Application of a purge and trap TDS-GC/MS procedure for the determination of emissions from flame retarded polymers

Emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from different thermoplastic polymers used in electrotechnical applications were investigated using a p urge and trap procedure that involved adsorption on Tenax GR. Results were compared to those for an operating TV set monitored in a test chamber. The analyses were in both cases carried out using thermodesorption gas chromato graphy with mass spectrometric detection (TDS-GC/MS). Substances identified were monomers, volatile additives, or related compounds. Special attention was given to the detection of halogenated compounds. Their origin was stud ied using reference samples and synthetic standards. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scie nce Ltd. All rights reserved.