Phthalate Analysis Resources: Phthalates (phthalate esters) are plasticizers added to improve the properties of a plastic. Phthalates are categorized based on the number of carbons in their side chains. Low molecular weight phthalates have 3-6 carbon side chains; high molecular weight phthalates have more than 6. In general, the higher weight phthalates are more durable in finished plastics and are believed to have reduced toxicity. Due to concerns about the role phthalates may play in human health, there is growing interest in using non-phthalate sources as plasticizers. Phthalate Analysis.
Cornerstone Analytical provides phthalate analysis by GC-MS. Phthalate Analysis can be used to identify and quantify known or expected phthalates or can be used to demonstrate the absence of phthalates from a product.
The following is a list of phthalates provided in our routine service. Other phthalates are available – please contact us:
The analysis can be applied to many types of samples, but is generally applied to plastics and polymers used in consumer products.
Our internal method is designed to handle a wide range of sample types. It is based on EPA Method 8061, yet with GC-MS in lieu of GC-ECD. Click here to view a copy of EPA 8061.
Since phthalates are not chemically (covalently) bound to the polymers of a plastic, phthalates may be extracted from the sample using a solvent along with agitation and heat. It is therefore important to finely divide the sample prior to analysis.
In the case of a plastic, the product is cut, drilled or ground to provide small particles. These particles are then weighed and a known volume of a solvent (such as 1:1 hexanes:acetone) is used to extract the sample. The sample is added to a glass vial with solvent resistant cap and is sonicated, shaken and may be heated to affect maximum extraction of phthalates into the solvent.
The GC-MS is calibrated using a mixture of common phthalate esters. If a phthalate ester does not appear in the mix that is of interest to the client, Cornerstone will prepare a separate calibration source from a standards grade source. The calibration curve contains a minimum of 4 standards.
Click here to view an example calibration standard mixture of phthalates
Sample analysis is conducted on a GC-MS that has been externally calibrated with a series of phthalate standards. The calibration standards are matrix-matched as close as practical to the samples. For the result to be considered valid, all quality control must be within the acceptance criteria.
The phthalate concentration of the sample calculated based on the mass of sample taken for the analysis to give the results on the weight/weight basis, such as ppm or ppb. Results that are below the method limit of quantitation are reported as a less-than value (e.g. <10 ppm).
Results are reported based on the mass of sample taken for the analysis (wt/wt basis). If a sample is not dissolved during the preparation step, the results are reported as “leachable.”
The limit of detection and quantitation are a function of the mass of sample taken for the analysis and the instrument limits. The limit of quantitation of this analysis is easily dialed very low by taking a relatively large sample size. Contact us for specific LOD/LOQ we can reach in your sample.
Cornerstone can develop and validate an analytical method for phthalate analysis in your sample. Please view our page on method validation for more information on our process of developing and validating methods. Once validated, we can transfer it to your facility.
Click the links below to review other documents relevant to phthalate analysis:
White Paper on Phthalate Analysis
Example GC-MS chromatograms and mass spectra of phthalates (pending)
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