Antimony in Polyester Textile Substrates
topic
Antimony quantification in polyester textiles extracts the metal using acid digestion or simulated perspiration solutions and measures concentrations by ICP-MS or graphite furnace AAS; antimony trioxide used as polymerisation catalyst in PET manufacture migrates into acidic sweat simulant at concentrations that must remain below OEKO-TEX baby article limits of 30 milligrams per kilogram.
Role
Monitors antimony catalyst residues in polyester fibres and recycled PET textiles where incomplete removal of polymerisation catalyst creates potential for antimony migration into skin contact perspiration, particularly relevant for sportswear and infant clothing where sweat acidity maximises extraction efficiency.