Measurement of Total Carbon in Plastic Particles

Significance of the Topic

Plastics serve as fundamental materials across industries—from consumer goods to automotive and furniture—owing to their processability and robustness. However, concerns about their environmental footprint, particularly CO₂ emissions during incineration and microplastic pollution, are driving demand for rapid, accurate methods to quantify plastic-derived carbon.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study evaluates the capability of a TOC solid sample measurement system (TOC-LCPH analyzer coupled with SSM-5000A combustion unit) to determine total carbon (TC) in seven common plastic polymers. The aim is to demonstrate the method’s speed, precision, and recovery across diverse materials.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Approximately 20–30 mg grains of seven plastics (PP, PS, HDPE, LDPE, PMMA, PC, PET) were placed in a quartz sample boat and introduced into the combustion port.
Samples were oxidized at 900 °C under 500 mL/min O₂ flow. Evolved CO₂ was detected by a short-path infrared cell.
Calibration utilized a single-point curve with glucose powder (40 % carbon).

Instrumentation Used

• TOC-LCPH Total Organic Carbon Analyzer
• SSM-5000A Solid Sample Combustion Unit
• Combustion temperature: 900 °C
• Carrier gas: Oxygen, 500 mL/min
• Detector: Short-path IR cell
• Calibration: Single-point, 40 % carbon glucose

Main Results and Discussion

All plastics yielded TC measurements with coefficient of variation ≤ 3 %, reflecting high reproducibility. Measured TC percentages closely matched theoretical values, with recovery rates exceeding 95 % for every polymer. Signal profiles over 6–8 minutes showed clear, well-defined CO₂ peaks, confirming efficient combustion and detection.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Rapid analysis: 6–8 min per sample.
• High sensitivity: up to 30 mg carbon quantification.
• Versatile screening tool for plastic TC content.
• Potential for assessing CO₂ emissions from incineration.

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Advances may include integration with microplastic characterization, automated sample handling, and portable analyzers for field monitoring. Coupling TC analysis with other spectroscopic or chromatographic techniques could enhance environmental assessments and support circular-economy initiatives.

Conclusion

The TOC solid sample measurement system delivers fast, accurate TC determination across a range of plastic materials. Its precision and simplicity make it an effective tool for environmental research, quality control, and emission screening.

Reference

No specific literature references were provided in the original document.