New Sampling and Analysis Method for Isocyanates in Spray-Painting Operations

The most common catalyst used in Polyurethane-based paints is based on 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) and contains the isocyanurate or the biuret of HDI. Exposure to isocyanate vapor and aerosol in spray paintings is known to cause a range of disorders in humans. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has already set the Recommended Exposure Limit for several diisocyanate monomers. The measurement of isocyanates in air is a challenging sampling and analytical problem for several reasons. Isocyanates can exist in air as vapor, or as aerosol (with a wide range of particle sizes). Isocyanates are very reactive, hence, unstable. To detect isocyanates at levels corresponding to current monomer exposure limits, methods must be very sensitive. To overcome the complex problems associated with accurate sampling and analysis of isocyanates in air, a new sampling method which uses polyurethane foam (PUF) sponge cassette samplers was developed and evaluated in spray painting operations. The results show that the sponge cassette samplers have a collection efficiency that is comparable to the impinger samplers (NIOSH Method 5521) but are more convenient to use. A new analysis method for isocyanates which uses capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) was also developed . Compared to the HPLC method, the CZE method gives a better sensitivity for the detection of both HDI monomer and oligomers.

Author dc:creator

• Yin, Jian

Contributors dc:contributor

• Rudzinski, Walter E.
• Compton, Ross D.
• Feakes, Debra A.

• isocyanates
• spray painting

Language dc:language

en

Identifier

Yin, J. (1998). New sampling and analysis method for isocyanates in spray-painting operations [Master's Thesis, Southwest Texas State University.]

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:tdl-ir.tdl.org:10877/23562