The determination of certain antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers and stabilisers in plastics formulations by thin-layer chromatography

Abstract

The use of thin-layer chromatography in the determination of additives in plastics formulations is investigated. Details are given for the detection and determination of antioxidants, organotin compounds and ultraviolet absorbers, and mention is made of other additives likely to be present. Commercially prepared silica gel layers containing a fluorescent additive are used in most cases.

Comparatively small samples of the plastics materials are required, and, by means of the techniques described, it is possible to identify additives in extracts containing several different components. The method can be used to detect additives down to between 10 and 1 µg per sample and both qualitative and more accurate quantitative determinations are made possible.