BS EN 6042:2023
Aerospace series. Organic compounds. Test method. Analysis by infrared spectroscopy

Standard No.

BS EN 6042:2023

Release Date

2023

Published By

British Standards Institution (BSI)  GB  /  BSI

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BS EN 6042:2023

Introduction

Interpretation of the core content of the standard

BS EN 6042:2023 specifies the test method for infrared transmission spectroscopy analysis of organic compounds (including elastomers, resin matrices, adhesives, etc.) used in the aerospace field. The standard is based on two technical platforms: Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and wavelength dispersive spectrometer, covering the 400-4000 cm^-1 wavenumber range.

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Method Principle and Technological Evolution

Technology Type	Resolution	Analysis Speed	Applicable Scenarios
Wavelength Dispersive Spectrometer	3-5 cm-1	Slower	Conventional Qualitative Analysis
FTIR Spectrometer	1-2 cm-1	Fast	Age-Sensitive Materials

The standard particularly emphasizes the advantages of FTIR technology: higher sensitivity (signal-to-noise ratio increased by about 40%), better resolution (up to 1 cm^-1), and applicability to time-sensitive samples.

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Comparison of sample preparation methods

The standard specifies seven sample processing techniques in detail:

1. Pellet method (Method A): Applicable to insoluble solids, using potassium bromide matrix
2. Flat plate deposition method (Method B): For viscous organic matter, dedicated to qualitative analysis
3. Double plate sandwich method (Method C): Can generate uniform thin films to achieve semi-quantitative analysis
4. Dissolution-Pellet method (Method D): Partially soluble sample processing solution
5. Complete dissolution method (Method E): Benchmark method supporting quantitative analysis
6. Liquid pool method (Method F): Standard method for liquid samples
7. Gas pool method (Method G): Gas mixture analysis technology

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Key technologies of spectral analysis

The standard proposes a three-level analysis system:

Analysis type	Accuracy requirements	Key parameters	Application cases
Qualitative analysis	Characteristic peak matching ≥95%	Functional group identification	Epoxy resin identification
Semi-quantitative analysis	Infrared index error ≤5%	IE=AE/AR	Curing agent ratio monitoring
Quantitative analysis	Concentration error ≤ 1%	Beer-Lambert Law	Solvent residue detection

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Implementation suggestions and precautions

Critical control points:

• Laboratory environment: temperature (23±2)℃, humidity (50±5)%RH (in accordance with EN 2743 B conditions)
• Instrument calibration: requires regular verification using standard materials such as polystyrene film
• Sample storage: to prevent component changes before analysis, it is recommended to store sensitive samples at -18℃
• Safety warning: the standard does not include health and safety guidelines, and the use of solvents such as dichloromethane requires additional protection

Data validity verification: The absorption band measurement value is required to be within the absorbance range of 0.050-0.400, and each sample must be tested at least twice.

BS EN 6042:2023 Referenced Document

• EN 2743 Aerospace series - Fibre reinforced plastics - Standard procedures for conditioning prior to testing unaged materials*， 2026-07-13 Update

BS EN 6042:2023 history

• 2023 BS EN 6042:2023 Aerospace series. Organic compounds. Test method. Analysis by infrared spectroscopy

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