Proposed Plastics Standard Will Aid in Polyolefin Property Testing

ASTM International’s plastics committee (D20) is developing a proposed standard that will help polyolefin manufacturers to measure material properties. Polyolefins are used in a variety of applications, including shrink wrap, shopping bags, food packaging, and dishwasher-safe containers, among others.

According to ASTM International member Olaf Kohlmann, the proposed standard (WK81323) explains how time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR) relaxometry technology can be used to test polyolefin properties.

“Using TD-NMR versus primary laboratory extraction methods reduces the use of toxic solvents such as xylene, decalin, and heptane,” says Kohlmann. “TD-NMR measurements for the monitoring and controlling of the manufacturing process also leads to a reduction of waste material.”

This effort relates to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #12 on responsible consumption and production.

All interested parties are invited to join in the development of the proposed standard. Kohlmann notes that the committee could eventually develop a practice and a test method related to the proposed guide. Polyolefin manufacturers and technology licensors are particularly encouraged to join the committee.


Media Inquiries: Dan Bergels, tel +1.610.832.9602; dbergels@astm.org

Committee Contact: Alyson Fick, tel +1.610.832.9710; afick@astm.org
    
Release #11407
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Committee
D20
May 3, 2022