Overview

This method describes a boiling water extraction procedure intended to provide a qualitative determination of the presence of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in colourless and coloured corrosion-protection coatings on metallic samples, since Cr(VI) is toxic to humans. Due to its highly reactive nature, the concentration of Cr(VI) in a corrosion-protection coating can change drastically with time and storage conditions. In this case Cr(VI) is detected by determining the mass of Cr(VI) relative to the surface area of the coating. This approach is preferred since corrosion-protection coating weights are often difficult to measure accurately after production. From a coating technology perspective, the industry as a whole has transitioned to either using the non-Cr(VI) based chemistries - where little to no Cr(VI) should be present - or using the traditional Cr(VI) based chemistries - where significant levels of Cr(VI) are present and can be detected reliably. Given this industry shift, the presence or absence of Cr(VI) is often sufficient for compliance testing purposes. The responsible committee is DKE/K 135 "Erfassung von Stoffen in Produkten der Elektrotechnik" ("Determination of substances in products of the electrotechnical industry") of the DKE (German Commission for Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies) at DIN and VDE.

Document: references other documents

Responsible national committee

DKE/K 135 - Erfassung von Stoffen in Produkten der Elektrotechnik