At ITAPS we can determine formaldehyde content in fabrics and clothing using the AATCC 112 Test Method. We also have an Innov-X α-6500R Hand Held X-Ray Fluorescence device to determine the presence of a wide range of toxic chemicals

AATCC Test Method 112-2003
Formaldehyde Release from Fabric, Determination of: Sealed Jar Method

Developed in 1965 by AATCC Committee RR68

1. Purpose and Scope

1.1 This test method is applicable to textile fabrics that evolve formaldehyde, particularly fabrics finished with chemicals containing formaldehyde. It provides accelerated storage conditions and an analytical means for determining the amount of formaldehyde released under the conditions of accelerated storage.

2. Principle

2.1 A weighed fabric specimen is suspended over water in sealed jar. The jar is placed in an oven at a controlled temperature for a specified length of time. The amount of formaldehyde absorbed by the water is then determined colorimetrically.

X-ray fluorescence (XRF)

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is the emission of characteristic "secondary" (or fluorescent) X-rays from a material that has been excited by bombarding with high-energy X-rays or gamma rays. The phenomenon is widely used for elemental analysis and chemical analysis, particularly in the investigation of metals, glass, ceramics and building materials, and for research in geochemistry, forensic science and archaeology.

The physics of XRF

When materials are exposed to short-wavelength x-rays or to gamma rays, ionization of their component atoms may take place. Ionization consists of the ejection of one or more electrons from the atom, and may take place if the atom is exposed to radiation with energy greater than its ionization potential. X-rays and gamma rays can be energetic enough to expel tightly-held electrons from the inner orbitals of the atom. The removal of an electron in this way renders the electronic structure of the atom unstable, and electrons in higher orbitals "fall" into the lower orbital to fill the hole left behind. In falling, energy is released in the form of a photon, the energy of which is equal to the energy difference of the two orbitals involved. Thus, the material emits radiation, which has energy characteristic of the atoms present. The term fluorescence is applied to phenomena in which the absorption of higher-energy radiation results in the re-emission of lower-energy radiation.

For more information, regarding ITAPS or contact David Brookstein at BrooksteinD@PhilaU.edu.