ASTM D8133 Low-Level Phthalate Testing in PVC by Solvent Extraction
ASTM D8133 test method determines the use of solvent extraction method to identify and quantify phthalates like DEHP(Bis(2-ethyhexyl) phthalate), DNOP(Di(n-octyl) phthalate), DIDP(1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, 1,2-diisodecyl), BBP(Benzyl butyl phthalate), DINP(1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, di-C8-10-branched alkyl esters, C9-rich), and DBP(1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, 1,2-di-n-butyl ester). The plasticized polyvinyl chloride particles are extracted and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The lowest level identified through this procedure is 1000 ppm. The final results are expressed in SI units.
TRUSTED BY
Precision-driven testing for dimensional accuracy and compliance
- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Overview
ASTM D8133 provides a standard test method for determining low-level phthalate plasticizers in PVC plastics using solvent extraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The method quantifies regulated phthalates, including DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, and DNOP, at concentrations relevant to RoHS, REACH SVHC, and toy safety regulations.
Solvent extraction per ASTM D8133 is applicable to a broad range of PVC concentrations and provides well-validated, globally accepted analytical data for compliance demonstration in international markets.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ASTM D8133 evaluates:
- Regulated phthalate concentrations (wt%) in PVC articles
- Extraction using tetrahydrofuran (THF) or other specified solvents
- GC-MS identification and quantification of target phthalates
- Compliance verification at the 0.1 wt% regulatory threshold
Applications
- RoHS 2 and REACH SVHC phthalate compliance testing
- Toy safety phthalate compliance per EN 71-9 and ASTM F963
- Consumer electronics and cable insulation testing
- Medical device PVC component qualification
- Food contact and packaging material assessment
Benefits
- Widely accepted by regulatory authorities globally
- Applicable to both high- and low-concentration PVC samples
- Excellent sensitivity and selectivity via GC-MS
- Well-validated method with extensive interlaboratory data
- Provides defensible compliance data for export markets
Test Process
Sample Preparation
PVC specimens are cut or ground into small pieces; a precisely weighed sample (~1 g) is dissolved or extracted in THF or the specified solvent at ambient or elevated temperature.
1Extract Preparation
The extract is filtered, diluted to a defined volume, and spiked with internal standards before GC-MS injection.
2GC-MS Analysis
Phthalate compounds are separated by GC and identified and quantified by mass spectrometry in full scan or SIM mode against certified external and internal calibration standards.
3Quantification & Reporting
Phthalate concentrations (wt%) are calculated; results are compared to regulatory limits and a compliance report with pass/fail determination is issued.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Extraction Solvent | Tetrahydrofuran (THF) |
| Technique | Solvent extraction GC-MS |
| Target Phthalates | DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, DNOP |
| Regulatory Threshold | 0.1 wt% per substance |
| Detection Limit | <0.005 wt% (method dependent) |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
- GC-MS system (full scan and SIM modes)
- Certified phthalate reference standards
- Analytical balance (±0.1 mg)
- THF and solvent-handling equipment
- SPE or filtration system for extract cleanup
Results and Deliverables
- Quantified phthalate concentrations (wt%) for each analyte
- GC-MS chromatograms with peak identification
- Compliance determination vs. RoHS/REACH/EN 71-9 limits
- Calibration data and method QC results
- Full phthalate analysis report with regulatory comparison
Partnering with Infinita Lab for Optimal Results
Infinita Lab addresses the most frustrating pain points in the ASTM D8133 testing process: complexity, coordination, and confidentiality. Our platform is built for secure, simplified support, allowing engineering and R&D teams to focus on what matters most: innovation. From kickoff to final report, we orchestrate every detail—fast, seamlessly, and behind the scenes.
Looking for a trusted partner to achieve your research goals? Schedule a meeting with us, send us a request, or call us at (888) 878-3090 to learn more about our services and how we can support you. Request a Quote
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D8133 dissolves the PVC matrix in THF to extract phthalates — suitable for a wide concentration range. ASTM D7823 uses thermal desorption, which is faster and solvent-free but may have limitations at very high phthalate concentrations. D8133 is more universally applicable and widely specified in global regulations.
Yes. GC-MS with selective ion monitoring can differentiate between structural isomers of phthalates (e.g., DINP and DIDP from DEHP) based on retention time and mass spectral fragmentation patterns, enabling accurate identification and quantification of each regulated phthalate.
XRF provides rapid elemental screening but cannot speciate or quantify individual phthalate compounds. XRF may be used for initial screening, but GC-MS (ASTM D8133 or D7823) is required for definitive quantification and regulatory compliance confirmation.
Approximately 1–5 g of sample is required for the extraction, plus additional material for replicate analyses. For composite articles with multiple PVC components, each component must be tested separately per applicable regulatory requirements.
Yes. ASTM D8133 is recognized as a valid analytical method for phthalate determination in polymeric materials under EU REACH (SVHC), EU RoHS 2, and similar national regulations. It is widely accepted in third-party laboratory compliance test reports.
Request a Quote
Submit your material details and receive testing procedures, pricing, and turnaround time within 24 hours.
Quick Turnaround and Hasslefree process
Confidentiality Guarantee
Free, No-obligation Consultation
100% Customer Satisfaction
