permits the analysis of samples which were previously unsuitable for analysis without lengthy extractions or derivatizations.   
  
What is Pyrolysis?   
Pyrolysis is simply the breaking apart of large complex molecules into smaller, more analytically useful fragments by the application of heat.   
  
Liquid sample:  
The sample is injected into the injector, solvent is blown away and the OPTIC 3 is heated with a very fast ramp rate to 600°C or lower.   
Example for characterization of copolymers:  
Parameters to consider in Py-GC-MS using OPTIC 3-injector  
Repeatability pyrolysis:   

  

1. Large volume liquid injection   
   
2. Approx. 100 µg/ml   
   
3. Pyrolysis temp. 550ºC  
   For PMMA, PS, PBA, PCL: RSD 0.999  
   

  
  
Influence MW:   

  

1. Large volume liquid injection  
   
2. 7 standards with different MW (2,000 - 1,500,000)  
   For PMMA and PS: RSD < 4%  
   

  
  
Solid sample:  
The sample is placed into the liner and the liner is placed into the injector. After this the OPTIC 3 injector is heated with a very fast ramp rate to 600°C or lower.