# Rapid Detection of Plasticizer Migration From UV‐Aged PVC Films by DART‐HRMS

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a fast method using DART-HRMS to detect plasticizer migration from UV-aged PVC films, offering a solvent-free and high-throughput alternative to traditional techniques.

## Contribution

The study presents a novel rapid screening method using DART-HRMS for monitoring plasticizer migration in aged PVC films.

## Key findings

- Optimal DART-HRMS conditions were achieved at 350 °C and 50 V, providing stable signals and minimal fragmentation.
- Short-chain phthalates showed rapid surface enrichment, while high-molecular-weight plasticizers migrated more slowly.
- The method enables differentiation of additive mobility based on molecular weight and formulation during UV aging.

## Abstract

The migration of phthalate plasticizers from high‐volume polymers, such as poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), raises significant toxicological concerns, particularly when materials are subjected to aging and environmental stress. As traditional monitoring techniques rely on time‐consuming solvent extraction and chromatographic methods that are often expensive and lack the throughput required for large‐scale safety screening, this study intends to present a rapid screening method using direct analysis in real time coupled to high‐resolution mass spectrometry (DART‐HRMS) to monitor plasticizer migration in PVC films subjected to accelerated UV aging. Operational parameters, such as ionization gas temperature and grid voltage, were systematically optimized to balance desorption efficiency with molecular integrity.

DART‐HRMS analysis of three commercial PVC films subjected to accelerated UV aging (ASTM G154‐23) was performed after optimization of the operational parameters: ionization gas temperature: 250 °C, 350 °C, and 500 °C and grid voltage: 50 and 350 V were systematically optimized to balance desorption efficiency with molecular integrity.

Analytical performance was strongly governed by source energy, with optimal conditions achieved at 350 °C and 50 V, yielding the highest signal stability and minimal in‐source fragmentation. Elevated grid voltage (350 V) caused severe signal suppression and fragmentation, particularly for high‐molecular‐weight plasticizers such as DIDP and DINP. Application of the optimized method revealed formulation‐dependent migration behavior during UV aging. Short‐chain phthalates showed rapid and, in some cases, transient surface enrichment, whereas medium‐ and high‐molecular‐weight plasticizers exhibited delayed or limited migration, becoming detectable only after prolonged exposure.

DART‐HRMS provides a fast, robust, and solvent‐free approach for screening plasticizer migration in PVC films. The optimized conditions enable sensitive detection while preserving molecular integrity, allowing differentiation of additive mobility as a function of molecular weight, formulation, and UV‐induced degradation. This methodology offers a high‐throughput alternative for assessing additive stability and potential release in consumer‐grade PVC materials.