Monomer dosage

Monomer analysis involves identifying and quantifying the residues of unpolymerized starting materials in polymeric materials. These residual monomers originate from the polymerization process and can remain trapped within the material matrix. Their presence is a major concern 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 material quality and verify compliance with applicable regulations.

Analytical methods

Monomer analysis relies on various 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) offers high sensitivity and increased selectivity for complex monomers or those present in trace amounts.

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

Affected matrices

Monomer quantification 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 derived 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 food contact materials 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.
• Evaluation of the stability and aging of materials.

Additional analyses

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

• Styrene dosage
• Bisphenol A and derivatives dosage
• Global and specific migration trials

This comprehensive approach allows manufacturers to secure all of their 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 food. Each substance is subject to a specific migration limit (SML), and compliance with these values ​​must be demonstrated by laboratory analyses.

Monomer dosage thus makes it possible to verify the conformity of materials, to prevent health risks and to guarantee transparency towards control authorities as well as consumers.

YesWeLab expertise

YesWeLab relies on a network of partner laboratories specializing in materials and polymer analysis, accredited to ISO 17025 and, in some cases, recognized by COFRAC. Our experts guide each project towards the most relevant 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 request, sample tracking and centralized receipt of results.