EN ISO 11890-2:2020

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2020
Nadomešča:
SIST EN ISO 11890-2:2014
Barve in laki - Določevanje hlapnih organskih spojin (VOC) in/ali polhlapnih
organskih spojin (SVOC) - 2. del: Metoda plinske kromatografije (ISO 11890-2:2020)
Paints and varnishes - Determination of volatile organic compounds(VOC) and/or semi
volatile organic compounds (SVOC) content - Part 2: Gas-chromatographic method (ISO
11890-2:2020)
Beschichtungsstoffe - Bestimmung des Gehaltes an flüchtigen organischen
Verbindungen (VOC-Gehalt) und des Gehaltes an halbflüchtigen organischen
Verbindungen (SVOC-Gehalt) - Teil 2: Gaschromatographisches Verfahren (ISO 11890-
2:2020)
Peintures et vernis - Détermination de la teneur en composés organiques volatils (COV)
et/ou composés organiques semi-volatils (COSV) - Partie 2: Méthode par
chromatographie en phase gazeuse (ISO 11890-2:2020)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 11890-2:2020
ICS:
71.040.50 Fizikalnokemijske analitske Physicochemical methods of
metode analysis
87.040 Barve in laki Paints and varnishes
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN ISO 11890-2
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
July 2020
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 87.040
English Version
Paints and varnishes - Determination of volatile organic
compounds(VOC) and/or semi volatile organic compounds
(SVOC) content - Part 2: Gas-chromatographic method
(ISO 11890-2:2020)
Peintures et vernis - Détermination de la teneur en Beschichtungsstoffe - Bestimmung des Gehaltes an
composés organiques volatils (COV) et/ou composés flüchtigen organischen Verbindungen (VOC-Gehalt)
organiques semi-volatils (COSV) - Partie 2: Méthode und des Gehaltes an halbflüchtigen organischen
par chromatographie en phase gazeuse (ISO 11890- Verbindungen (SVOC-Gehalt) - Teil 2:
2:2020) Gaschromatographisches Verfahren (ISO 11890-
2:2020)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 28 May 2020.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2020 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 11890-2:2020 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3

European foreword
This document (EN ISO 11890-2:2020) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 35 "Paints
and varnishes" in collaboration with Technical Committee CEN/TC 139 “Paints and varnishes” the
secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by January 2021, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by January 2021.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN ISO 11890-2:2013.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the
United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 11890-2:2020 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 11890-2:2020 without any
modification.
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 11890-2
Fourth edition
2020-06
Paints and varnishes — Determination
of volatile organic compounds(VOC)
and/or semi volatile organic
compounds (SVOC) content —
Part 2:
Gas-chromatographic method
Peintures et vernis — Détermination de la teneur en composés
organiques volatils (COV) et/ou composés organiques semi-volatils
(COSV) —
Partie 2: Méthode par chromatographie en phase gazeuse
Reference number
ISO 11890-2:2020(E)
©
ISO 2020
ISO 11890-2:2020(E)
© ISO 2020
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
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CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

ISO 11890-2:2020(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Principle . 4
5 Required information . 4
6 Apparatus . 4
7 Reagents . 7
8 Procedure. 8
8.1 Sampling . 8
8.2 Analysis. 8
8.2.1 Sample preparation . 8
8.2.2 Data acquisition for sample measurement . 8
8.3 Calibration . 9
8.3.1 General. 9
8.3.2 Preparation of calibration solutions . 9
8.3.3 Analysis of the multi-point calibration . 9
8.4 Quality assurance.10
8.5 Gas chromatographic conditions .10
8.6 Density .10
8.7 Water content .10
9 Data analysis .11
9.1 Integration and identification of compounds .11
9.2 Classification of compounds .13
10 Quantitative determination of compound content .15
10.1 General .15
10.2 Quantitative determination of compound content .17
10.2.1 Quantification with respect to CSRF .17
10.2.2 Quantification with respect to surrogate standard .17
11 Calculation of VOC and SVOC content .17
11.1 General .17
11.2 Method 1 — VOC content and/or SVOC content, as a percentage by mass, of the
product “ready for use” .18
11.3 Method 2 — VOC content and/or SVOC content, in grams per litre, of the product
“ready for use” .18
11.4 Method 3 — VOC content and/or SVOC content, in grams per litre, of the product
“ready for use” less water .19
11.5 Method 4 — VOC content and/or SVOC content, in grams per litre, of the product
“ready for use” less water and less exempt compounds .19
12 Data evaluation and calculation of final results .20
13 Precision .21
13.1 General .21
13.2 Repeatability limit, r .21
13.3 Reproducibility limit, R .21
14 Test report .21
Annex A (normative) Non-exhaustive list of VOC, SVOC and NVOC compounds .22
ISO 11890-2:2020(E)
Annex B (informative) Information on thermal unstable products .28
Annex C (informative) Examples for GC method conditions .35
Annex D (informative) Results of the round robin test for the determination of precision data.37
Bibliography .39
iv © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

