Thermal Analyses of Plastics (DSC, DSC (OIT), & TGA)
Fee: $350
- About the Program
- Program Schedule
- Test Materials
- Test Parameters
- Distribution of Samples
- Why Should Your Laboratory Participate?
- About ASTM Committee D20
- Program Registration Form
ASTM International Proficiency Testing Center is pleased to offer a 2010 Proficiency Testing Program on Thermal Analyses of Plastics(TAP) to laboratories who need a statistical quality assurance tool that will enable them to improve and maintain a high level of performance in conducting ASTM Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Oxidative-Induction Time (OIT) by Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Thermogravametric Analyses of plastic resins. Interlaboratory comparisons will be made so that participants can compare their test results with other laboratory results worldwide.
The PTP is conducted twice annually. As a program participant, you will receive two plastic resin samples plus test instructions for each test cycle. Your laboratory performs the tests that you normally conduct within your own facility using the specified ASTM methods in the program scope. Single determinations by each laboratory are required, as the program does not allow the reporting of averages of replicate determinations.
Upon completion of tests, each laboratory electronically submits their PTP data to ASTM for use in generating statistical summary reports. Reports contain:
- Coded laboratory test results
- Statistical analyses of test data
- Charts plotting test results versus
- Other Statistics
Test cycles are scheduled for February and July beginning in 2010. Deadline for registration to receive February samples is January 10, 2010.
Samples, test instructions, and data report forms are distributed electronically to each participant on the date samples are distributed. Labs have approximately six weeks to submit test data to ASTM-PTP with final statistical summary reports being electronically distributed within 25 business days to those labs who submitted test cycle data.
Each participating lab will receive two different plastic resins in 5 gram quantities having a high and low melting point for each of the two test cycles conducted during the year. Resins to be evaluated in the program include LLDPE, PP, PBT, PPS and PFA.
| D3418 | Polymers by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) |
| D3850 | Thermogravametric Method (TGA) |
| D3895 | Scanning Calorimetry (OIT by DSC) |
List of Methods are Subject to Change if program scope is expanded to include other thermal property tests.
Test specimen kits are prepared and distributed for the ASTM-PTP program by Analytical Reference Materials International in Golden, CO. The PTP program registration fee includes the cost of shipping test specimen kits to all program registrants globally registered.
WHY SHOULD YOUR LABORATORY PARTICIPATE?
You will receive test results, available only to participating laboratories that will help you:
- Monitor strengths and weaknesses of your laboratory's performance.
- Periodically compare your test results and calculated statistical parameters with other laboratories.
- Be assured your laboratory processes and analytical testing are in statistical control.
NOTE: Participation in the PTP is not contingent upon performing all program tests
Committee D20 on Plastics has 801 members and 475 published ASTM standards. This committee provides the technical oversight for the PTP program. Test information generated through the program is utilized by Committee D20 to determine if modifications to ASTM standard tests are warranted. Data submitted to Committee D20 from the ASTM-PTP are coded to maintain lab confidentiality.