A novel treatment and derivatization for quantification of residual aromatic diisocyanates in polyamide resins

Abstract

In the scientific context, the environmental and healthy impact of polymers is more related to the residual monomer content rather than their macromolecular structure, due to the monomer capability to interact with membrane cells. For this a novel method to stabilize and quantify residual monomeric isocyanates in high thermal resistance polyamide resins (PAs) has been developed. This new analytical method resulted in an improvement concerning the quantification of residual aromatic diisocyanates in viscous polymeric matrices by using a simple and cheap technique like HPLC-VWD. Diisocyanate monomers were derivatized with dibutylamine, resulting in stable urea derivatives that were simultaneously analysed and quantified. The method was applied to solvent-based polyamide resins, used as primary electrical insulation, for avoiding additional step of solvent removing before the analysis. The quantification of residual monomers answers to the provisions imposed by European Regulation N. 1907/2006 (REACH) for polymer registration, and the necessity of an early evaluation of the occupational risk associated with the use of diisocyanates, due to their toxicity and high reactivity towards moisture.

Determination of Residual Diisocyanates and Related Diamines in Biodegradable Mulch Films Using N-Ethoxycarbonylation Derivatization and GC-MS

“…These diisocyanates are a family of highly reactive and relatively low molecular weight compounds with two isocyanate functional groups (−NCO). The impacts of PBAT on environmental and health are more related to residual diisocyanate components rather than their polymer, due to the monomer capability to interact with membrane cells [ 7 ]. As we all know, the high chemical reactivity of diisocyanates makes them toxic compounds and their adverse health effects are well-documented [ 8 ].…”