ISO 11890-2:2020(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 35, Paints and varnishes, in collaboration
with the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) Technical Committee CEN/TC 139, Paints and
varnishes, in accordance with the Agreement on technical cooperation between ISO and CEN (Vienna
Agreement).
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition (ISO 11890-2:2013), which has been
technically revised.
The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:
— the scope has been expanded to include the determination of semi volatile organic compounds (SVOC);
— the scope has been expanded to include concentration ranges from 0,01 % to 100 %;
— the specifications for determination of semi-volatile organic compounds have been added.
A list of all parts in the ISO 11890 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
ISO 11890-2:2020(E)
Introduction
This document is one of a series of standards dealing with the sampling and testing of coating materials
and their raw materials. It specifies a method for the determination of the volatile organic compounds
(VOC) content and the semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOC) content of coating materials and their
raw materials.
vi © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 11890-2:2020(E)
Paints and varnishes — Determination of volatile organic
compounds(VOC) and/or semi volatile organic compounds
(SVOC) content —
Part 2:
Gas-chromatographic method
WARNING — The use of this document can involve hazardous materials, operations and
equipment. This document does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated
with its use. It is the responsibility of users of this document to take appropriate measures
to ensure the safety and health of personnel prior to the application of the document, and to
determine the applicability of any other restrictions for this purpose.
1 Scope
This document is applicable for the determination of VOC and SVOC with an expected VOC and/or SVOC
content greater than 0,01 % by mass up to 100 % by mass.
The method given in ISO 11890-1 is used when the VOC is greater than 15 % by mass. This document
(method ISO 11890-2) applies when the system contains VOC and SVOC as the VOC result of ISO 11890-1
can be influenced by the SVOC. For VOC content smaller than 0,1 %, the head space method described in
ISO 17895 is used as an alternative. ISO 11890-1 and ISO 17895 cannot be used for the determination of
the SVOC content.
NOTE 1 Some ingredients of coating materials and their raw materials can decompose during analysis and
cause artificial VOC and/or SVOC signals. When determining VOC and/or SVOC for coating materials and their
raw materials, these signals are artefacts of the method and are not taken into account (examples are given in
Annex B).
This method assumes that the volatile matter is either water or organic. However, other volatile
inorganic compounds can be present and might need to be quantified by another suitable method and
allowed for in the calculations. The method defined in this document is not applicable for determination
of water content.
NOTE 2 If organic acids or bases and their corresponding salts are present in the coating material or its raw
materials, the amount that is quantified by this method might not be accurate due to a change in the acid or base
equilibrium.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 760, Determination of water — Karl Fischer method (General method)
ISO 1513, Paints and varnishes — Examination and preparation of test samples
ISO 2811 (all parts), Paints and varnishes — Determination of density
ISO 15528, Paints, varnishes and raw materials for paints and varnishes — Sampling
ISO 11890-2:2020(E)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
volatile organic compound
VOC
any organic liquid and/or solid that evaporates spontaneously at the prevailing temperature and
pressure of the atmosphere with which it is in contact
Note 1 to entry: As to current usage of the term VOC in the field of coating materials, see volatile organic
compounds content (VOC content) (3.4).
Note 2 to entry: Under US government legislation, the term VOC is restricted solely to those compounds that are
photochemically active in the atmosphere (see ASTM D3960). Any other compound is then defined as being an
exempt compound (3.6).
[SOURCE: ISO 4618:2014, 2.270]
3.2
semi-volatile organic compound
SVOC
organic liquid and/or solid that evaporates spontaneously but slower in comparison to VOC at the
prevailing temperature and pressure of the atmosphere with which it is in contact
Note 1 to entry: As to current usage of the term SVOC in the field of coating materials, see semi-volatile organic
compounds content (SVOC content) (3.5).
3.3
non-volatile organic compound
NVOC
organic liquid and/or solid not classified as VOC or SVOC
3.4
volatile organic compounds content
VOC content
VOCC
mass of the volatile organic compounds (3.1) present in a coating material, as determined under specified
conditions
Note 1 to entry: The properties and the amounts of the compounds to be taken into account will depend on the
field of application of the coating material. For each field of application, the limiting values and the methods of
determination or calculation are stipulated by regulations or by agreement.
Note 2 to entry: If the term VOC refers to compounds with a defined maximum boiling point, the compounds
considered to be part of the VOC content are those with boiling points below and including that limit, and
compounds with higher boiling points are considered to be semi-volatile or non-volatile organic compounds.
[SOURCE: ISO 4618:2014, 2.271, modified — Note 2 to entry has been added.]
2 © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

