ASTM F2617

This test method is intended for the determination of chromium, bromine, cadmium, mercury, and lead, in homogeneous polymeric materials. The test method may be used to ascertain the conformance of the product under test to manufacturing specifications. Typical time for a measurement is 5 to 10 min per specimen, depending on the specimen matrix and the capabilities of the EDXRF spectrometer.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method describes an energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometric procedure for identification and quantification of chromium, bromine, cadmium, mercury, and lead in polymeric materials.

1.2 This test method is not applicable to determine total concentrations of polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) or hexavalent chromium. This test method cannot be used to determine the valence states of atoms or ions.

1.3 This test method is applicable for a range from 20 mg/kg to approximately 1 wt % for chromium, bromine, cadmium, mercury, and lead in polymeric materials.

1.4 This test method is applicable for homogeneous polymeric material.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. Values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.6 This test method is not applicable to quantitative determinations for specimens with one or more surface coatings present on the analyzed surface; however, qualitative information may be obtained. In addition, specimens less than infinitely thick for the measured X rays, must not be coated on the reverse side or mounted on a substrate.

1.7 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.

2. Referenced Documents

ASTM Standards
D3641 Practice for Injection Molding Test Specimens of Thermoplastic Molding and Extrusion Materials
D4703 Practice for Compression Molding Thermoplastic Materials into Test Specimens, Plaques, or Sheets
D6299 Practice for Applying Statistical Quality Assurance and Control Charting Techniques to Evaluate Analytical Measurement System Performance
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
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
F2576 Terminology Relating to Declarable Substances in Materials

Index Terms

energy dispersive; plastic; polymer; polymeric materials; X ray; X-ray fluorescence, EDXRF; Hexavalent chromium testing; Polymeric materials; Bromine content; Chromium; ICS Number Code 71.040.50 (Physicochemical methods of analysis); 83.080.01 (Plastics in general)

Citing ASTM Standards

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