Determination of Ash Content in Plastics

The purpose of the test, which is carried out using the ASTM D2584, ASTM D5630, ISO 3451 standards, is to determine the ash of various plastics (resins and compounds). It can be performed on plastic materials such as poly(vinyl chloride) including poly(alkylene terephthalate) materials, unplasticized cellulose acetate, polyamides, and some special filled, glass fiber reinforced and flame retardant materials.

Ash test is performed on plastic packaging materials to determine the total filling content. It is not used to determine the percentage of carbon fiber and carbon black in multi-filled materials with the ash test, since the carbon is burned during the process and the individual percentages.

Principle of Ash Test in Plastic Materials:
- The sample is placed in pre-dried and weighed crucibles,
- the sample is burned at temperatures above 500°C,
- The cooled crucibles are weighed the amount of ash is determined.

It is accepted as an additive if the remaining ash content is below 1%, and as a filler if it is above 1%.

ASTM D2584: Standard Test Method for Ignition Loss of Cured Reinforced Resins
ASTM D5630: Standard Test Method for Ash Content in Plastics
ISO 3451-1: Plastics — Determination of ash — Part 1: General methods

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