Elemental analysis serves as a quality control measure for post-reactor studies, for additive levels in formulated resins, and for finished products. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry is an accurate and relatively fast method to determine mass fractions of multiple elements in polyethylene and polypropylene materials.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers a general procedure for the determination of elemental content in polyolefins by wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) spectrometry, in mass fraction ranges typical of those contributed by additives, catalysts, and reactor processes. The elements covered by this test method include fluorine, sodium, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, phosphorus, sulfur, calcium, titanium, chromium, and zinc in the composition ranges given in Table 1.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

C1118 Guide for Selecting Components for Wavelength-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Systems

D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics

D4703 Practice for Compression Molding Thermoplastic Materials into Test Specimens, Plaques, or Sheets

D6247 Test Method for Determination of Elemental Content of Polyolefins by Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry

E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications

E135 Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials

E1361 Guide for Correction of Interelement Effects in X-Ray Spectrometric Analysis

E1601 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Evaluate the Performance of an Analytical Method

E1621 Guide for X-Ray Emission Spectrometric Analysis

Keywords

element; polyolefin; X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF); Catalyst residues; Composition analysis--plastics; Elemental analysis; Polyolefin (PO); Quantitative analysis/measurement; XRF (X-ray fluorescence);

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 83.020 (Manufacturing processes in the rubber and plastics industries)

Citing ASTM Standards

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