Carbon Determination
Radiocarbon analysis provides the quantitative method for measuring the biological origin of materials. En 16640 specifies the procedures for calculating the bio-based carbon content within products using the liquid scintillation counting or accelerator mass spectrometry techniques. This quantification relies on the detection of the isotope carbon 14 which decays at a fixed rate in non-living matter while remaining constant in recently living biomass.
Laboratories apply these protocols to verify claims regarding the environmental impact of polymers, resins, or textile fibres found in commercial inventory.
Analytical Procedure
Samples undergo combustion in a controlled environment to produce carbon dioxide gas or graphite for isotope measurement. The laboratory compares the specific activity of the sample against a modern carbon standard which represents the current atmospheric abundance of the isotope. Accurate measurement requires the complete removal of contaminants such as carbonates or adhesives that might distort the final carbon 14 ratio.
Calculations establish the percentage of total organic carbon that derives from renewable biological sources rather than petroleum based inputs.
Processing Verification
Fabric manufacturers utilize this standard to confirm the authenticity of bio-synthetic materials before integrating them into finished garment production. Independent audits frequently request the analytical data from this procedure to satisfy chain of custody requirements for recycled or sustainable collections. High levels of bio-based carbon indicate a significant reduction in the reliance on fossil fuel derivatives throughout the manufacturing process.
Consistent testing ensures that material batches meet the specified environmental declarations stated in procurement contracts.
Technical Boundary
The scope of this standard excludes the determination of the total organic carbon content itself and focuses solely on the isotopic ratio. Its application assumes that the carbon distribution remains uniform throughout the tested material batch. Variations in storage or environmental exposure do not alter the carbon 14 signature of the specimen once the laboratory isolates the organic fraction for assessment.
Reliability of the measurement depends upon the precision of the background subtraction performed during the initial instrument calibration.
