Determination of Bromine in Flame-Retardant Plastics Using Pulsed Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

A series of bromine-containing flame-retardant plastics was used to demonstrate the applicability of pulsed radio frequency glow discharge mass spectrometry to the determination of elements in commercial polymers. The direct analysis of bulk samples produced both atomic and molecular species, allowing elemental identification and molecular characterization. However, the low ion signal intensities hindered quantification. Atomization mechanisms for the plastic samples were studied in detail using scanning electron microscopy and mass spectrometry. Although some thermal desorption was observed, sputter atomization dominated when samples were not subjected to excessive discharge power. The sputter rates of various polymers, as evidenced by sputter weight loss measurements, showed a strong correlation with their ion production capabilities. Sputtering rates were related to the physical and chemical properties inherent to a polymer's composition. Analysis of samples compacted with a silver binder provided intense analyte signals allowing quantitative analysis. Signal stability, measurement accuracy, measurement precision, and detection limits were all assessed.

Mass Spectrometry‐based Techniques for Direct Quantification of High Ionization Energy Elements in Solid Materials—challenges and Perspectives

“…The quantification of chlorine in concrete is also drawing increased attention in recent years (Gondal et al, 2011; Labutin et al, 2014). The determination of bromine is often undertaken in a technological and toxicological perspective (Li et al, 2003; Vos et al, 2003).…”

Pulsed glow discharge time of flight mass spectrometry for the screening of polymer-based coatings containing brominated flame retardants

“…For this purpose, polymers with TBBPA (containing a Br concentration up to 27.9%) were employed, and normalised intensities (with respect to 12 C + ion signal) were always used. Fig.…”

“…On the other hand, GD-MS offers an alternative tool for such rapid and high sensitive analysis of polymers. 11,12 It is not surprising that GD-MS application is increasing nowadays because it offers several interesting features, including fast sputtering rate, low matrix effects, multielemental capability and low limits of detection.…”

“…22 Li et al 12 reported that both atomic and molecular species were detected for several bromine-containing flame-retardant plastics. However, quantitative results were only possible for elemental bromine since the molecular species exhibited very low signals and, moreover, BFRs identification was not possible.…”

Ion Current Rectification in NanoMicro-Fluidic Interfaces and Pulsed Glow Discharge Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometric Chemical Speciation

“…44 These characteristic advantages enable nearly concurrent acquisition of elemental, structural, and intact parent molecular information by pulsed GD-TOFMS. 46 Figure 1.9 Diagram of glow discharge time of flight and the setup of data acquisition. 44 The setup of pulsed GD-TOFMS and data acquisition is shown in Figure 1.9.…”