Advanced Testing Methods for Silicone
To ensure silicone products are safe and high-quality, advanced testing methods are needed. These methods detect and measure trace elements and compounds. This page explains the key testing methods used in the silicone industry, focusing on Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).
Importance of Advanced Testing Methods
Advanced testing methods are vital for:
- Compliance: Ensuring products meet strict international safety standards.
- Quality Control: Guaranteeing consistent quality and performance of silicone products.
- Safety: Identifying harmful substances to protect users.
Key Testing Methods
Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES)
- Description: ICP-OES detects metals and some non-metals at very low levels. It ionizes the sample with plasma and measures the emitted light at characteristic wavelengths.
- Applications: Used for testing lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) in silicone products to meet standards like RoHS and EN 71-3.
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
- Description: GC-MS combines gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify substances in a sample. It is effective for detecting organic compounds.
- Applications: Used to identify and measure phthalates and other organic contaminants in silicone products, ensuring they meet standards such as California Proposition 65.
Example Test Result
Table 1: ICP-OES Testing Results for Heavy Metals
| Element Tested | Method Used | Result (mg/kg) | MDL (mg/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (Pb) | IEC 62321-5:2013 | N.D. | 50 |
| Cadmium (Cd) | IEC 62321-5:2013 | N.D. | 50 |
| Mercury (Hg) | IEC 62321-4:2013 | N.D. | 50 |
| Hexavalent Chromium (Cr(VI)) | IEC 62321-7-2:2017 | N.D. | 9 |
Table 2: GC-MS Testing Results for Phthalates
| Tested Phthalate | Method Used | Result (mg/kg) | MDL (mg/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Di-2-ethylhexyl Phthalate (DEHP) | CPSC-CH-C1001-09.4/GC-MS | N.D. | 30 |
| Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) | CPSC-CH-C1001-09.4/GC-MS | N.D. | 30 |
| Benzylbutyl Phthalate (BBP) | CPSC-CH-C1001-09.4/GC-MS | N.D. | 30 |
| Diisononyl Phthalate (DINP) | CPSC-CH-C1001-09.4/GC-MS | N.D. | 30 |
References
- IEC 62321 Series: Determination of Certain Substances in Electrotechnical Products.
- CPSC-CH-E1002-08.3: Standard Operating Procedure for Determination of Total Lead (Pb) in Children’s Products.
- US EPA 3052:1996 & US EPA 6010D:201