1.1 This International Standard specifies two empirical methods for the quantitative determination of the loss of m?ss from a plastic material under defined conditions of time and temperature, in the presence of activated carbon.
1.2 These methods are used, in particular, for the quantitative determination of the loss on heating of plasticizers from plasticized plastic materials in which case it is generally assumed that no significant amounts of other volatile materials are present.
1.3 These are empirical test methods, only suitable for a rather rapid comparison of the losses of plasticizers or, in general, of volatile compounds, from different plastics.
1.4 They may also be employed for the comparison of different . types of plasticizers; in this case standard compounds should be prepared, on the basis of a well characterized resin, with known ratios of resinto plasticizer.
NOTE — These comparisons are possible only if the test specimens are of the same thickness. If it can be assumed that, after recon-ditioning, the moisture content of the exposed specimens is equal to that obtaining after the original conditioning, the effect of moisture may be ignored.
1.5 Two methods are specif ied :
Method A : the test specimens are in direct contact with the carbon; this method is particularly useful for materials which have to be tested at relatively low temperatures because they flow at higher temperatures.
Method B : the test specimens are placed in wire cages which prevent direct contact between the test specimens and the carbon.