UNE-EN IEC 62321-3-4:2023

This part of IEC 62321 specifies procedures for the screening of di-isobutyl phthalate (DIBP),

di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in

polymers of electrotechnical products by using high performance liquid chromatography with

ultraviolet detector (HPLC-UV), thin layer chromatography (TLC) and thermal desorption mass spectrometry (TD-MS).

High performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detector (HPLC-UV), thin layer

chromatography (TLC) and thermal desorption mass spectrometry (TD-MS) techniques are

described in the normative part of this document. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT

IR) is described in the informative Annex of this document.

The HPLC-UV and TLC technique is suitable for screening and semi-quantitative analysis of

DIBP, DBP, BBP and DEHP in polymers that are used as parts of the electrotechnical products

upper than 300 mg/kg.

The TD-MS techniques are suitable for screening and semi-quantitative analysis of DIBP, DBP,

BBP and DEHP in polymers that are used as parts of the electrotechnical products upper than 300 mg/kg.

The FT-IR technique in Annex A is suitable for preliminary screening of total phthalates (DIBP,

DBP, BBP, DEHP and so forth) in polymers that are used as parts of the electrotechnical

products upper than 50 000 mg/kg.

These test methods have been evaluated by testing PE (polyethylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride)

materials containing individual phthalates between 500 mg/kg to 3 000 mg/kg as depicted in

the normative and informative parts of this document. The use of the methods described in this

document for other polymer types, phthalate compounds or concentration ranges other than

those specified above has not been specifically evaluated.

Annex E shows a flow chart as an example of how each method included in this document can

be used for screening. Test methods in this document differs from IEC62321-8 in that all

phthalates in this scope are not separated to each phthalate. Detectable combinations are DIBP

+ DBP + BBP and DEHP for HPLC-UV technique, DIBP + DBP, BBP and DEHP for TLC

technique and TD-MS technique, total phthalates for FT-IR technique. FT-IR is a suitable

analytical technique for preliminary screening in the first step of phthalates screening. Be aware

how to judge in the achieved results (positive doubtful negative results). These test methods

are characterized by a shorter measuring time compared with IEC62321-8 because all

phthalates in this scope are not separated to each phthalate.

NOTE See Annex F for commonly used phthalates in products.