A rapid ultrasonic extraction technique to identify and quantify additives in poly(ethylene)

A simple procedure for the analysis of aromatic antioxidants and UV stabilisers in poly(ethylene) is described. Ultrasonic extraction with chloroform at 60 degrees C was applied for the isolation of Chimassorb 944 from commercial low density poly(ethylene) film with a thickness of 150 mu m as well as for the isolation of Irganox 1010 and Irgafos 168 from commercial medium density poly(ethylene)film with a thickness of 25 mu m; a fast and total recovery of these additives was achieved. Quantitative analysis of the additives was performed by UV spectroscopy and HPLC using acetonitrile as mobile phase and at a wavelength of 280 nm. Effects of temperature, time and structure of the additives on the extraction efficiency were studied. It was found that the recovery of the additives increased remarkably with higher temperature and longer time. Total recovery was reached after 15 min, 45 min and 60 min at 60 degrees C for Irgafos 168, Irganox 1010 and Chimassorb 944, respectively.