RoHS and restricted-substance control
Fast screening of restricted metals and phthalate determination for compliance with the RoHS Directive and the REACH Regulation.
Manufacturers and importers of electrical and electronic products placed on the European Union market must demonstrate compliance with the RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU) and the REACH Regulation. This means controlling lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium and brominated flame retardants, and — since RoHS 3 — four phthalates as well (DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP).
Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) lets you screen restricted elements directly on components, plastics and materials in seconds, without destroying the sample. Phthalates — which XRF cannot detect — are determined by pyrolysis in gas chromatography.
Recommended techniques and instruments
- XRF spectrometers — screening of Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr and Br in components and plastics; benchtop and handheld (e.g. Explorer-3000).
- GC chromatography — phthalate determination by pyrolysis (Py/TD-GC), with no chemical preparation.
- XRF accessories — pellet preparation for analysing bulk materials.