Bromine (Br) Determination

Bromine (Br) determination is an analysis performed to quantify the amount of bromine in products, environmental samples, or biological materials. Bromine is found especially in flame retardant substances such as polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE). These substances are used in products like electronics, plastics, textiles, and furniture to reduce fire risk. However, compounds containing bromine have adverse effects on the environment and human health. Therefore, under regulations such as RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances), the bromine content must be restricted.

What is Bromine (Br) and Why is it Restricted?

Bromine is an element used in many industrial products due to its flame-retardant properties. In electronic devices, plastics, furniture, and textile products, bromine compounds enhance fire safety. However, when these bromine-containing compounds are released into the environment and enter the biological chain, they can adversely affect human health. Long-term exposure to bromine compounds may disrupt hormonal balance and increase the risk of cancer.

In Which Areas is Bromine (Br) Determination Performed?

Bromine determination is carried out in various sectors to ensure safety and compliance with legal regulations:

• Electronics and RoHS Compliance: Determining the amount of bromine compounds in electronic devices and electrical equipment is mandatory for RoHS compliance. Bromine levels in RoHS-compliant products must remain below specified limits.
• Plastics and Polymer Materials: Flame retardant bromine compounds used in plastic materials are analyzed to ensure that these products can be used without harming the environment.
• Textile Products: Bromine determination in flame-resistant textile products is performed to meet safety and health standards.
• Furniture and Interior Furnishings: The presence and quantity of bromine compounds used to enhance fire safety in furniture are checked.
• Environmental Samples: Bromine analyses in water, soil, and air samples are conducted to evaluate environmental pollution and the overall bromine content.

Methods for Bromine (Br) Determination

Bromine determination is performed using various analytical methods that offer high sensitivity and accuracy. The main methods used include:

1. X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF)

   • XRF enables rapid and non-destructive detection of heavy elements such as bromine.
   • It is particularly used for surface analyses and preliminary screening to directly determine the presence of bromine.
   • XRF is a preferred method for rapid bromine analysis in electronic and plastic products for RoHS compliance.

2. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

   • GC-MS is used especially for the analysis of brominated organic compounds such as PBDE and PBB.
   • In this method, the sample is separated in the gas phase, and the presence of bromine compounds is confirmed by GC-MS, providing high sensitivity and accuracy.
   • It is preferred for detecting bromine compounds in RoHS tests and in plastic materials.

3. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

   • ICP-MS is a sensitive method that allows the detection of bromine even at low concentrations.
   • The sample is ionized using plasma, and the quantity of bromine ions is determined via mass spectrometry.
   • This method is favored for bromine determination in environmental samples and biological analyses.

4. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

   • HPLC is used to separate and quantify bromine-containing organic compounds in the liquid phase.
   • Specialized detectors are employed for the analysis of brominated compounds.
   • This method is particularly suitable for bromine analysis in complex organic mixtures.

Bromine Determination and Legal Regulations

Bromine and bromine-containing compounds are regulated by various legal frameworks:

• RoHS Directive (EU): Electronic devices must contain bromine-containing flame retardants (such as PBB and PBDE) below specified limits.
• REACH Regulation (EU): Certain bromine-containing compounds are restricted under REACH because they are classified as harmful to human health and the environment.
• Toy Safety Regulation: Bromine-containing substances in toys are limited, and bromine determination ensures that safety standards are met.

MassLab’s Bromine (Br) Determination Services

At MassLab, our bromine determination services accurately analyze the presence of bromine compounds in your products. We provide highly precise bromine analysis for RoHS and REACH compliance, toy safety, and environmental health. With our modern analytical instruments and expert team, we support you in ensuring that your products meet all legal standards.

For detailed information about MassLab’s bromine determination services or to request an analysis, please contact us. We help ensure that your products comply with global standards through reliable analysis results.