Chlorine, bromine, and sulfur in low-density polyethylene (ERM ® - EC680k) applying Combustion IC

Importance of the topic

The inline analysis of halogens and sulfur in polymeric waste fulfills critical needs in environmental monitoring and quality control.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study demonstrates the application of combustion ion chromatography (combustion IC) for quantifying chlorine, bromine, and sulfur in low-density polyethylene reference material (ERM-EC680k), aiming to validate recovery and precision.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Samples of ERM-EC680k were combusted using an inline system coupled to ion chromatography. The evolved gases were absorbed in a peroxide/phosphate solution following matrix elimination. Suppressed conductivity detection was employed for analysis with a carbonate/bicarbonate eluent. Key operational parameters included a 0.7 mL/min flow rate, 100 µL injection volume, 30 °C column temperature, and an 18 min run time.

Used Instrumentation

• 881 Compact IC pro – Anion – MCS
• IC Conductivity Detector
• 800 Dosino
• Remote box
• Mitsubishi AQF-100, ABC-100, WS-100 combustion modules
• Columns: Metrosep A Supp 5 – 150/4.0, Metrosep A Supp 4/5 Guard/4.0, Metrosep A PCC 1 HC/4.0

Main Results and Discussion

Measured concentrations were 97.14 mg/kg Cl (RSD 2.9%, recovery 95.1%), 93.29 mg/kg Br (RSD 4.0%, recovery 97.2%), and 75.48 mg/kg S (RSD 2.9%, recovery 99.3%). High recoveries and low RSD values confirm the method’s accuracy and precision for halogen and sulfur determination in polymer matrices.

Benefits and Practical Applications

This robust approach enables fast, accurate quantification of halogens and sulfur for polymer quality control, environmental compliance, and material characterization in recycling processes.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances may include coupling combustion IC with mass spectrometry for enhanced selectivity, automation of sample handling, and expansion to diverse sample types such as biomaterials and complex waste streams.

Conclusion

Combustion IC provides a reliable, precise, and efficient technique for halogen and sulfur analysis in polymeric samples, with strong recoveries and reproducibility.

Reference

• Metrohm Application Note CIC–003