| Abstract |
A method was developed for determining permeation characteristics of glove materials by organic solids. The method used a stainless steel exposure cell and allowed rapid and uniform contact of either solid pellets or powders with minimal membrane bowing. To monitor the permeation process, a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector was used. Detection limits were 0.9 to 1.2 nanograms for the organic solids evaluated. Permeation rates were determined for five commonly used glove materials on exposure to nine solids at room temperature and at different temperatures. Solids used in the study included benzoquinone (106514) naphthalene (91203), dichlorobenzene (25321226), p-nitrotoluene (99990), camphor (76222), phenol (108952), hydroquinone (123319), 4,6-dinitro-o-cresol (534521), and 2,4-dinitrotoluene (121142). Glove materials tested included latex, polyvinyl-chloride, nitrile, urethane, and neoprene. Steady state permeation rate (SSPR) in micrograms/minute/square centimeter values were low for solids, most likely due to the lower vapor pressures. A significant variation in breakthrough time and SSPR between direct contact and vapor phase permeation demonstrated that permeation was not totally a vapor pressure phenomenon. Temperature, as well as alternate environments, may also effect the breakthrough times and SSPRs of many organic solids in actual use. |
