Analysis of RoHS Heavy Metals in Cable Products

Analysis of RoHS Heavy Metals in Cable Products Using ED-XRF Objective of the Study RoHS aims to protect the environment and human health by restricting the use of hazardous substances such as mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) in electrical and electronic equipment, and to ensure the environmentally compatible recovery of electrical and electronic waste within the framework of technical standards. The Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive 2002/95/EC (RoHS 1) is the abbreviation for the directive restricting 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 cannot contain more than the permitted amounts of the following materials. • 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 domestic appliances, • Information technology and communications equipment, • Lighting, • Electric tools, • Toys and entertainment equipment, • Sports equipment, • ATMs and vending machines, • Medical devices. • Monitoring and control instruments.

Method and Materials

This study was conducted using a Shimadzu brand EDX-7000 model ED-XRF. ED-XRF was selected because it is the most practical benchtop system for quantitative determination in the %-ppm range of all elements between Na-U, works with all sample types (solid, liquid, powder), requires no chemical sample preparation, and is non-destructive. *Work was performed using the Screening Method.  

Equipment and Chemicals Used

1. EDX Spectrometer 2. Polypropylene film or Mylar film

Sample Preparation and Analysis Initiation

The cable sample consists of 2 parts and these 2 parts are separated into metal and plastic. The metal part is measured first, followed by the plastic part separately. With the aid of a camera, the sample is moved and an appropriate collimator from four different sizes (10mm-5mm-3mm-1mm) is selected. The objective is to ensure that all X-rays are directed onto the sample. The Screening Method is selected via the PCEDX-Navi software program, the sample name and user name are entered, and then the 'Start' button is pressed. Analysis Workflow 1. The sample is placed in the instrument. 2. Method selection is performed. 3. Sample name is entered. 4. The [START] button is pressed and analysis begins.

Screening Analysis

The Screening Method contains calibration curves for plastic-Cu-Fe-Sn-Cu-Al matrices.

Results and Evaluation

1. Automatic Time Control Evaluation (ON/OFF) and Sample Results. [caption id="attachment_146952" align="aligncenter"] Figure 1. Analytical results and measurement times (EDX-7000) *Automatic Time Control: During analysis, when the intensity value of the element being measured remains constant for a certain period (± 10%), the EDX-7000 automatically proceeds to measure the next element and saves time.[/caption]

2. Repeatability Study

[caption id="attachment_146953" align="aligncenter"] 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 Acknowledgment We wish to express our gratitude to Gençler Kablo San. ve Tic. Ltd. Şti. for their support. References 1. Ant Teknik Application Note KMY030 Analysis of RoHS Heavy Metals in Cable Products Using ED-XRF 2. Shimadzu Application Note: X256 Screening Analysis with EDX-7000 Navi Software Gökhan Sengör Chemist Service Manager Assistant Ant Teknik