X-MET
X-MET8000 series for rapid determination
Application Note 20
of chlorine in plastic materials
X-MET8000 series for the rapid, non-destructive
determination of Chlorine in plastic materials
Application Note
xxx
Application
Note
Background
X-MET8000 series handheld analysers
Plastic recycling
Oxford Instruments’ latest generation of handheld XRF analysers
In the plastic recycling process polyvinyl chloride (PVC) needs
to be
sorted from other plastics, as the corrosive nature of
Background
present many advantages for on-site verification of plastic
materials:
X-MET8000 series handheld analysers
•
Easy to use: simple point and shoot operation. Minimal user
Oxford
Instruments’ latest generation of handheld
temperature
can damage recycling equipment, including
training is required
Plastic recycling
XRF analysers present many advantages for the onmasonry in the incinerators. PVC can also adversely affect the site verification of plastic materials:
Fast: results are obtained in seconds, for high testing
In the plastic recycling process PVC needs to be
quality
of recycled
plastics,
greatly
the value
to use: simple point and shoot operation.
sorted
from other
plastics,
as decreasing
the corrosive
natureof the • Easy
throughput
Minimal
user training is required
recycled
product.
Because
of
this,
recycling
facilities
need
to
of hydrochloric acid that can be released from PVC
•
Fast:
results
in seconds, for
S
uperb
performance:
lowhigh
limitstesting
of detection, and
separate
unwanted PVC
otherthe
plastic
materials.
at highout
temperature
will from
damage
recycling
throughput
determination of a wide range of elements, including Cl, Br,
equipment, including masonry in the incinerators.
• Superb performance: low limits of detection, and
The requirement for rapid, simple sorting on-site makes
Sb, etc.
PVC can also adversely affect the quality of
determination of a wide range of elements,
field-portable energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF)
recycled plastics, which greatly decreases the
including
Cl,its
Br,IP54
Sb…
Rugged:
rating ensures durability and low cost of
spectrometry
therecycled
ideal analytical
technique.
value of the
product.
Because of this,
• Rugged: its IP54 rating ensures durability and low
ownership. Ideal for use indoors or outdoors
recycling facilities need to separate out unwanted
cost of ownership. Ideal for use indoors or
Trace
chlorine
analysis
outdoors
PVC
from other
plastic materials.
Compact and lightweight (1.5kg with battery): the
• Compact and lightweight (1.5kg with battery), the
The requirement for a rapid, simple sorting (carried
X-MET8000 is fully portable and is supplied in a small and
Phthalates are primarily used as a plasticizer to soften PVC
X-MET8000 is fully portable and is supplied in a
out by nonlaboratory staff) on site makes fieldrugged
case for case
easy transportation
from site to site.
material.
Because
of their potentially
adverse
effects on human small
and rugged
for easy transportation
portable
energy-dispersive
X-ray
fluorescence
from site to site.
(EDXRF)
spectrometry
ideal
analytical
health,
some phthalates
havethe
been
banned
from use in certain
technique.
products such as children’s toys and child care articles, and
many manufacturers have stopped using PVC altogether.
Trace chlorine analysis
Again, XRF is an ideal technique for checking raw polymers
Phtalates are primarily used as a plasticizer to
as well as finished products for chlorine content, to give an
soften PVC material. Because of their potentially
indication
ofeffects
the presence
of PVC
(and potentially
phthalates)
adverse
on human
health,
some phthalates
in the
materials
being
used.
have been banned from use in certain products
hydrochloric acid that can be released from PVC at high
•
•
•
•
such as children’s toys and child care articles, and
many manufacturers have stopped using PVC
altogether.
There again, XRF be used to check raw polymers
and finished products alike for chlorine content,
which would indicate the presence of PVC (and
potentially phthalates) in the materials.
1
X-MET
X-MET8000 series for rapid determination
Application Note 20
of chlorine in plastic materials
Measurement procedure
Testing couldn’t be simpler: simply position the X-MET’s nose on the part to be tested, and press the trigger to measure. Results
are displayed on the analyser’s large (4.3”) integrated touchscreen almost immediately.
The results display can be customised to show pass/fail messages when a given element is above or below a user-defined level,
enabling rapid decision making.
Radiation safety
To minimise x-ray scatter from plastic materials, users must fit
the light radiation shield over the X-MET’s snout. And to ensure
accuracy when testing thin, flat samples, these should be placed
over the background plate.
Awkward shapes and small samples should be measured in the
benchtop stand for maximum user safety.
X-MET with safety shield
and background plate
Benchtop stand
Calibration and performance
The X-MET8000’s plastic FP calibration
is optimised for the determination of a
wide range of elements (Cl, Cd, Hg, Pb
and many others) in plastics. As it is preloaded on the instrument, the analyser
is ready to use straight out of the box.
Table 1: Typical accuracy and
precision for chlorine in plastics
CRM 1
CRM 2
Average
244
739
Given
220
800
Precision (95% confidence)
75
82
To demonstrate the X-MET’s accuracy
and precision at the strictest chlorine
limits set by the toy and electronics
industry, two certified reference
materials were measured ten times each
for 30 seconds. The results are shown in
Table 1.
Data management
The X-MET8000 stores up to 100,000 results in its internal memory. Additional user-defined information can be added at the time of
analysis including: location, sample description and provenance, etc. Results reports can be downloaded directly to a USB memory key,
or sent via WiFi to a networked computer, as a CSV file, or in secure PDF format.
Conclusion
The X-MET8000 handheld analyser provides rapid and reliable plastics analysis for the determination of chlorine (and other
elements). It allows users to quickly sort PVC from non-PVC material, and to determine the low levels of chlorine set by the
consumer goods and electronics industries.
Ordering Information
• X -MET8000 Optimum or Expert. Includes the compact,
waterproof, rugged carrying case, a wrist strap and lanyard,
2 batteries, a battery charger, a USB cable to connect to a PC/
laptop, 5 replacements windows, and user manuals.
• Plastic FP calibration
• O ptions:
• Benchtop stand for the testing of small items
• Background plate for the analysis of thin samples
• Holster and belt for hands-free transportation
OiService – here to help
OiService aims to keep your analysers working as hard as you do. Our global network of service hubs provides a full range of technical
support including: telephone help-desks, on-line diagnostics, rental instruments, recertification and maintenance, training, extended
warranties, consumables and accessories and repairs. Our service agreements provide a great way to avoid unplanned costs and ensure
your analyser is maintained in excellent condition.
visit www.oxford-instruments.com/plastics-analysis for more information
4006
This publication is the copyright of Oxford Instruments and provides outline information only which (unless agreed by the company in writing)
may not be used, applied or reproduced for any purpose or form part of any order or contract or be regarded as a representation relating
to the products or services concerned. Oxford Instruments’ policy is one of continued improvement. The company reserves the right to alter,
without notice, the specification, design or conditions of supply of any product or service. Oxford Instruments acknowledges all trademarks
and registrations. © Oxford Instruments plc, 2016. All rights reserved. Part no: OIIA/188/0516