The widespread use of electronic products has drawn increased attention to their impact on the environment. In many countries, this has resulted in new regulations affecting waste, substances and energy use of certain products.
As manufacturers work to ensure compliance with these expanding regulations, combustion ion chromatography (CIC) methods may be the solution for precisely and accurately quantifying halogens such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine, found in the homogonous materials of polymers and electronics.
What’s the concern with electronic waste?
The use of certain substances, such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), in electronic products is a source of concern in current and proposed regional legislation. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the amount of consumer electronic waste in the U.S. has nearly doubled since 2000. Given the widespread and growing use of electronic products, the amount of waste is only expected to increase, thus raising concern about the potential effects on the environment and human health.
While hazardous metals such as mercury and lead are routinely accounted for when considering the environmental impact of electronic waste, the traditional use of halogens in the polymer components of consumer products is also important.
What kinds of combustion systems aid in the detection of halogens?
Combustion methods have been developed that ensure complete decomposition of solid and semi-solid samples and concomitant release of halogens. These methods include the use of the Wickbold apparatus, combustion (oxygen) bombs, Schöniger flask, microwave-induced combustion, and automated furnace combustion systems.
How does combustion ion chromatography work?
Combustion ion chromatography uses the thermochemical decomposition of organic matter in the presence of oxygen (oxidative pyrolysis) to convert the analytes of interest to gases. The combustion byproduct gases, including HX and SO2/SO3, are passed through an aqueous absorbing solution and directly injected into the IC instrument, thereby eliminating the sample matrix and any associated interferences.
The absorbing solution used is dependent on the anions of interest. Typically, deionized water is used for halides, or an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution if halides and sulfur are being determined. Then, hydrogen peroxide is required to ensure all the sulfur anions are oxidized to sulfate prior to injection into the ion chromatography (IC) system.
Why is CIC more effective for halogen quantification?
Using the Mitsubishi Automatic Combustion Unit Model AQF-2100H system and a Thermo Scientific Dionex Integrion HPIC Reagent-Free IC (RFIC) system with a Thermo Scientific Dionex IonPac AS17-C column set, individual halogens (fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine) in the homogonous materials found in polymers and electronics are precisely screened and analyzed. This fully automated process of CIC saves time and labor, increases reproducibility, and eliminates the need to dispose of hazardous chemicals used in acid digestions or back extractions.
CIC provides a fast and reliable method for measuring the halogen content of various consumer products and the associated waste streams, allowing manufacturers to ensure compliance with government regulations.
How can I learn more about the fully automated CIC technique?
To learn more, read this application note.
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