This Part of IEC 62321 specifies one normative and two informative techniques for the determination of polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and diphenyl ethers (PBDE) in polymers of electrotechnical products.

The gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) test method is suitable for the determination of monobrominated to decabrominated biphenyls (PBB) and monobrominated to decabrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE).

Annexes A and C contain methods using ion attachment mass spectrometry (IAMS) coupled with direct injection probe (DIP) and high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled to photo diode array ultra violet detector (HPLC-PDA/UV). These techniques have utility as fast, qualitative or semi-quantitative type methods but are subject to limitations including interferences or the number or type of PBB and PBDE compounds within their scope.

The ion attachment mass spectrometry (IAMS) technique is limited to the determination of decabromo biphenyl and technical mixtures of decabromodiphenyl ether, octabromodiphenyl ether, and pentabromo diphenyl ether flame retardant compounds. The determination of other PBBs or PBDEs by this method has not been evaluated.

The high-pressure liquid chromatography technique is limited to the determination of technical mixtures of decabromodiphenyl ether, octabromo diphenyl ether, decabromo biphenyl and octabromo biphenyl technical flame retardants. The determination of other PBBs or PBDEs by this method has not been evaluated.

These test methods have been evaluated for use with PS-HI (polystyrene, high-impact) and PC/ABS (a blend of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) containing individual PBDEs between 20 mg/kg to 2 000 mg/kg and total PBDEs between 1 300 mg/kg to 5 000 mg/kg as depicted in this standard including in Annex F. The use of these methods for other polymer types, PBBs or other PBDE compounds or concentration ranges other than those specified above has not been specifically evaluated.