Determination of phthalate acid esters plasticizers in plastic by ultrasonic solvent extraction combined with solid-phase microextraction using calix[4]arene fiber

Ultrasonic solvent extraction combined with solid-phase microextraction (SPME) with calix[4]arene/hydroxy-terminated silicone (C[4]/OHTSO) oil coated fiber was used to extract phthalate acid esters (PAEs) plasticizers in plastic, such as blood bags, transfusion tubing, food packaging bag, and mineral water bottle for analysis by gas chromatography (GC). Both extraction parameters (i.e. extraction time, extraction temperature, ionic strength) and conditions of the thermal desorption in a GC injector were optimized by analysis of eight phthalates. The fiber shows wonderful sensitivity and selectivity to the tested compounds. Owing to its high thermal stability (380 degreesC), the carryover effect that often encountered when using conventional fibers can be reduced by appropriately enhancing the injector temperature. The method showed linear response over two to four orders of magnitude with correlation coefficients (r) better than 0.996, and limits of detection (LOD) ranged between 0.006 and 0.084 mug l(-1). The relative standard deviation values obtained were less than or equal to 10%. bis-2-Ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) was the sole analyte detected in these plastics and recoveries were in the ranges 95.5-101.4% in all the samples. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mercury(II) ion sensing with PVC-matrix based membrane sensors

Thiosemicarbazone derivatives have been used as ion carriers for the preparation of PVC-matrix based mercury(II)-selective membrane sensors. The electrodes give near-Nernstian responses in the linear concentration range of 1.0×10-1-5.0×10-6 M with detection limits of the order of 10-6 M. The stable potentiometric signals are obtained within a short time period of 20-25s. The effect of different plasticizers has been studied and dioctylsebacate (DOS) found to give a better response in comparison to other plasticizers. Selectivity coefficient values (log KPotHg,M) have been evaluated using fixed interference method. Better selectivity for mercury(II) ions is observed over many of the monovalent (Na+, K+ and NH4+) and divalent ions (Mg2+, Ca2+, Zn2+, Pb2+, Ni2+, Co2+, etc.). The sensors have also been used as indicator electrodes in potentiometric titration of mercury(II) ions with EDTA and its determination in synthetic water samples.

Dynamic mechanical and thermal properties of plasticized poly(lactic acid)

The blends of low molecular weight triacetin (TAC) and oligomeric poly(1,3-butylene glycol adipate) (PBGA) were used as multiple plasticizers to lubricate poly(lactic acid) (PLA) in this study. The thermal and mechanical properties of plasticized polymers were investigated by means of dynamic mechanical analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to analyze the morphologies of the blends. Multiple plasticizers were effective in lowering the glass transition temperature (T-g) and the melting temperature (T-m) of PLA. Moreover, crystallinity of PLA increased with increasing the con-tent of multiple plasticizers. Tensile strength of the blends decreased following the increasing of the plasticizers, but increased in elongation at break. AFM topographic images showed that the multiple plasticizers dispersed between interfibrillar regions. Moreover, the fibrillar crystallite formed the quasicrosslinkings, which is another cause for the increase in elongation at break.