When Should You Use Lab-Based XRF to Analyze Polymers and Plastics?

Article Summary

Lab-based X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers have many applications for elemental analysis. The polymers industry is one of many putting XRF technology to work in daily operations.

Laboratories and businesses concentrate on enhancing daily life by developing better polymer materials. In the case of recycling of plastics, it’s important to analyze the recyclates to help ensure high-quality products in the future. Researchers are constantly exploring new mixtures, compounds, structures and processing methods to create stronger, cheaper and sustainable materials made from macromolecules.

XRF Technology

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy is a non-destructive analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of materials. XRF analyzers work by measuring the fluorescent (or secondary) X-rays emitted from a sample getting irradiated by a primary X-ray source. Each of the elements present in a sample produces a set of characteristic fluorescent X-rays lines like a fingerprint. These fingerprints are distinct for each element, making XRF spectroscopy an excellent tool not only for qualitative analysis but also for quantitative measurements when processing the intensity of the emitted lines.

A convenient front-end analysis tool, EDXRF (energy-dispersive XRF) enables quick and easy analysis of even irregular samples with little-to-no sample preparation. WDXRF (wavelength-dispersive XRF), meanwhile, is the standard test method for a wide range of applications due to its outstanding sensitivity and high resolution.

XRF is a common method for the analysis of trace elements in polymers. Additives such as plasticizers, lubricants, stabilizing agents, neutralizers, antioxidants, pigments, as well as catalytic agents, are used to make polymers. XRF is an important process control tool to evaluate the presence of these agents in the finished product. Elements, including aluminum, phosphorous, chlorine, titanium and iron are typically analyzed between 5 and 100 ppm.

Polymer technology has advanced rapidly over the last several decades, giving rise to products with significantly improved properties. However, as the quality of plastic products has increased, so has the quantity of plastic products ending up in landfills. Many of these products contain toxic metals that can leach out into the environment. Read this blog to learn why XRF is the most appropriate solution for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) analysis.