Standardization News

A new test method (D8266) will help analyze impurities of a certain compound (bisphenol A) used in polycarbonate and epoxy resin, helping support the manufacturing and trade of many plastic products.

Impurities in bisphenol A can slow down polymerization and result in impurities of the final product, according to Huang Yu, a junior engineer at Sinopec. She says that the test helps determine trace impurities of bisphenol A by gradient reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

“This test method is suitable for setting specifications and for use as an internal quality control where these products are produced or used.”

In addition, by helping analyze the content of each component of the compound, the standard supports international trade. Yu adds, “The unification of product testing methods such as this one can help reduce the friction of trade. We need to develop many similar product testing methods in the future to build on this.”

ASTM International welcomes participation in the development of its standards. Become a member of ASTM. The next meeting of the committee on aromatic, industrial, specialty, and related chemicals (D16) is June 26 at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel in Colorado, USA.

To purchase standards, contact ASTM International customer relations (tel +1.877.909.ASTM; sales@astm.org).