Triphenyl phosphate assay

Triphenyl phosphate (TPP) is an organophosphate compound commonly used as a plasticizer and flame retardant in polymers, varnishes, resins, and some cosmetics. Laboratory analysis determines its presence and concentration in materials, packaging, or finished products to ensure chemical safety and regulatory compliance .

Properties and uses of triphenyl phosphate

Triphenyl phosphate improves the flexibility, thermal stability, and flame resistance of polymeric materials. It is often incorporated into:

• technical plastics ( PVC, polycarbonates, polyurethanes);
• varnishes , paints and adhesives ;
• coatings and cosmetics ( especially nail polish) as a film-forming or plasticizing agent;
• certain lubricants and hydraulic fluids .

However, its use is subject to increased regulatory monitoring , due to its endocrine-disrupting potential and environmental persistence .

Objectives of TPP assay

Analysis of triphenyl phosphate allows us to:

• Check regulatory compliance (REACH regulation, European directives on restricted substances);
• Assess the potential migration of TPP into packaging or materials in contact with food;
• Control the purity of cosmetic formulations and guarantee the safety of finished products;
• Characterize polymer materials and their chemical composition;
• Monitor environmental pollution in water, soil or industrial emissions.

The matrices in question include:

• technical plastics and polymers,
• resins and solvents,
• cosmetics and liquid formulations,
• industrial water, effluents and dust.

Analytical methods used

The analysis of triphenyl phosphate relies primarily on high-precision chromatographic techniques :

• GC-FID (gas chromatography with flame ionization detection) : suitable for the quantification of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds in polymers and cosmetics.
• GC-MS (gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry) : reference method for the specific identification and quantification of TPP, even in trace amounts.

These methods also allow the detection of associated compounds such as tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) or tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCPP) , often used together as flame retardants.

Additional analyses such as the measurement of bisphenol A or di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) can be combined for a complete control of the chemical contamination of materials and packaging.

Industrial applications

Triphenyl phosphate analysis is essential in several industrial contexts:

• Quality control of plastics and resins intended for packaging, construction or automotive;
• Verification of the conformity of cosmetics (absence of substances prohibited according to EC Regulation No. 1223/2009);
• Environmental analysis for monitoring industrial discharges;
• Migration control for food contact materials, in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 10/2011;
• Toxicity studies and chemical safety assessment in consumer products.

Carrying out analyses at YesWeLab

Triphenyl phosphate analyses are performed in ISO 17025 accredited partner laboratories, using protocols validated according to international standards. Samples are prepared by solid/liquid extraction and then analyzed by GC-FID or GC-MS depending on the required sensitivity.

Each analysis report includes:

• the concentration measured in mg/kg or µg/g,
• the analytical method applied,
• the limits of detection and quantification

Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting players in the cosmetics, materials, and environmental industries with their regulatory compliance and product safety . Its digital platform simplifies the management of analyses: ordering, sample tracking, and receiving results online.