# Innovative Method for Determining the Toxicometric Index of Polymer Materials with the Example of Polyurethane and Polyvinyl Chloride

## TL;DR

This study introduces a new method to measure toxic gases released when polyurethane and PVC materials break down under heat.

## Contribution

A novel method using TG-FTIR to determine toxicity indices for polymer thermal decomposition products is developed.

## Key findings

- Sample mass and IR spectral range significantly affect the assessment of toxic gases.
- Partial and total toxicity indices (ITPC and ITGC) were developed for polymer degradation analysis.
- Using small sample masses (≤10 mg) improves resolution and repeatability of results.

## Abstract

The aim of this study was to optimize a method for qualitative and quantitative determination of gaseous degradation products formed in the process of thermal decomposition in the sample. The toxicometric index was determined with the use of the coupled TG-FTIR technique (gas analyzer). The polyurethane (PUR) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were used for analytical studies. Based on the obtained results, it was concluded that the sample mass used for analysis, as well as the spectral range of the IR spectrum, has a crucial role in the qualitative and quantitative assessment of gaseous toxic degradation products generated during the thermal decomposition of polymeric materials. Using a gas analyzer, proprietary toxicity indices were developed, i.e., the partial toxicity index (ITPC) and total toxicity index (ITGC). It should be noted that the determined toxicity indices refer to a test sample not exceeding 10 mg. The small mass of the sample subjected to analysis allows for high resolution and repeatability of the results reading. The results of this study provide a significant methodological contribution to both the identification of gaseous degradation products formed during the thermal decomposition of materials and their quantitative detection.