Using gas chromatography to investigate the cause of malodors in molded polymers: a case study

Malodors are commonly detected in molded polymers used for general purposes such as household items, domestic appliances, plastic furniture, wheel and bumper covers in the automotive industry, and laboratory equipment. Research indicates that such strong odors are associated with the emission of harmful substances and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Above a certain level of tolerance these volatile compounds have long-term effects detrimental to health after frequent exposure. This thesis seeks to investigate some of the compounds present in a molded polymer used by Company C in their finished product using gas chromatography and suggest ways to minimize or eliminate the smell without compromising other physical and chemical properties of the final polymer. Every stage of the production process from start to finish was analyzed, including formulation, compounding and molding. Blind odor tests were performed using the same group of panelists to determine which ingredients or molded polymers had the best or worst odor. Next, gas chromatography analysis was used to investigate what compounds were contributing to the smell detected by the panelists. Finally, several iterations of new formulations were made based on the overall analysis of the individual ingredients. The formulation that emerged best, with regards to the complete test specification, especially smell, is recommended for use in molding the new polymer.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Author dc:creator

• Lofquist, Evelyn

Contributors dc:contributor

• Thomas, Tricia A.
• Jones, Frank; Henry, Jim
• College of Engineering and Computer Science

• Gas chromatography
• Volatile organic compounds

Licence

• https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en

Language dc:language

English, eng

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholar.utc.edu/theses/52

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholar.utc.edu:theses-1051