Quantitative Analysis of Antimony (Sb) in Plastics by EDXRF

Introduction

In EDX analyses, antimony (Sb) compound, which is used as flame retardant promoter of plastics, is recently required to analyze as same as the elements (Cd, Pb, Cr, Hg, Br) subject to restriction in electrical and electronics equipment in the RoHS directive. Apart from this restriction, analysis of chlorine (Cl) and bromine (Br) in some electronic parts is recently needed to meet the new requirement for halogen-free materials. As background, in the midst of the momentum that is building worldwide for increased protection of the environment, individual companies are now establishing their own regulations in addition to those currently enforced as public regulations. Here we present the results of sensitivity evaluation testing of commercially available antimony-spiked PE (polyethylene) plastic standards using the EDX-720/GP. In addition, since quick screening evaluation analysis of these restricted elements is often judged by the OK/ Gray/NG method using a dedicated instrument, an example of this analysis is also presented here.

November 22, 2012 GMT