ASTM D6247

X-ray fluorescence spectrometry is an accurate and relatively fast method to determine multielement concentrations in polyethylene or polypropylene materials, or both. It can be used as a quality control measure for post-reactor studies, for additive levels in formulated resins, and for finished products.

Further elaboration appears in Guide E 1621.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers a general procedure for the determination of elemental content in polyolefins by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, in concentration levels typical of those contributed by additives and reactor processes.

Note 1—Specific methods and capabilities of users may vary with differences in interelement effects and sensitivities, instrumentation and applications software, and practices between laboratories. Development and use of test procedures to measure particular elements, concentration ranges or matrices is the responsibility of individual users.

Note 2—One general method is outlined herein; alternative analytical practices can be followed, and are attached in notes, where appropriate.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound units given in brackets are for information only.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 10.

Note 3—There is no similar or equivalent ISO standard.

2. Referenced Documents

ASTM Standards
C1118 Guide for Selecting Components for Wavelength-Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) Systems
D4703 Practice for Compression-Molding Thermoplastic Materials into Test Specimens, Plaques or Sheets
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
E135 Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
E1361 Guide for Correction of Interelement Effects in X-ray Spectrometric Analysis
E1621 Guide for X-ray Emission Spectrometric Analysis
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

Index Terms

element; polyolefin; X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF); ICS Number Code 83.020 (Manufacturing processes in the rubber and plastics industries)

Citing ASTM Standards

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