What was the challenge or problem to solve?
In order to comply with the REACH regulation, it was necessary to analyse the gases, or volatile compounds, released by plastic components from different suppliers.Following a literature search, the analysis of the chemical composition was carried out with the help of a micro gas chamber that allows the sampling of chemicals released by the materials.
How was it addressed or what was the solution?
Our Forensic Engineering department was in charge of this task, applying the chemical techniques available to Infinitia for the characterisation of volatiles, such as gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.
Once the results of the concentrations of the volatiles released by the samples were obtained, chemometric calculations were carried out to ensure compliance with REACH regulations, compared to what was declared by the suppliers of the materials.
Challenge
- Check whether the released chemical compounds obtained complied with the EU REACH regulation.
- Characterisation of the different polymers/samples.
- Analysis of the chemical compounds released (volatiles) by the raw materials.
Solution
- Chemometric calculations to check which suppliers complied with the regulation.
- Adaptation of equipment and methodologies for faster response.
- Application of chemical techniques such as gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.