ISO 11890-2:2020(E)
3.5
semi-volatile organic compounds content
SVOC content
SVOCC
mass of the semi-volatile organic compounds (3.2) present in a coating material, as determined under
specified conditions
Note 1 to entry: The properties and the amounts of the compounds to be taken into account will depend on the
field of application of the coating material. For each field of application, the limiting values and the methods of
determination or calculation are stipulated by regulations or by agreement.
Note 2 to entry: If the term SVOC refers to compounds with a defined maximum boiling point and minimum
boiling point, the compounds considered to be part of the SVOC content are those with boiling points below and
including the upper and above the lower limit, and compounds with higher boiling points are considered to be
non-volatile organic compounds.
3.6
exempt compound
organic compound that does not participate in atmospheric photochemical reactions
Note 1 to entry: This expression is only relevant in some countries.
3.7
ready for use
state of a product when it is mixed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions in the correct
proportions and thinned if required using the correct thinners so that it is ready for application by the
approved method
3.8
internal standard
compound which is not present in the sample, is completely separated from the other components in
the chromatogram, is inert with respect to the sample constituents, stable in the required temperature
range and of known purity and which is added to the sample to control the dilution and the injection
step of the analysis
3.9
surrogate standard
compound of known purity which is used to quantify unidentified VOCs and SVOCs
3.10
marker compound
compound which is used to differentiate between VOC and SVOC, or SVOC and NVOC if the differentiation
has to be made on the basis of retention time (3.11)
3.11
retention time
t
R
time elapsed from injection of the sample component to the recording of the peak maximum
3.12
extraction solvent
liquid used to extract the VOCs and SVOCs from the matrix under investigation
3.13
major peak
peak that contributes significantly to either
— the VOC content, i.e. ≥ 10 % of the absolute VOC content (as DEA equivalent) and ≥ 0,1 % by mass (as
DEA equivalent), or
— the SVOC content, i.e. ≥ 10 % of the absolute SVOC content (as DEA equivalent) and ≥ 0,1 % by mass
(as DEA equivalent)
ISO 11890-2:2020(E)
3.14
minor peak
peak that contributes only to a minor extent to either
— the VOC content, i.e. < 0,1 % by mass (as DEA equivalent) and/or < 10 % of the absolute VOC content
(as DEA equivalent), or
— the SVOC content, i.e. < 0,1 % by mass (as DEA equivalent) and/or < 10 % of the absolute SVOC
content (as DEA equivalent)
3.15
reagent
substance used in chemical/biochemical analysis or other reactions
[SOURCE: ISO 20391-1:2018, 3.19]
4 Principle
After preparation of the sample, the VOCs, SVOCs and NVOCs are separated by a gas chromatographic
technique. Either a hot or a cold sample injection system is used, depending on the sample type. Hot
injection is the preferred method. After the compounds have been identified, e.g. via GC-MS, they are
quantified from the peak areas with respect to their compound specific relative response with the
help of an internal standard, via GC-FID. Non-identifiable substances are quantified with respect to a
surrogate standard that can be identical to the internal standard. A calculation is performed to give the
VOC and/or SVOC content of the sample.
5 Required information
For any particular application, the information required should preferably be agreed between the
interested parties and may be derived, in part or totally, from an international or national standard or
other document related to the product under test.
The required information can include the following points:
a) the organic compound(s) to be determined (see Clause 9);
b) the experimental conditions to be used (see 8.5);
c) the classification criteria for VOC and/or SVOC;
d) which of the organic compounds in a) are exempt compounds (if relevant);
e) the method of calculation to be used (see Clause 10 and Clause 11).
6 Apparatus
6.1 Gas chromatograph
All of the instrumental parts coming into contact with the test sample shall be made of a material (e.g.
glass) which is resistant to the sample and will not change it chemically.
Use one of the two types specified in 6.1.1 and 6.1.2.
4 © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

