• With the EDX, compounds cannot be distinguished.
Perform screening analysis with respect to total Br content.
• If knowing the total Brcontent of a sample is not enough, it can be analyzed with a different instrument in order to identify the compound.
PBB and PBDE
PBB: Polybrominated biphenyls: C12H (10−n) Brn (1≦n≦10)
PBDE: Polybrominated diphenyl ether: C12H (10−n) BrnO (1≦n≦10)
Relationship Between Maximum Permitted PBB/PBDE Content and Br Concentration
- Br concentration less than 1,000ppm mono-BB: 1000×80/233 = 343ppm
- Br concentration less than 1,000ppm mono-BDE: 1000×80/249 = 321ppm
If the Br content in resin is definitely under 320ppm, then the value will be less than 1,000ppm whatever the PBB/PBDE bromine substitution.
Even if the Br analysis value obtained with the EDX is 640ppm for example, conformity is not a certainty. If this Br is due entirely to mono-BDE, then the PBDE concentration will be 2,000ppm.