Biocomposites from recycled resources as candidates for laboratory reference material to validate analytical tools used in organic compounds emissions investigation

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A suitably chosen reference material should meet specific criteria like representing one of the compound classes most commonly occurring in indoor materials as well as having optimal long-term stability during storage and transport to its destination point and having a compact size. The described interdisciplinary pilot research was aimed to develop and characterize a polymer-based candidate for the laboratory reference material (LRM) of selected representatives of monoaromatic hydrocarbons (toluene and furfural) and terpenes emissions. Recycled, petroleum-based low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was applied as a matrix and was filled with plant-based wastes, such as apple pomace (AP), sunflower husks (SH), or yerba mate (YM) residues. The performance and suitability of the developed candidate for use as laboratory reference material was analyzed using FT-IR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The migration potential of the representatives of monoaromatic hydrocarbons and terpenes emitted from the developed polymer material was assessed using the stationary emission microchamber system (μ-CTE 250). In the case of candidates for LRM with the addition of YM and AP, a clear relationship was observed between the samples seasoning time in the chamber and the total amount of VOCs released into the gaseous phase, including identified and determined representatives of terpenes. Furthermore, the existence of a clear relationship between the size (intensity) of the emission defined by the calculated summary parameters (TVOCs and sum of terpenes) and the seasoning/conditioning temperature of polymeric materials with bioadditives was observed.