ISO 11890-2:2020(E)
6.1.1 Hot-injection system (preferred system)
The instrument shall have a variable-temperature injection block with sample splitter. The injection
temperature shall be capable of being set to an accuracy of 1 °C. Standard operating temperature shall
be between 250 °C and 280 °C.
NOTE It is useful to use silanized glass wool to retain non-volatile constituents. The active sides of silanized
glass wool can be a sink for organic compounds and significantly influence the recovery rate in the lower range
of the method. The occurrence of adsorption is revealed by peak tailing, in particular with components of low
volatility and/or high polarity.
6.1.2 Cold-injection system (programmed temperature vaporizer, PTV)
The cold-injection system shall be provided with temperature programming for heating from ambient
to 300 °C including a sample splitter for split operation.
NOTE It is useful to use silanized glass wool to retain non-volatile constituents. The active sides of silanized
glass wool can be a sink for organic compounds and significantly influence the recovery rate in the lower range
of the method. The occurrence of adsorption is revealed by peak tailing, in particular with components of low
volatility and/or high polarity.
6.1.3 Selection of sample injection system
The choice between hot-injection and cold-injection will depend on the type of product under test. It is
preferred to use the cold-injection system for products which, at high temperature, release substances
which interfere with the determination. Cleavage products of binders or additives can be reduced by
the use of cold injection system.
Indications of cleavage or decomposition reactions can be obtained by looking for changes in the
chromatogram (for example the occurrence of foreign peaks or an increase or decrease in peak size) at
various sample injector temperatures (see Annex B).
6.2 Oven
The oven shall be capable of being heated between 40 °C and 300 °C both isothermally and under
programmed temperature control. It shall be possible to set the oven temperature to within 1 °C. The
final temperature of the temperature programme shall not exceed the maximum operating temperature
of the capillary column (see 6.4).
6.3 Detector
The following two detectors shall be used.
6.3.1 Mass spectrometer or other mass-selective detector (MS or MSD), for the identification of
VOC and SVOC compounds. To prevent condensation, the detector temperature shall be at least 10 °C
above the maximum oven temperature.
6.3.2 Flame ionization detector (FID), for quantification of VOC and SVOC compounds operated at
temperatures between 230 °C and 300 °C. To prevent condensation, the detector temperature shall be
at least 10 °C above the maximum oven temperature. The detector gas supply, injection volume, split
ratio and gain setting shall be optimized so that the signals (peak areas) used for the calculation are
proportional to the amount of substance.
ISO 11890-2:2020(E)
6.4 Capillary column
The column shall be made of glass or fused silica. Columns of sufficient length to resolve volatiles and of
maximum internal diameter 0,32 mm, coated with 5 % phenyl-modified poly(dimethylsiloxane) or 6 %
(cyanopropyl-phenyl)-methylpolysiloxane at a suitable film thickness shall be used.
1)
NOTE Columns such as DB-5, HP-5, or DB-1301 are suitable . DB-5, HP-5 or DB-1301 are GC columns
characterized as equivalent to USP phase G27 or G43. Other columns equivalent USP phase G27 or G43, which
meet the pre-set performance criteria of this method can be used as well.
6.5 Analytical system performance criteria
The analytical system performance criteria shall be demonstrated. The limit of quantification (LOQ)
for the VOC content and SVOC content, respectively, is 0,01 % by mass. For single compounds, the LOQ
is assumed to be 0,005 % by mass using the response factor for diethyladipate (i.e. in DEA equivalents).
NOTE The limit of quantification can deviate for single compounds. If necessary, the compound specific limit
of quantification can be determined for the considered single compound(s).
Chromatographic resolution shall be sufficient to separate the compounds DEA and tetradecane (C14),
as well as docosane (C22) and dibutylsebacate (DBS). At least a resolution of 1 shall be reached.
For the quantification of VOC content and/or SVOC content at concentrations below 0,1 % by mass the LOQ
of triethylene glycol (TEG) shall be proven to be at least 0,005 % by mass, based on the sample weight.
6.6 Qualitative-analysis equipment
If the separated components are to be identified by a mass-selective detector, the instrument shall be
coupled to the gas chromatograph.
6.7 Injection syringe
The injection syringe shall have a capacity of at least twice the volume of the sample to be injected into
the gas chromatograph.
6.8 Data processing
A suitable software shall be used for integration, calibration, quantification and other data handling
processes.
6.9 Sample vials
Use vials made of chemically inert material (e.g. glass) which can be sealed with a suitable septum cap
[e.g. a rubber membrane coated with poly(tetra fluoro ethylene)].
6.10 Gas filters
Filters shall be installed in the gas chromatograph connection pipes to adsorb residual impurities in the
gases (6.11).
6.11 Gases
6.11.1 Carrier gas, dry, oxygen-free helium, nitrogen or hydrogen, having a purity of at least 99,996 %
by volume.
1) DB-5, HP-5 and DB-1301 are the trade names of products. This information is given for the convenience of users
of this document and does not constitute an endorsement by ISO of the product named. Equivalent products may be
used if they can be shown to lead to the same results.
6 © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

