Measurement of airborne cyanoacrylates

The behaviour of common alkyl-2-cyanoacrylates in air has been investigated. Increasing humidity was found to increase the rate of polymerisation, although polymerisation is not instantaneous, even at high humidities. Sampling methods for these compounds have been studied and we are able to recommend a pumped Tenax sampling tube, although certain sampling limitations apply, notably that specified flow rates must be applied and that a maximum sampling time of four hours is recommended. Significant errors can occur if sampling is performed outside the range of conditions specified. Upon completion of sampling the tube is desorbed into 0.2% phosphoric acid in acetonitrile. The resulting solution is analysed by HPLC.