Application of Py-GC/MS in electronic packaging industry for monitoring curing processes of EMCs

Evolved gas analysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (EGA-GC/MS), EGA sampling, single-shot pyrolysis, and double-shot pyrolysis techniques were used to analyze the curing and degradation processes of four commercial epoxy molding compounds (EMCs). EGA-GC/MS curves of the EMCs provides clear information about the volatile components produced during the curing process, making selective analysis of the volatile components possible. EGA sampling, single-shot and double-shot pyrolysis analyses of the EMCs showed that during the curing process, low molar mass components such as catalysts and accelerators could be vaporized out due to the thermal environments; the heating rate and pre-cure temperature can have major effects on the evolution of low molar mass components. The potential uses of these techniques in the electronic packaging industry are also discussed