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Measurement of airborne cyanoacrylates
C Keen1, I Pengelly, J A Groves
1Health and Safety Executive, Sheffield, England.
The Annals of Occupational Hygiene
|October 30, 1998
Summary
Humidity accelerates the polymerization of alkyl-2-cyanoacrylates, but it is not instantaneous. A pumped Tenax sampling tube is recommended for monitoring these compounds, with specific flow rates and a four-hour limit to avoid errors.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Alkyl-2-cyanoacrylates are common industrial chemicals.
- Their polymerization behavior in ambient air requires investigation for safe handling and monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the polymerization behavior of alkyl-2-cyanoacrylates in air.
- To evaluate and recommend suitable sampling methods for these compounds.
Main Methods:
- Investigation of polymerization rates under varying humidity levels.
- Evaluation of a pumped Tenax sampling tube for compound collection.
- Desorption using 0.2% phosphoric acid in acetonitrile.
- Analysis via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
Main Results:
- Increasing humidity significantly increases the rate of alkyl-2-cyanoacrylate polymerization.
- Pumped Tenax sampling tubes are effective but require adherence to specified flow rates and a maximum sampling time of four hours.
- Deviations from specified sampling conditions can lead to significant errors.
Conclusions:
- Humidity is a key factor influencing alkyl-2-cyanoacrylate polymerization kinetics.
- A validated sampling and analysis method using Tenax tubes and HPLC is presented.
- Strict adherence to recommended sampling parameters is crucial for accurate monitoring of alkyl-2-cyanoacrylates.