Plastic samples can be very difficult to analyze as sample preparation is required to extract analytes or remove interfering matrices, and these sample preparation techniques can be labor intensive. In this application note, we demonstrate that a CIC system can be used for automated qualitative and quantitative analysis of halogens and sulfur in plastic samples. Four plastic samples were analyzed for their chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), and sulfur (S) content. Method accuracy was evaluated using a polymer certified reference material (ERM EC680k) for Cl,Br, and S.

Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE) is a powerful technique that can be used to reliably extract additives from polymer materials. ASE uses organic solvents at temperatures above their atmospheric pressure boiling points to deliver extractions equivalent to traditional extraction techniques, but with faster extraction times, reduced solvent use, and automation of the extraction process. ASE is recognized as an official extraction method in U.S. EPA Method 3545.

The Thermo Scientific Dionex UltiMate 3000 HPLC system is applied for the analysis of polyacrylic acid in boiler water. The separation is performed on a Thermo Scientific Acclaim SEC-1000 column, with charged aerosol detection.

The Thermo Scientific UltiMate 3000 HPLC system is applied for the characterization of poly-2-methyl-2-oxazoline. The separation is performed on a Thermo Scientific Acclaim C30 HPLC column, with charged aerosol detection (CAD).

The Thermo Scientific LC system is applied for size exclusion chromatography analysis of four dextrans. The separation is performed on a Thermo Scientific Acclaim SEC-1000 HPLC column, with RI detection.