Determination of phenol in polymeric materials by supercritical fluid extraction combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

Spectrofluorimetric determination of phenyl-β-naphthylamine used as rubber antioxidant

Phenyl-beta-naphthylamine (PBN) used as rubber antioxidant was found to have native fluorescence. A spectrofluorimetric method for determination of PBN in multicomponent mixtures of polymer additives is described. The apparent excitation and fluorescence wavelengths used are 348 and 413.5 nm, respectively. Maximum fluorescence intensity is obtained by irradiating PBN dissolved in ethanol, at room temperature. The fluorescence varies linearly with the concentration of PBN in the range of 0.04-4 microg mL(-1). The accuracy and precision of the method are reported.

Determination of adipate plasticizers in poly(vinyl chloride) by microwave-assisted extraction

A new method based on the application of microwave radiation to the extraction of adipate plasticizers from poly(vinyl chloride) PVC plastics is described. The experimental conditions for microwave-assisted extraction (i.e. extracting solvent, temperature, time and microwave power) were evaluated in terms of recovery. The optimisation was carried out with pastes of PVC plastified with di-2-ethylhexyl adipate, and extracts were measured by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. Six different adipate plasticizers were studied, and microwave-assisted extraction was compared with supercritical fluid extraction for the extraction of adipates and phthalates from PVC matrices. It has been observed that the microwave-assisted extraction parameters evaluated are tightly interconnected. It has been shown that the efficiency of microwave-assisted extraction depends on the kind of solvent, the temperature achieved and the heating time. Moreover, the final temperature reached depends on the microwave power, the number of vessels and the irradiation time. On the other hand, microwave-assisted extraction provides higher recovery values than supercritical fluid extraction for both phthalate and adipate plasticizers.

Optimization of the extraction of azo colorants used in toy products

Azo dyes are widely used in formulations intended for children use. But their potential toxicity raised the need of an efficient and fast method of analysis. A study for the optimization of the extraction of some azo colorants used in toys was conducted. Several extraction methods for the selected analytes were evaluated and compared, i.e., supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and Soxhlet extraction. Poly(vinyl chloride) samples spiked with known quantities of the studied dyes were prepared. The influence of critical variables on analyte recoveries in SFE and MAE was investigated by using a full-level factorial design, where most significant parameters as well as order interactions were studied in each case. The analytes were subsequently detected by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. The three extraction techniques were compared in terms of reproducibility, selectivity and analyte recoveries. MAE showed higher recoveries (above 98%), except for the diazo dye (nearly 60%). Reproducibilities were generally good for the three methods (relative standard deviation lower than 2.0%).

Analysis of citrates and benzoates used in poly(vinyl chloride) by supercritical fluid extraction and gas chromatography

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) has been demonstrated to be a useful tool in the determination of additives in polymeric materials. This paper describes the determination of some citrates and benzoates in poly(vinyl chloride) blended with 33-34% of plasticizer using off-line SFE followed by gas chromatography. Experimental factors affecting SFE have been studied by gravimetric analysis, followed by analysis of the extracts using a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector. The extraction process is governed by the solubility of the plasticizers in the supercritical fluid or by their diffusion through the polymer matrix, which depend on the pressure and temperature used. Maximum extraction (>99%) is obtained at pressures and temperatures higher than 40 MPa and 80 degrees C, respectively. Due to purge losses, the collection efficiency of plasticizers into a liquid solvent ranges from 85 to 90%. The applicability of the SFE method is demonstrated using real samples and comparing the results with those obtained by conventional Soxhlet extraction.

Optimization of parameters for the analysis of aromatic amines in finger-paints

A study for the optimisation of the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of some aromatic amines (4-chloro-o-toluidine, 2-naphthylamine, 4-aminobiphenyl and benzidine) in finger-paints was conducted. The influence of different variables related to the technique on recoveries was investigated. The analytes were subsequently analysed by gas chromatography after SFE. The study allowed the estimation of four main factors (temperature, pressure, static time and volume of modifier) on recoveries by the use of a two-level factor design, where most significant parameters as well as second- and third-order interactions were identified. Other factors, such as type and volume of modifier and time of contact between the spiker solution and the sample prior to extraction, were also studied. The influence of matrix on extraction recovery was also evaluated by applying the method to different finger-paints, and recoveries were similar or even higher in some cases. The drying process of samples was also studied, while classical drying in an oven and microwaves were compared, with similar efficiencies in both methods. The method was validated by extracting the aromatic amines from some commercial finger-paints.