An EU RoHS Directive has been implemented in the UK by legislation. These regulations control the maximum amount of certain hazardous materials allowed to be present in certain electronic and electrical products. Hexavalent chromium (Chromium (VI), chromium 6+) is one such material, with a limit of <1000 ppm (1,000 mg/Kg) being set.
This Chromium (VI) Analysis (Chromium (VI) Spot Test) method provides procedures for the determination of the presence (i.e. qualitative not quantitative determination) of hexavalent chromium in colourless and coloured chromate coatings on metallic samples.
The method uses a colourimetric reagent, where a change from clear to red to violet colour denotes a positive result. It states that the Chromium (VI) Analysis solution for comparison is at 0.5mg/Kg for the test procedure used and therefore a negative result would be below this level.
The boiling water test is used if the resulted from the Chromium (VI) Analysis were inconclusive. A surface area (50 ± 5 cm²) is required to give a result. Most of the samples submitted for the qualitative presence of Cr(VI) are restricted to small components (e.g. individual screws) and such a test would be impossible to apply. Samples are boiled in water and then a colourimetric reagent is used, where a change from clear to red to violet colour denotes a positive result.
The technique used to analyse the samples follows the method as defined in the IEC62321 Standard. It states that the Chromium (VI) Analysis test solution for comparison is at 0.02 mg/Kg with a sample surface are of 50 cm² for the test procedure used and therefore a negative result would be below this level.
Chromium (VI) Analysis can be carried out at ITA Labs’ UK laboratory, which is experienced at providing test results with a fast turnaround, at very competitive rates.
ITA Labs has UKAS 17025-2017 accreditation for this technique.
To discuss your potential requirements, call Mark on 01727 871316.
Mark Dowling
+44 (0) 1727 871 316
