Methods of Analysis for Trace Amounts of CFC in Polymeric Foams

摘要

As a complement to restrictions on the use of chlorofluorocarbons in themanufacture of polymeric foams various type import and/or trading restrictions are being introduced with regard to these foams. The objective of the project was to devise methods of screening and laboratory confirmative analysis in order to verify when CFC has in fact been used in the production of imported foams. Gas chromatographic laboratory methods utilizing an electron capture and a mass selective detector, respectively, were designed and tested. On-column injection as well as a cryo trap technique were employed. A sample preparation technique was devised for releasing trapped CFC in polymeric foams with open cells where the CFC is merely a production aid and not an intended component of the finished product. In foams with closed cells gas samples for analysis are simply withdrawn from the foam as such. Alternative methods of screening for CFC-containing foams were looked into, in most cases involving a separation step.