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how to dissolve NBR (gloves) and PVC

Posted: Thu Nov 22, 2018 2:33 pm
by bouwen
Hey guys,

I'm working with polymers and I would like to dissolve PVC and NBR gloves to measure the limit of detection of my Py-GC-supermolecularbeam-MS, because accurately weighing samples in such small amounts is hardly possible. Unfortunately, they are are difficult to dissolve. Nevertheless, I managed to dissolve PVC in ethylmethylketon (under elevated temperatures).

However, the gloves are almost impossible to dissolve. Hopefully, you guys have some tips or tricks.


Many thanks!

Re: how to dissolve NBR (gloves) and PVC

Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2018 10:12 pm
by LALman
We used to dissolve vinyl filters using a nitric or nitric-perchloric digestion. But the "trick" is to add a spike of chromium. I believe we might have also used vanadium with similar result. I think its the multiple valence speciation that does it. Cr just wrecks vinyl in strong acid.

A similar (but different mechanism) "trick" is to add a spike of mercury to make aluminum go rapidly in nitric acid.

Re: how to dissolve NBR (gloves) and PVC

Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2018 2:19 pm
by rb6banjo
It seems that you're trying to dissolve the polymer, not digest it. Is that correct? I haven't ever tried to dissolve NBR but N,N-dimethylformamide or N,N-dimethylacetamide will dissolve PVC. Perhaps it will also dissolve NBR.