May 10, 2010

The ASTM International Proficiency Testing Program is pleased to announce a new Proficiency Testing Program on Elemental Analyses of Thermoplastics by Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry Utilizing Compression Molded Specimens. It will be offered in 2011 to laboratories who need a statistical quality assurance tool that will enable them to improve and maintain a high level of performance in conducting XRF analyses of polyolefins.

This ASTM Proficiency Testing Program (PTP) is based on the elemental analysis of thermoplastics by wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) spectrometry and will utilize polyolefin samples and analysis according to ASTM D6247, Standard Test Method for Analysis of Elemental Content in Polyolefins by X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry, or alternative XRF methods. 

The PTP will be conducted twice annually, in January and June. As a program participant, you will receive two polyolefin resins plus test instructions for each test cycle. Two test samples per resin are to be prepared by each participating laboratory utilizing compression molding in accordance with ASTM D6247. Each laboratory will perform its XRF analyses in duplicate within its own facility using ASTM D6247 or an alternate XRF method.

Upon completion of the tests, each laboratory will electronically submit their PTP data to ASTM for use in generating statistical summary reports. The reports will contain coded laboratory test results, statistical analyses of test data, charts plotting test results versus and other statistics.

Samples, test instructions and data report forms will be distributed electronically to each participant on the date samples are distributed. Labs will have about six weeks to submit test data to the ASTM-PTP Center. Final Statistical Summary Reports will be electronically distributed within 25 business days to those labs that submitted data.

The January and June 2011 subscription program has an annual fee of $370 USD. The deadline for registration to receive samples for January testing is Dec. 15, 2010. To register for this new PTP, visit www.astm.org/STATQA/Elemental_Analyses.htm to complete and submit a registration form. After Dec. 15, contact ptp@astm.org to register.

ASTM Proficiency Testing Programs (PTP) programs are statistical quality assurance programs that enable laboratories to assess their performance in conducting test methods within their own laboratories when their data are compared against other laboratories that participate worldwide in the same program.

PTP Contact: Anne McKlindon, Phone: 610-832-9682; amcklind@astm.org
ASTM PR Contact: Barbara Schindler, Phone: 610-832-9603; bschindl@astm.org

Release #8563