From Rubber to Environment: Detecting 6PPD and 6PPD-Q Using Pyrolysis GC/MS
As concern grows over the environmental impact of tire-derived chemicals, the need for rapid and reliable analytical methods has become increasingly important.
This webinar introduces a micro-furnace pyrolysis GC/MS method for the direct detection of 6PPD and 6PPD-quinone in tires and recycled rubber with minimal sample preparation. Using standards and real-world rubber samples, the presentation will demonstrate how selective ion monitoring and mass spectral interpretation enable confident compound identification and discuss the strengths and limitations of the technique for rubber research, product development, quality control, and environmental investigations.
Primary Topics:
- Micro-furnace Pyrolysis-GC/MS Fundamentals – Learn the principles of micro-furnace pyrolysis-GC/MS, including different operating modes and how to select the appropriate approach for rubber and polymer characterization.
- Rapid Detection of 6PPD and 6PPD-Quinone – Explore how micro-furnace pyrolysis-GC/MS can be used to detect 6PPD and 6PPD-quinone in tire and recycled rubber materials with minimal sample preparation.
- Real-World Applications for Rubber Analysis – Review practical examples demonstrating how this technique can support environmental research, recycled rubber analysis, and quality control.
Presenter: Heather Juzwa (Senior Field Sales Engineer, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments)
Heather Juzwa is a Senior Field Sales Engineer at Shimadzu Scientific Instruments with more than 20 years of experience in analytical instrumentation sales. She earned an Honors BS in Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh and has received numerous industry performance awards, including Platinum and President’s Club honors and the SSI President’s Award. In recognition of her professional achievements, Heather received the University of Pittsburgh Department of Chemistry Alumni Award and served as President of Pittcon in 2025.
Presenter: Rojin Belganeh (Technical Director, Frontier Laboratories–Americas)
Rojin Belganeh is the Technical Director at Frontier Laboratories–Americas, with more than 15 years of experience in analytical instrumentation. She holds a BS in Chemistry and an MBA in Strategic Marketing, with expertise in pyrolysis GC/MS, TGA, FTIR, materials characterization, and polymer analysis. A former Frontier user, she brings a practical, application-driven perspective to supporting users, advancing technical applications, and promoting Frontier technologies.
Presenter: Dr. Peter Tandler (Associate Professor, Walsh University)
Dr. Peter Tandler is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Chief Scientist of the Center for Science Excellence at Walsh University. With more than three decades of experience across academic, industrial, and consulting environments, his work focuses on polymeric materials, environmental chemistry, and advanced analytical methods. His expertise includes GC-MS, LC-MS, FTIR, and other characterization techniques used to analyze complex materials and environmental samples. His doctoral research focused on plastics and plastic recycling products, providing a strong foundation for his current work examining the environmental impacts of polymer additives, degradation products, and emerging concerns such as 6PPD-quinone.
Presenter: Mark Waksmonski (Q&A Session Panelist, Technical Support Manager, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments)
Mark Waksmonski is a Regional Technical Support Manager with Shimadzu Scientific Instruments. He has 30 years of analytical chemistry experience, including 12 years supporting Shimadzu’s analytical instrument customers. His previous roles include developing applications and supporting GC customers for Alltech Associates, raw material analysis for FujiFilm Manufacturing, and serving as an analytical lab manager for Plextronics.