ISO 11890-2:2020(E)
6.11.2 Detector gases, hydrogen having a purity of at least 99,999 % by volume and purified or
synthetic air, free of organic compounds.
6.11.3 Auxiliary gas, nitrogen or helium of the same quality as the carrier gas.
7 Reagents
7.1 General
Table 1 shows the surrogate standard as well as a non-exhaustive list of an internal standard, markers,
performance criteria compounds and extraction solvents.
Table 1 — List of reagents and their function
Reagent CAS – No. Abbreviation Function
n-docosane CAS 629-97-0 C22 SVOC marker compound
dibutylsebacate CAS 109-43-3 DBS Performance criteria
compound
n-tetradecane CAS 629-59-4 C14
triethylene glycol CAS 112-27-6 TEG
diethyladipate CAS 141-28-6 DEA VOC marker compound/
internal standard/surro-
gate standard
acetonitrile CAS 75-05-8 ACN Extraction solvent
methanol CAS 67-56-1 MEOH
tetrahydrofuran CAS 109-99-9 THF
7.2 Internal standard
The internal standard should be a compound which is not present in the sample and is completely
separated from the other components in the chromatogram. It shall be inert with respect to the sample
constituents, stable in the required temperature range, and of known purity. The preferred internal
standard is DEA.
It has been observed that DEA is not chemically stable in alkaline matrices when the solvent methanol
is used. If reaction of DEA in a matrix is suspected, choose another suitable solvent or another internal
standard.
NOTE 1 The benefit of using DEA as internal standard is that only one compound needs to be added during
analysis fulfilling the function as surrogate standard (7.3), marker compound (7.4) and internal standard.
NOTE 2 If DEA is not suitable as internal standard, internal standards such as glycol ethers can be suitable.
7.3 Surrogate standard
The surrogate standard to be used is DEA.
7.4 Marker compound
In case of the need of a classification according to 9.2, marker compounds may be used to classify
unidentified components as VOC or SVOC via retention time. If a peak cannot be identified, its boiling
point will be unknown. In this case, the marker compound to characterize the upper limit of the VOC
range is DEA and the marker compound to characterize the upper limit of the SVOC range is C22, if not
otherwise specified by the contractor, i.e. any valid legislation, label or a classification.
ISO 11890-2:2020(E)
7.5 Performance criteria compounds
The performance criteria compounds are used to prove sufficient chromatographic resolution at the
retention time of the marker compounds. They are also used to ensure that the analytical system has a
sufficient sensitivity.
7.6 Calibration compounds
The compounds used for calibration shall have a purity of at least a 99 % by mass or shall be of known
purity. In the latter case, a correction with respect to purity shall be applied.
7.7 Extraction solvent
The extraction solvent should be suitable to completely extract the VOCs and SVOCs from the sample
under investigation. Methanol, acetonitrile and THF have been proven to be suitable extraction solvents.
The extraction solvent shall be of known purity and it shall not contain any substances which interfere
with the determination, e.g. causing overlapping peaks in the chromatogram. Always carry out a
separate run injecting the solvent alone in order to observe contaminants and possible interference
peaks, especially in trace analysis.
The suitability of a solvent or solvent mixture other than methanol, acetonitrile and THF shall be
checked by determining the recovery rates of analytes from the sample under investigation.
8 Procedure
8.1 Sampling
Prepare the sample as specified in ISO 1513 for testing in the “ready for use” state.
Take at least duplicate representative samples of the product to be tested (or of each product in the case
of a multi-coat system), as specified in ISO 15528 and prepare each sample for testing.
8.2 Analysis
8.2.1 Sample preparation
Weigh a suitable amount of sample greater than 0,2 g (generally 1 g to 3 g is recommended) and an
appropriate amount of the internal standard into a sample vial. Dilute the test sample with a suitable
volume of extraction solvent (typically a dilution factor of 4 to 50 is applied, depending on the target
compound concentration, see 7.7), seal the vial and homogenize the contents. When necessary, use
methods such as stirring, vortexing or ultrasonic mixing to support extraction. If particles do not
readily settle, phase cleaning can be obtained by centrifugation or filtration.
The internal standard concentration should be chosen at such level that detector signal precision and
recovery from the pre-treated sample are optimal.
Repeat the procedure and perform at least a duplicate analysis.
8.2.2 Data acquisition for sample measurement
Set the instrumental parameters as optimized during calibration.
Determine the retention times of the marker compounds (see 9.2). These retention times define the
integration end-point for the unidentifiable VOC and/or SVOC determination in the chromatogram if no
other specifications are given.
8 © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

