ASTM D7823 Low-Level Phthalate Testing in PVC by Thermal Desorption
ASTM D7823 test method determines the use of thermal desorption, mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography to identify and quantify phthalates like DEHP (Bis-2-ethyhexylphthalate), DNOP (Di-n-octylphthalate), DIDP (1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, di-C9,11-branched alkyl esters), BBP (benzyl butylphthalate), DINP (1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid), and DBP (1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid-1,2-di-n-butylester). The lowest level identified through this procedure is 1000 ppm. The final results are expressed in SI units.
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- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Overview
ASTM D7823 provides a standard test method for determining low levels of phthalate plasticizers in PVC plastics using thermal desorption followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS). The method quantifies specific phthalates — including DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, and DNOP — at concentrations relevant to regulatory compliance under RoHS, REACH, and toy safety standards.
Thermal desorption avoids the use of solvents, offering a rapid, sensitive, and environmentally cleaner alternative to solvent extraction methods for phthalate screening and compliance testing of PVC articles.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ASTM D7823 evaluates:
- Concentration of regulated phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, DNOP) in PVC
- Detection at levels relevant to the EU RoHS 0.1% threshold
- Applicability to rigid and flexible PVC compounds
- Thermal desorption as an alternative to solvent extraction
Applications
- RoHS and REACH phthalate compliance testing
- Toy safety regulation compliance (EN 71-9, ASTM F963)
- Consumer electronics and cable insulation phthalate screening
- Medical device PVC component qualification
- Food contact PVC material assessment
Benefits
- Solvent-free, rapid analysis reduces sample preparation time
- High sensitivity for low-level phthalate quantification
- Compatible with regulatory compliance thresholds (0.1 wt%)
- Applicable to a wide range of PVC articles and formulations
- Generates defensible data for regulatory submissions
Test Process
Sample Preparation
Small PVC specimens (~10 mg) are weighed into thermal desorption tubes; the sample mass and matrix type are documented.
1Thermal Desorption
The tube is heated in a thermal desorber at the programmed temperature profile; released phthalates are transferred to a cold trap and then focused onto the GC column.
2GC-MS Analysis
Phthalate compounds are separated by GC and identified and quantified by mass spectrometry using selective ion monitoring (SIM) mode against external calibration standards.
3Quantification & Reporting
Phthalate concentrations (wt%) are calculated from peak areas using calibration curves; results are compared to regulatory limits and a compliance report is issued.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Technique | TD-GC-MS (thermal desorption gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) |
| Target Phthalates | DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, DNOP |
| Regulatory Threshold | 0.1 wt% per phthalate (RoHS, REACH SVHC) |
| Detection Limit | <0.01 wt% (method dependent) |
| Sample Size | ~10 mg |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
- Thermal desorber unit (ATD)
- GC-MS system with SIM capability
- Phthalate reference standards (certified)
- Analytical balance (±0.01 mg)
- Data processing and calibration software
Results and Deliverables
- Quantified concentrations (wt%) for each target phthalate
- Compliance determination vs. RoHS/REACH/toy safety limits
- GC-MS chromatograms with peak identification
- Calibration data and method validation records
- Full phthalate analysis report with regulatory comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
RoHS 2 restricts DEHP, BBP, DBP, and DIBP in electrical and electronic equipment to 0.1 wt% per substance. EU toy safety EN 71-9 additionally restricts DINP, DIDP, and DNOP to 0.1% in toys placed in the mouth.
ASTM D7823 uses thermal desorption to release phthalates without solvents — faster and cleaner but less suitable for very high-concentration samples. ASTM D8133 uses solvent extraction (THF) providing a more universal approach for samples across a wider concentration range.
Yes. The method is applicable to both flexible PVC (high plasticizer content) and rigid PVC (low or no plasticizer). Sample preparation and desorption conditions may be adjusted for different matrices.
A single sample analysis by TD-GC-MS typically takes 30–60 minutes. A full compliance panel with multiple samples can usually be completed within 2–3 business days including sample preparation and report generation.
Yes. ASTM D7823 is recognized as a valid analytical method for phthalate determination in PVC under both EU REACH/RoHS and US CPSC regulations. It is accepted in compliance test reports for market access in major regulatory jurisdictions.
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