Determination of Dimethyl Fumarate (DMFu) in Footwear and Footwear Components According to ISO/TS 16186
Chemical testing plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and compliance of footwear and its components with international standards. One of these essential tests focuses on detecting Dimethyl Fumarate (DMFu), a toxic substance. The ISO/TS 16186 standard outlines the methods and requirements for performing DMFu tests on footwear and its components. This article delves into the technical details of DMFu testing, footwear analysis, Tarek footwear analysis, and the determination of Dimethyl Fumarate.
Dimethyl Fumarate (DMFu) and Its Applications
Dimethyl Fumarate is widely used as a moisture and mold preventive agent, particularly in leather and textile products. However, this chemical can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and severe health issues. Due to these risks, its use has been restricted in many countries, including those in the European Union. Consequently, manufacturers and importers must conduct DMFu tests to ensure their products are free from this chemical.
Technical Methods for DMFu Testing
DMFu testing typically employs advanced analytical techniques. The steps involved are as follows:
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Sample Preparation:
- During the footwear analysis, samples are taken from the product’s leather, textile, adhesive, and other components.
- Samples are fragmented and prepared for testing according to the requirements.
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Extraction:
- Organic solvents, such as acetonitrile or methanol, are used to extract Dimethyl Fumarate from the samples.
- The extraction process ensures precise detection of the substances.
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Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS):
- The most common method for DMFu testing is GC-MS.
- Extracted chemical components are separated using Gas Chromatography and analyzed with Mass Spectrometry.
- This technique provides high sensitivity for detecting volatile organic compounds like Dimethyl Fumarate.
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High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC):
- In certain Tarek footwear analysis processes, HPLC may also be employed.
- HPLC is particularly effective for detecting low concentrations of Dimethyl Fumarate.
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Spectrophotometric Analysis:
- Additionally, UV-Vis spectrophotometry can be used as an alternative method.
- This approach is suitable for manufacturers seeking cost-effective solutions.
Implementation of DMFu Testing Under ISO/TS 16186
The ISO/TS 16186 standard specifies the procedures and tolerance limits for chemical analyses, including:
- The test limit for Dimethyl Fumarate is generally set at 0.1 mg/kg.
- Test results must confirm that the product complies with these threshold values.
- As part of the footwear analysis, all components must be tested individually.
Importance of DMFu Testing for the Footwear Industry
Tarek footwear analysis ensures compliance with legal regulations and international standards through the detection of Dimethyl Fumarate. Specifically:
- Safeguarding consumer health,
- Preserving brand reputation,
- Overcoming legal restrictions in import and export operations, makes DMFu testing essential for the industry.
Conclusion and Recommendations
- DMFu testing is a fundamental process for offering safe and legally compliant products.
- Footwear analysis processes should utilize advanced technologies such as Gas Chromatography and HPLC for accurate Dimethyl Fumarate detection.
- With Tarek footwear analysis, we detect the presence of Dimethyl Fumarate in footwear components, providing compliance and quality assurance reports aligned with legal and quality standards.
TTS Laboratory Services ensures that your testing needs are met with our accredited analysis scope.