PURPOSE
Burning test by
Beilstein. The chlorine atoms (for example from the PVC molecule) react with
the hot copper wire in a flame to form volatile copper chloride which emits a
characteristic green light.
EQUIPMENT
• Copper wire
• Lighter or
burner (Bunsen burner)
TEST
SPECIMEN
•
Plastic/rubber parts and labels shall be tested separately.
• Prints and
fabric shall be tested together.
METHOD
1.
The clean copper wire is heated in the flame until it is red-hot. Use gloves or
some other type of protection from the heat.
2.
Touch the plastic that shall be tested with the wire so the plastic melts onto
the wire.
3. Place the
wire back into the flame and check the colour of the flames that are created.
Caution: This test can generate toxic fumes and good ventilation must be
ensured!
RESULTS
If the flames
turn green it indicates chlorine (see picture). The sample might be PVC but the
result needs to be confirmed by test at external lab with IR spectroscopy.
If the flame has no colour, the sample is OK and is not
made of PVC. There is no need for confirmation test.
