Chemicals including lead, dimethylfumarate (DMF), azo dyes, pentachlorophenol, chromium VI, nickel, phthalates, organotins are restricted in consumer products. Identifying potentially hazardous and banned chemicals is particularly important in toy testing as toddlers and small children frequently put product in the mouth. SATRA houses comprehensive laboratories, equipment and expert chemists to detect hazardous and restricted chemicals and substances. SATRA is also expert in emissions testing.

Use SATRA for the full range of chemical analysis and testing including:

• restricted substances testing
• banned chemicals
• toy testing
• chemical permeation testing
• materials testing
• polymers testing
• emissions testing
• chemical causes of odour
• chemical causes of discolouration
• characterisation of fibres, fabrics, rubbers, polymers and leathers
• current legislation relating to use of chemicals in materials and products, including the European REACH regulation (1607/2006), and European Directive (2009/251/EC) restricting use of dimethylfumarate (DMF) in consumer products.

Detection of restricted substances

The restricted chemicals in materials list is becoming tighter to prevent potential harm to either human health or the environment. SATRA can analyse all types of materials, components and finished goods, as well as construction products or effluents and wastewater for a range of restricted chemicals including: aromatic amines (azo dyes); pentachlorophenol (PCP); chromium VI; formaldehyde; nickel; organotins; pesticides; nitrosamines; phthalates, transition metals; soluble latex proteins.

Chemical permeation

Chemical protective clothing must be able to withstand both penetration and permeation of chemicals in order to be considered chemically resistant. SATRA is able to carry out testing for permeation, penetration and repellancy and degradation of chemicals for a wide range of products, including gloves, suits and footwear in accordance with recognised European standards:

• EN 374 parts 1 and 3
• EN ISO 6529: 2001
• EN 13832 parts 1, 2 and 3
• EN 368: 1993
• EN ISO 6530 2005 incorporating corrigendum no 1

Odour and discolouration analysis

Discolouration or odour of finished products or materials can be commercially disastrous often resulting in unsaleable or returned goods. Causes for such problems can be difficult to pinpoint. SATRA can help by identifying the cause and give advice on how to prevent recurrence.

We are also able to offer other trouble shooting services from analysis of wastewater to identification of stains. Assessment of odour-absorbing materials can be carried out to predict their performance in service.

Characterization of materials

SATRA provides a comprehensive service for the characterization of materials, including natural and man-made textiles and fabrics, rubbers, polymers and leathers utilizing a range of chemical techniques.

Training and Seminars

With a broad range of expertise SATRA is able to offer training and seminars on a wide range of subjects including current legislation and test methods for restricted substances and health and safety. Chemical training can be held at SATRA or at client's premises and tailored to specific needs.

General chemical analysis and testing

SATRA can provide independent testing against military, government or retail specifications as well as routine testing of chemicals and materials.

Facilities

Based in a purpose built laboratory, SATRA's Chemical and Analytical Technology group uses a range of state-of-the-art equipment including:

• inductively coupled plasma (ICP)
• gas chromatographs with mass selective detection and electro-chemical detection
• gas chromatography with head space analysis
• high performance liquid chromatographs
• infra-red spectrometers
• atomic absorption spectrometer
• ultra-violet/visible spectrophotometer
• steady state chambers for analysis of VOCs and formaldehyde
• dedicated instrumentation for chemical permeation

Contact

All enquiries to Martin Heels on +44 (0) 1536 410 000 or email martinh@satra.co.uk