Paperboard Chemical Additive Retention and Migration Testing Methods
Paperboard chemical retention and migration compliance requires verifying wet-end additive fixation, simulant extractions, and mass transfer kinetic barriers.
Static Headspace GC-MS
Gas Extraction
An analytical method extracts and measures volatile organic compounds from a sealed vial containing a solid sample. This technique separates volatile molecules from the solid board matrix without requiring liquid chemical extraction. In the paper industry, static headspace gc-ms is the primary tool used to measure odor-causing chemicals and residual solvents in finished packaging.
Separation Technique
Testing paperboard samples with static headspace gc-ms involves heating the board to release volatile chemicals into the air above the sample. Once the sample reaches equilibrium, a portion of this gas is injected into the gas chromatograph, where the different compounds are separated. The separated compounds then enter the mass spectrometer, where they are identified based on their unique molecular patterns, allowing for precise tracking of even trace-level contaminants.
It provides a non-destructive way to scan for these chemicals, as the solid pulp or board sample remains in the vial while only the gaseous headspace is pulled for analysis.
Volatile Screening
Quality control laboratories use this technique to monitor the levels of residual solvents and photoinitiators in printed cartons. Identifying these chemicals before the packaging is shipped ensures that no off-odors will spoil the food or contaminate the product. This proactive screening helps converters maintain high quality standards and prevent customer rejections due to unpleasant smells or tastes in their packaged goods.