BS EN 13999-4:2007+A1:2009

This European Standard specifies a procedure for the determination of volatile isocyanates in the exhaust air of an emission test chamber after application of a low-solvent or solvent-free adhesive as defined in EN 923. The method is based on chemosorption of volatile isocyanates with 1-(2-methoxyphenyl) piperazine (in the following: 1-2MP) impregnated filters with subsequent desorption and liquid chromatographic analysis. The method permits measurement of a wide range of organic compounds containing isocyanate functional groups (NCO), including isocyanate monomers. For testing of adhesives emissions mainly toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and methylene bis (4-phenyl isocyanate also known as 4,4-diisocyanato-diphenylmethane or MDI), are of concern. The method as described in this European Standard can be used for other isocyanates too, such as isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) – see ISO 16702. Isocyanate oligomers or prepolymers are not volatile enough to be detected in emission test chambers at room temperature.