Rapid Detection of Plasticizer Migration From UV-Aged PVC Films by DART-HRMS

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Phthalate plasticizer migration from PVC is a toxicological concern, especially after aging.
• Traditional methods are slow, expensive, and lack throughput for safety screening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a rapid, solvent-free screening method for plasticizer migration in UV-aged PVC films.
• To optimize Direct Analysis in Real Time coupled to High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (DART-HRMS) for this application.

Main Methods:

• Analyzed commercial PVC films using DART-HRMS after accelerated UV aging (ASTM G154-23).
• Optimized DART-HRMS parameters including ionization gas temperature (250-500 °C) and grid voltage (50, 350 V).

Main Results:

• Optimal DART-HRMS conditions (350 °C, 50 V) provided high signal stability and minimal fragmentation.
• Higher grid voltage (350 V) caused signal suppression and fragmentation, particularly for high-molecular-weight plasticizers.
• Observed formulation-dependent migration: short-chain phthalates showed rapid enrichment, while longer-chain ones migrated slowly or minimally.

Conclusions:

• DART-HRMS is a fast, robust, solvent-free method for screening plasticizer migration in PVC.
• Optimized conditions allow sensitive detection and differentiation of additive mobility based on molecular weight and formulation.
• This high-throughput method aids in assessing additive stability and release in PVC materials.