Free isocyanate content in polyurethanes

Isocyanates are used as monomers in adhesives and polyurethane plastics or foams. Isocyanates that have been approved for use in food contact materials belong to Restriction Group (17) in Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011. These substances have a group restriction for both specific migration (not detected; 0.01 mg/kg of food) and residual content (1 mg/kg, expressed as isocyanate (NCO) moiety).

Depending on your needs, Measurlabs provides two analysis packages for determining residual isocyanate content:

Basic package

Compound

Abbreviation

CAS N:o

2,4-toluene diisocyanate

2,4-TDI

584-84-9

2,6-toluene diisocyanate

2,6-TDI

91-08-7

toluene diisocyanates

TDI

26471-62-5

diphenylmethane-4,4′-diisocyanate

4,4'-MDI

101-68-8

hexamethylene diisocyanate

HDI

822-06-0

Extended package

Compound

Abbreviation

CAS N:o

2,4-toluene diisocyanate

2,4-TDI

584-84-9

2,6-toluene diisocyanate

2,6-TDI

91-08-7

toluene diisocyanates

TDI

26471-62-5

3,3′-dimethyl-4,4′-diisocyanatobiphenyl

TODI

91-97-4

diphenylmethane-2,4′-diisocyanate

2,4'-MDI

5873-54-1

diphenylmethane-2,2′-diisocyanate

2,2'-MDI

2536-05-2

diphenylmethane-4,4′-diisocyanate

4,4'-MDI

101-68-8

diphenylmethane diisocyanates

MDI

26447-40-5

octadecyl isocyanate

ODI

112-96-9

hexamethylene diisocyanate

HDI

822-06-0

cyclohexyl isocyanate

CHI

3173-53-3

1,5-naphthalene diisocyanate

NDI

3173-72-6

1-isocyanato-3-isocyanatomethyl-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexane

IPDI

4098-71-9

dicyclohexylmethane-4,4′-diisocyanate

HMDI

5124-30-1

phenyl isocyanate

PI

103-71-9

m-xylylene diisocyanate

XDI

3634-83-1

poly(isophorone diisocyanate)

poly-IPDI

53880-05-0

Due to the low detection limit, this method also functions as a substitute for the specific migration test (assuming 100% migration) if the article or material is not exceptionally thick (> 30 g/dm2).

Aromatic isocyanates react with water, forming (potentially) carcinogenic primary aromatic amines that are covered by a separate test.

Suitable sample matrices
Plastics, elastomers, consumer goods, paper
Required sample quantity
20 g
Typical turnaround time
4 weeks after receiving the samples
Detection limit
At least 0.05 mg/kg
Available quality systems
Accredited testing laboratory
Device types
Standard

Price

Typical price range (Excl. VAT):
357–515 €per sample

We also charge a 97 € service fee per order.

Large batches of samples are eligible for discounts.

Questions? We're happy to help.

Questions? We're happy to help.

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