New reference materials for elements in plastic

On the European level legislation to minimise the flux of trace elements to the environment comprises e.g. the Packaging Directive (94/62/EC), RoHS Directive (2002/95/EC) and End of Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive (2000/53/EC). Implementation of the above directives involves measurements of various elements in plastic materials. To facilitate the work of the analytical laboratories IRMM has produced dedicated certified reference materials since 1994. To ensure uninterrupted supply of such material, IRMM has now released for distribution the ERM-EC680k and ERM-EC681k, successors of ERM-EC680 and 681.

The two new materials consist of low density polyethylene (LDPE) granulates that are certified for the mass fractions of As, Br, Cd, Cl, Cr, Hg, Pb and S. The contents of these elements are very similar to those of the previously available materials. In addition the mass fraction of Sb has been certified and indicative values for Sn and Zn are assigned. Samples are available in bottles containing approximately 100 g each.

The materials have been processed and certified according to the ISO Guides 34 and 35.

» More Information about ERM-EC680k

» More Information about ERM-EC681k

Source: Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM)