Monomer dosage

Monomer determination involves identifying and quantifying residues of unpolymerized starting substances in polymer materials. These residual monomers originate from the polymerization process and can remain trapped in the material matrix. Their presence is a major issue in the food packaging, cosmetics, and consumer materials sectors, as they can migrate into finished products and pose a risk to human health.

Monomer control is therefore essential to ensure consumer safety, assess the quality of materials and verify compliance with current regulations.

Analytical methods

The analysis of monomers is based on different chromatographic techniques:

• Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), suitable for volatile compounds such as styrene or acrylonitrile.
• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for less volatile or heat-sensitive monomers.
• Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS or LC-MS/MS), offering high sensitivity and increased selectivity for complex or trace monomers.

These analyses are carried out after extraction in suitable solvents or after bringing the materials into contact with food simulants, in order to reproduce real conditions of use.

Affected matrices

Monomer dosing can be applied to a wide variety of matrices:

• Plastic films and packaging intended for food contact
• Cosmetics in contact with polymeric containers
• Coatings, glues and adhesives used in the food industry
• Everyday consumer goods containing polymers (toys, containers, technical devices)

Examples of monomers analyzed

The analysis covers a wide range of substances:

• Styrene (polystyrene and copolymers)
• Acrylonitrile (ABS, SAN)
• Methacrylates (MMA, EMA)
• Isocyanates and their derivatives
• Aromatic amines from hardeners or catalysts
• Other monomers regulated by Regulation (EU) No 10/2011

Industrial applications

• Quality control of food packaging to ensure the absence of excessive migration of monomers into the food.
• Regulatory compliance for materials in contact with food according to Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011.
• Verification of the safety of cosmetic or pharmaceutical packaging.
• Development of new polymeric materials with a controlled migration profile.
• Assessment of stability and aging of materials.

Additional analyses

Monomer dosage can be combined with other services for a complete characterization of materials:

• Styrene dosage
• Dosage of bisphenol A and derivatives
• Global and specific migration tests

This comprehensive approach allows manufacturers to secure their entire production chains and meet regulatory and customer requirements.

Regulations and quality issues

In Europe, Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 sets strict limits on the migration of monomers and additives from plastic materials intended to come into contact with foodstuffs. Each substance is subject to a specific migration limit (SML), and compliance with these values ​​must be demonstrated by laboratory analyses.

The dosage of monomers thus makes it possible to verify the conformity of materials, to prevent health risks and to guarantee transparency vis-à-vis control authorities and consumers.

YesWeLab expertise

YesWeLab relies on a network of partner laboratories specialized in the analysis of materials and polymers, ISO 17025 accredited and some recognized by COFRAC. Our experts guide each project towards the most appropriate analytical method based on the type of material, the monomer to be tested, and the applicable regulatory requirements.

Thanks to our digital platform, we simplify the management of your analyses: online quote requests, sample tracking and centralized receipt of results.