Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds in Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate Fibers by HS-GC-FID to Evaluate the Efficiency of Testing Conditions

Abstract

A method to determine the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the recycled polyethylene terephthalate fiber was presented by using the headspace sampling-gas chromatography coupled to flame ionization detector (HS-GC-FID), in order to evaluate the level of VOC contamination. The extraction variables, such as the incubation temperature, the pre-incubation time and the size of the vial, were also studied. The effects on the determination of VOC were also compared using two type chromatographic columns. The optimal conditions were found using a headspace sampling for 20 min at 100 °C, where 120 mL vials and TM-1 column were prior to analysis of benzene compounds in PET(polyethylene terephthalate) fibers. The results can be used in analysis of VOC from recycled PET fibers.