A new ASTM International standard will provide better quality control for products made with polyester. The new standard (soon to be published as D8063) was developed by ASTM International’s committee on aromatic, industrial, specialty, and related chemicals (D16).

According to ASTM International member Yuhong Zhang, the presence of water in purified terephthalic acid (PTA) – used to make polyester – is undesirable because it can impact the purity, particle size, which can then affect the polymerization process.  

“Determining the amount of water content remaining from the manufacture of PTA is often required,” says Zhang, a senior expert at China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (SINOPEC). “This test method is suitable for setting product specifications and for use as an internal quality control tool when PTA products are produced or are used.”  

Manufacturers of polyester products, regulatory bodies, and consumers could benefit from this standard.

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For more information on ASTM International chemical standards, see ASTM Chemical Standards – Supporting Science, Innovation, and Quality Manufacturing. 

Media Inquiries: Dan Bergels, tel +1.610.832.9602; dbergels@astm.org
Committee Contact: Kristy Straiton, tel +1.610.832.9640; kstraiton@astm.org 

Release #10517