ARTICLE

Analysis of Colorants in Plastics with Speed and Execution

Cincinnati Ohio - Dr. Constantinos Nicolaou - January 12, 2007 -- The analysis of colorants in plastics may be used for a variety of purposes such as reverse engineering (de-formulation), migration, decomposition,contamination, confirmation of composition, quality control or to identify causes of failure.

Identification and measurement of colorants in plastics can present a very difficult challenge to the analyst due to the low solubility of both the colored pigment and the polymer matrix and to the low concentration of colorants. The colored plastic may also contain a variety of additives (plasticizers, inorganic fillers, antioxidants, fire retardants, antistatic agents and crosslinking agents), including other polymers, which are used to enhance the properties of the plastic material. Due to the complex formulation the analyst must have a good working knowledge of plastics technology to succeed.