ISO 11890-2:2020(E)
Inject 0,1 µl to 1 µl of the test sample into the gas chromatograph and record the chromatogram.
Determine the peak areas for each compound and allocate each peak to the VOC range or to the SVOC
range as specified in 9.2.
8.3 Calibration
8.3.1 General
Where suitable calibration compounds are commercially available, the relative response factor shall be
determined using multi point calibration.
8.3.2 Preparation of calibration solutions
Weigh, into a sample vial (6.9), to the nearest 0,1 mg, suitable amounts of the compounds determined
in 9.1 which are of the same order of magnitude as their respective contents in the product under test.
Weigh a similar amount of the internal standard (7.2) into the sample vial, dilute the mixture with
extraction solvent (see 7.7), and inject it under the same conditions as will be used for the test sample.
Repeat the procedure above two to seven times depending on the number of calibration points with
different amounts, encompassing the respective contents in the product under test.
NOTE 1 Usually, a three- or five-point calibration is suitable.
NOTE 2 A one-point calibration is not suitable for the initial calibration of a compound because it does not
allow to verify the linear relation between relative response and relative mass, see Figure 1.
8.3.3 Analysis of the multi-point calibration
Inject suitable amounts of the calibration solutions into the gas chromatograph. Plot the mass of the
compound under investigation relative to the internal standard mass versus the peak area of compound
i divided by the peak area of the internal standard.
Key
Y A /A
i is
X m /m
i is
Figure 1 — Example of a multi-point calibration
Then carry out a linear regression to determine the slope of the curve, s . It represents the reciprocal of
i
the compound specific relative response factor (CSRF), r . The function for linear regression, the
i
ISO 11890-2:2020(E)
relation between the slope of the curve and the CSRF and the calculation of the relative response factor,
r , are given in the Formulae (1), (2) and (3).
i
A m
   
i i
Δ =Δs ⋅ (1)
   
i
A m
   
is is
r = (2)
i
s
i
 m 
i
Δ
 
m
 
is
r = (3)
i
A
 
i
Δ
 
A
 is 
where
r is the CSRF (compound specific relative response factor);
i
s is the slope of the curve;
i
A is the peak area of compound i;
i
A is the peak area of the internal standard;
is
m is the mass, in grams, of compound i in the calibration solution;
i
m is the mass, in grams, of the internal standard in the calibration solution.
is
No offset other than statistical deviations should be observed. If a significant offset is recorded, results
and the equipment should be checked and, if necessary, the analysis shall be repeated.
8.4 Quality assurance
Quality assurance may be used to check if the CSRF has changed and if a new calibration is necessary.
An appropriate, e.g. mid level, calibration solution can be used (see 8.3.2).
8.5 Gas chromatographic conditions
The gas-chromatographic conditions used depends on the product to be analysed and shall be optimized
each time using a known calibration mixture.
The injection volume and the split ratio shall be coordinated so as not to exceed the capacity of
the column and to remain within the linear range of the detector. Asymmetrical peaks will give an
indication of overloading of the g
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