Toluene Diisocyanate Residues in Polyurethane Coatings
topic
Residual isocyanate monomer detection in polyurethane-coated textiles uses dibutylamine derivatisation followed by HPLC-UV or LC-MS/MS analysis to quantify unreacted TDI and MDI monomers remaining after curing, as these highly reactive respiratory sensitisers can cause occupational asthma in textile coating workers at extremely low airborne concentrations.
Role
Monitors cure completion of polyurethane coatings on waterproof technical fabrics and foam-bonded textile composites, ensuring that residual isocyanate monomer concentrations are below occupational exposure limits and that finished products do not release skin-sensitising isocyanate compounds during consumer use.