Analysis MethodApplication of headspace SPME-GC-MS in characterisation of odorous volatile organic compounds emitted from magnetic tape coatings based on poly(urethane-ester) after natural and artificial ageing

The aim of this study was to investigate the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in magnetic tapes after several decades of natural ageing at room temperature. Headspace solid-phase microextraction was used as a sample preparation technique and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to characterise the VOCs. Eight samples of polyester-based magnetic tapes having a magnetic coating made of a poly(urethane-ester) polymeric binder, various additives and magnetic particles were investigated. The compounds identified in the samples were fatty acid ester lubricants, compounds from antioxidants such as 2,6-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methyl-phenol, manufacturing by-products such as cyclic polyester oligomers, and deterioration compounds from the magnetic coating. Homologous series of carboxylic acids, furanones and aldehydes have also been identified. The latter compounds were exclusively present in the magnetic coating and could be related to the odour intensity by odour sensory ranking testing. These compounds are most likely to be the source of the often reported characteristic smell.