Core requirements and procedures for foam halogen testing
Date:2025-08-13 09:52:33 Classification
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Halogens include fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I), and astatine (At), which are found in group VIIA of the periodic table. Halogens are commonly used in flame retardants, refrigerants, solvents, organic chemical raw materials, pesticides, bleaching agents, and wool degreasing. Foam Halogen Testing Process and Key Considerations:
I. Core Testing Requirements
1. Applicable Standards
- Halogen-Free Limits: Bromine (Br) ≤ 900 ppm, Chlorine (Cl) ≤ 900 ppm, Total Halogen (Br + Cl) ≤ 1500 ppm.
- Key Test Items: Fluorine (F), Chlorine (Cl), Bromine (Br), Iodine (I), with a focus on Chlorine and Bromine.
2. Necessity of Testing
- Halogen flame retardants in foam (such as chlorinated paraffins and brominated flame retardants) release toxic gases when burned, posing a health and environmental risk.
- EU RoHS, IEC 61249-2-21, and other regulations mandate halogen-free certification for foam materials used in electronic appliances.
II. Application Process
A [Preliminary Preparation] --> B [Application Submission]
B --> C [Sample Submission]
C --> D [Laboratory Testing]
D --> E [Report Issuance]
1. Preliminary Preparation
- Confirm the product material list (e.g., polyethylene/polyurethane foam) and intended use (electronic packaging, building materials, etc.).
- Prepare product instructions, ingredient list, processing technology, and other information.
2. Application Submission and Sample Submission
- Complete the testing application form (including sample quantity, testing standards, etc.).
- Send a representative sample of at least 50g to the laboratory to ensure consistency with the mass production batch.
3. Laboratory Testing Methods
| Method | Applicable Scenarios | Standard References
| Oxygen Bomb Combustion-Ion Chromatography | Precise Quantification of Halogen Content | GB/T 34692-2017
| XRF Rapid Screening | Preliminary Screening of High-Risk Materials | Industry-Wide
| Chemical Analysis | In-Depth Testing of Complex Foam Components | ISO 9562
4. Report Issuance
- Turnaround: 5-7 working days for routine testing, extended to 10 days for complex samples.
- Report Content: Sample Information, Testing Method, Measured Data, and Conclusion (with CMA/CNAS certification).
III. Costs and Institution Selection
- Cost Range:
- Basic Testing (Br + Chlorine): 300-600 RMB.
Recommended Agency:
Dezewei Testing (CMA/CNAS accredited)
IV. Key Considerations
1. Material Consistency
- If the foam formula changes (e.g., by changing the flame retardant), retesting is required.
2. Report Validity
- Typically 1-2 years, though some buyers require an updated report for each batch.
3. Labeling Requirements
- Certified foams can be labeled "Halogen-Free" on the packaging.
> Tip: For electronic packaging foams exported to the EU, it is recommended that RoHS (heavy metals and flame retardants) testing be performed simultaneously to ensure comprehensive compliance.