Microwave enhanced digestion of polymers – application report

Polymers represent a broad class of compounds with a tremendous range of physical properties that are critical to the manufacture of the end product. Laboratories supporting the polymer industry need accurate and precise analytical data from a wide range of sample matrices and among the tests performed is low-level trace metal measurements by ICP-MS where the samples need to be initially digested. While some polymers are relatively easy to prepare for analysis, many are very stable and require high temperatures to achieve complete digestion. In addition polymers are principally organic and generate a lot of pressure during the digestion process.

Traditional methods of digestion such hot plates and Parr bombs present many challenges including acid requirements, contamination, acid handling, lengthy digestion cycles, and exposure of chemists to acid fumes. A proven alternative to these methods is closed vessel microwave technology that not only speeds up the sample preparation process but also improves recovery of all elements (including volatiles) and reduces sources of contamination.

An industry report highlighting the advantages of a microwave enhanced digestion system for polymer analysis is available from Analytix that demonstrates the recoveries of a certified polymer standard material being in compliance with the certificate value. In addition it demonstrates that highly reactive samples such as polymers can be completely digested, even in large sample amounts.

The instrument used in the report is a Milestone Ethos UP microwave digestion system with the digestion process being accurately controlled using an infrared sensor. A second industry report is also available that investigates the use of micro inserts inside each digestion vessel in order to decrease the amount of acid used in the process and increase throughput as each standard digestion vessel can hold three micro inserts. The inserts are available in a variety of materials such as TFM and quartz and in different sizes and shapes to be applicable for all application requirements.

Contact Analytix for a copy of either industry report.

More information online