Overview
EN ISO 13365-2:2020 - “Leather - Chemical determination of the preservative (TCMTB, PCMC, OPP, OIT) content in leather by liquid chromatography - Part 2: Artificial perspiration extraction method” - is a CEN-adopted ISO test method for measuring the aqueous extractable content of common leather preservatives. The method uses an artificial perspiration (acid) aqueous extraction followed by analysis by liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV or MS detection. It is intended to assess potential user exposure to preservative agents released from leather during use.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Target compounds: 2-(thiocyanomethylthio)-benzothiazole (TCMTB), 4-chloro-3-methylphenol (PCMC), 2-phenylphenol (OPP), 2-octylisothiazol-3(2H)-one (OIT); method can also detect their breakdown products.
- Extraction principle: aqueous extraction with an acid artificial perspiration solution in a thermostatic flask shaker; filtered extract is analysed by HPLC (UV or MS).
- Reagents and purity: reference standards (≥97–99.7 % for target compounds), HPLC/LC‑MS grade solvents, deionized water (ISO 3696 grade 3).
- Calibration: at least four calibration solutions covering a wide concentration range (examples in the standard include 2, 10, 25, 50 and 100 mg/L); calibration solutions stored at (4 ± 3) °C.
- Apparatus: HPLC system with UV or MS detector; reversed-phase C8 or C18 column (with pre-column); water bath maintaining (37 ± 2) °C with horizontal/orbital shaker (specified speeds); membrane filter (polyamide, 0.45 µm); analytical balance (0.1 mg).
- Sampling and sample prep: sampling per ISO 2418 and sample preparation per ISO 4044 (with guidance for finished products and wet intermediates).
- Chromatographic conditions: included in Annex A of the standard, with additional conditions for MS detection.
Applications and Who Uses It
- Quality control laboratories in tanneries and finished leather manufacturers to quantify preservative residues.
- Independent testing labs performing regulatory or product-safety testing for footwear, garments, furniture and other leather goods.
- Compliance and chemical-safety teams assessing consumer exposure risk and ensuring conformity with chemical regulations or internal safety criteria.
- R&D and formulation groups evaluating preservative performance and degradation (breakdown products) under simulated use conditions.
- Practical uses include evaluating leathers for microbiological protection efficacy, monitoring extractable preservative release under simulated perspiration, and supporting material safety data.
Related Standards
Keywords: EN ISO 13365-2:2020, leather preservative determination, TCMTB, PCMC, OPP, OIT, artificial perspiration extraction, HPLC, LC‑MS, aqueous extraction, leather testing.
