Multi-Element Analysis of Relevant Elements and Macromolecular Contaminants in Black Polymeric Food-Contact Materials and it’s Origin

Significance of the Topic

Black polymer food-contact articles may contain recycled fractions from electrical and electronic equipment waste leading to unintended exposure to hazardous elements and macromolecular contaminants. Identifying and controlling these impurities is essential for consumer safety and regulatory compliance.

Objectives and Overview of the Study

This study aimed to provide analytical evidence for the misuse of WEEE derived polymers in black food-contact articles sold in the European market by combining multiple independent techniques to detect both elemental and macromolecular contaminants.

Methodology

The study employed a multi stage analytical approach beginning with non destructive screening followed by targeted elemental and macromolecular analyses to confirm the presence of WEEE derived contaminants in black polymeric food contact articles.

Instrumentation Used

• Shimadzu EDX 800P energy dispersive X ray fluorescence for bromine screening
• Shimadzu ICPE 9800 series optical emission spectrometer with axial and radial view for multi element quantification
• Shimadzu QP2010 thermal desorption GC MS for brominated flame retardant identification
• Shimadzu IRPrestige 21 ATR FTIR with reflectance diamond unit and LabSolutions IR software for polymer fingerprinting
• Pyrolysis GC MS for detection of polymer fragments and contaminants

Main Results and Discussion

7 of 10 black food contact samples contained elevated bromine levels up to 5980 mg per kilogram. GC MS confirmed presence of decaBDE DBDPE and in one case BTBPE with TBBPA. Antimony concentrations in bromine positive samples exceeded 500 mg per kilogram indicating use of Sb2O3 as a flame retardant synergist. Rare earth elements such as Ce Dy La Nd Pr and Y appeared only in bromine positive articles consistent with electronic waste origin. Joint detection of these markers in PBT pan samples provided strong evidence of hidden recycling of electronic polymers into food contact materials.

Benefits and Practical Applications

This comprehensive workflow enables regulatory and industrial laboratories to reliably detect undeclared WEEE derived substances in food contact materials supporting quality assurance and compliance with EU safety regulations.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Future developments in high resolution spectrometers coupled with advanced data fusion and machine learning for polymer and contaminant profiling will enhance detection capabilities. Non target screening and portable analytical devices may further streamline routine surveillance.

Conclusion

The combined use of XRF ICPE GC MS FTIR and pyrolysis GC MS provided conclusive evidence of brominated flame retardants antimony and rare earth elements in black food contact articles highlighting the misuse of WEEE fractions and the need for stricter control measures across the supply chain.

References

1. Puype F Samsonek J Knoop J Egelkraut Holtus M Ortlieb M Evidence of waste electrical and electronic equipment relevant substances in polymeric food contact articles sold on the European market Food Additives and Contaminants Part A 2015 DOI 10.1080/19440049.2015.1009499
2. Samsonek J Puype F Occurrence of brominated flame retardants in black thermo cups and selected kitchen utensils purchased on the European market Food Additives and Contaminants Part A 2013 30 11 1976 1986
3. Knoop J Opperman U Schram J Interference Free Determination of Rare Earth Elements in Electronic Waste Using ICP Optical Emission Spectroscopy J Chem Chem Eng 2014 8 635 640