Meaning
Laboratory fixtures designed to expose only one surface of a material to a solvent allow for the precise measurement of migration from a single side. Single sided extraction cell use is common for testing multilayer films where only the inner layer contacts food. This method prevents the solvent from touching the outer layers or edges of the sample.
Apparatus Geometry
A circular or rectangular frame clamps the test specimen against a glass or stainless steel reservoir. The volume of the solvent in the single sided extraction cell is calculated to match the required surface-to-volume ratio. Secure seals are required to prevent leaks that would invalidate the migration results.
Exposure Accuracy
Maintaining a constant temperature throughout the test duration ensures the results are reproducible. Because only the functional barrier or contact layer is exposed in a single sided extraction cell, the data reflects the actual migration into the food. This accuracy is necessary for validating the safety of complex laminates.
Testing Standard
Procedures for using these cells are defined in international standards like EN 1186. The choice of a single sided extraction cell depends on the thickness and flexibility of the plastic part being tested. Labs report the specific cell type used to ensure that the testing conditions can be replicated by other facilities.