Abstract: A method for identifying brominated flame retardants in a polymer sample. An infrared spectrometry scan of the polymer sample is obtained. Using a first set of parameters, the obtained IR scan is compared to a first database, and a first hit score is calculated. Based on the results of the first hit score, a second database is selected from among a number of databases, and the obtained infrared spectrometry scan is compared to the various scans contained in the selected database using a parameter set that corresponds to the selected database, and a second hit score is calculated. Using the second hit score, another set of parameters is selected, and the obtained infrared spectrometry scan is compared to the various scans contained in the selected third database using this additional parameter set, and a third hit score is calculated. Based on the second and third hit scores, the identity of the brominated flame retardant in the polymer sample is determined with a high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: Hexavalent chromium in electronic components and assemblies is measured using x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy to analyze the sample to identify the matrix. Based on the ascertained matrix, a protocol is selected from a variety of extraction and analysis protocols, and the hexavalent chromium is extracted from the sample using the selected protocol. The extracted hexavalent chromium is reacted with 1,5 diphenylcarbazide and measured using ultraviolet spectroscopy using a unique calibration curve for each type of identified matrix. Based on the measured amount of hexavalent chromium, the concentration of hexavalent chromium is calculated as a function of a unit area of the sample.

Abstract: A method for identifying brominated flame retardants in a polymer sample. An infrared spectrometry scan of the polymer sample is obtained. Using a first set of parameters, the obtained IR scan is compared to a first database, and a first hit score is calculated. Based on the results of the first hit score, a second database is selected from among a number of databases, and the obtained infrared spectrometry scan is compared to the various scans contained in the selected database using a parameter set that corresponds to the selected database, and a second hit score is calculated. Using the second hit score, another set of parameters is selected, and the obtained infrared spectrometry scan is compared to the various scans contained in the selected third database using this additional parameter set, and a third hit score is calculated. Based on the second and third hit scores, the identity of the brominated flame retardant in the polymer sample is determined with a high degree of accuracy.