1.1 This test method covers a general procedure for the determination of elemental content in polyolefins by wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) spectrometry, in mass fraction ranges typical of those contributed by additives, catalysts, and reactor processes. The elements covered by this test method include fluorine, sodium, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, phosphorus, sulfur, calcium, titanium, chromium, and zinc in the composition ranges given in
Table 1.
1.1.1 This test method does not apply to polymers specifically formulated to contain flame retardants including brominated compounds and antimony trioxide.
1.1.2 This test method does not apply to polymers formulated to contain high levels of compounds of vanadium, molybdenum, cadmium, tin, barium, lead, and mercury because the performance can be strongly influenced by spectral interferences or interelement effects due to these elements.
Note 1: Specific methods and capabilities of users may vary with differences in interelement effects and sensitivities, instrumentation and applications software, and practices between laboratories. Development and use of test procedures to measure particular elements, mass fraction ranges or matrices is the responsibility of individual users.
Note 2: One general method is outlined herein; alternative analytical practices can be followed, and are attached in notes, where appropriate.
