Carbon 14 dedicated to biopolymer analysis

Since 2005, CIRAM laboratories have been analysing, dating and authenticating works of art and archaeological artefacts. Specialists in carbon-14 dating, we also use this method to quantify the fraction of biogenic and fossil carbon present in industrial products.

Both private, independent and innovative, CIRAM laboratories are located near Bordeaux, on the Montesquieu technology park in Martillac.

POLYMER ANALYSIS, A MAJOR CHALLENGE FOR INDUSTRY 

In the current context, the analysis of biobased products is becoming a necessity to limit the environmental impact of polymers. Although biobased products are increasingly present in industrial production (biofuels, detergents, paints, construction materials, etc.), there are still no strict regulations concerning the minimum contents to be used.

The only exception is the European legislation on plastic bags, which must contain at least 50% biobased carbon from 2020 and 60% from 2025.

A reliable and objective analysis for biopolymers 

While there are no standards in place, many sectors use voluntary reporting (mass balance) and/or life cycle assessment. It is therefore important to use objective, reliable and rapid methods to qualify and quantify the biobased part of industrial materials. The implementation of regulations would make it possible to avoid fraud and to verify the quality of the raw materials used both during R&D and for a finished product.

Polymer chemistry remains at the forefront of technological advances in the biobased product sectors. Between the certification bodies (TUV AUSTRIA and DIN

Geprüft) and international standards (ISO 16620-2:2019 and ASTM D6866-22), the use of carbon-14 is essential to qualify, quantify, classify and certify biopolymers.

Dissociation between modern and ancient carbon

Biopolymers contain mainly carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. While it is possible to quantify these elements using a variety of analytical methods, it is impossible to distinguish biobased materials from petroleum-based materials on a molecular level. Radiocarbon analysis is a reliable quantification method for this problem. The 14C isotope has a half-life of 5730 years, after which time its concentration will be halved. After 10 periods, this isotope disappears completely. Oil comes from the decomposition of organic matter over millions of years, well beyond the life expectancy of carbon-14, which is about 60,000 years. Oil therefore no longer contains 14C, so it can be said to contain only old carbon. Conversely, biomass (i.e. living organisms) has a full reservoir of carbon-14, which is known as modern” carbon.