ED-XRF Analysis of RoHS Elements in Cable Wires
Purpose of the Study
The Restriction of Hazardous Substance (RoHS) regulation has been implemented in order to protect the environment and human health.
It is aimed to limit the use of harmful substances such as mercury (Hg), lead (Pb),
cadmium (Cd) in electrical and electronic equipment, and to ensure the environmentally compatible recycling of electrical and electronic equipment wastes within the framework of technical principles.
Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive 2002/95/EC (RoHS 1) is an acronym for the Directive on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment and was adopted by the European Union in February 2003.
Products complying with this directive may not contain more than the permitted quantities of the following elements:
• Lead (1000 ppm),
• Mercury (1000 ppm),
• Cadmium (100 ppm),
• Chromium (1000 ppm),
• Bromine (1000 ppm).
This directive applies to manufacturers, authorized representatives, importers and distributors of the following products:
• Large and small household appliances,
• Information processing and communication equipment,
Lighting,
• Power tools,
• Toys and entertainment equipment,
• Sports equipment,
• ATMs and vending machines,
• Medical devices,
• Monitoring and control instruments.
Method and Materials
The analysis was performed using Shimadzu EDX-7000 ED-XRF. ED-XRF is preferred because it is the most useful tabletop system for the determination of all elements in the
range of % - ppm using a non-destructive technique that can measure various sample states including solid, liquid and powder samples.
*Study was conducted using the Screening Method.
Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer
Instruments and Chemicals
1. EDX Spectrometer
2. Polipropilen film or Mylar film
Analytical Conditions
Sample Preparation and Analysis Start
The cable sample consists of 2 parts and these 2 parts are separated from each other as metal and plastic. First the metal part and then the plastic part are measured
separately, respectively.
By moving the sample with the help of the camera, the appropriate collimator of four different sizes (10mm-5mm-3mm-1mm) is adjusted to come. The goal is to ensure that all of the X-ray is on the sample.
Screening Method is selected over the PCEDX-Navi software program, the ‘Start’ button is pressed after the sample name and user name are written.
Analysis Workflow
1. The sample is placed in the instrument.
2. Method selection is made.
3. Sample name is written.
4. (START) key is pressed and analysis starts.
Screening Analysis
There are calibration curves of plastic-Cu-Fe-Sn-Cu-Al matrices in the Screening Method.
Sonuçlar ve Değerlendirme / Results and Evaluation
1. Automatic Time Control Evaluation (ON / OFF) and Sample Results
[caption id="attachment_146952" align="aligncenter" width="761"]
Figure 1. Analytical results and measurement times (EDX-7000) *Automatic Time Control: When the intensity value of the element observed during the analysis remains constant for a certain period of time (± 10%), the EDX-7000 automatically switches to the measurement of the other element and saves time.[/caption]
2. Repeatability Study
[caption id="attachment_146953" align="aligncenter" width="777"]
Figure 2. EDX-7000 RoHS Calibration Standard Sample Repeatability[/caption]
*Calibration Standard Values Cd: 100 ppm Pb: 310 ppm Cr: 300 ppm Hg: 300
ppm Br: 300 ppm Cl: 890 ppm Sb: 1030 ppm
Acknowledgement
We would like to thank Gencler Cable Ltd. for their support.
References
1. Ant Teknik Application Note KMY030 Analysis of RoHS Heavy Metals in Cable Products with ED-XRF
2. Shimadzu Application Note: X256 Screening Analysis with EDX-7000 Navi Software
Gökhan Sengör
Chemist
Service Assistant Manager
Ant Teknik
