ASTM D3749-12

5.1 Poly(vinyl chloride) resins must contain a minimum possible amount of unreacted, or free, VCM.

5.2 This test method provides a measure of RVCM which is suitable for manufacturing control or specification acceptance purposes.

5.3 Under optimum conditions, a lower level of detection of 2 ppm by volume VCM can be detected in the headspace vapor. Using a 4-g sample, this is equivalent to about 0.02 ppm by mass RVCM in the PVC resin.

1.1 This test method is suitable for determining the residual vinyl chloride monomer (RVCM) content of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) homopolymer and copolymer resins for uses other than food contact. The range for this test, based on interlaboratory evaluation, is from 0.1 to 400 ppm RVCM.

1.2 This test method can be adapted to determinations of RVCM in a PVC copolymer resin if the Henry's Law constant at 90°C for that copolymer is known.

1.3 This test method cannot be used for polymer in fused forms, such as cubes or sheets. Refer to Test Method D4443 or Test Method D3680 for these materials.

1.4 This test method is proposed as an alternative to EPA Method 107 for determination of vinyl chloride monomers in dry-resin samples.

1.5 The values stated SI units are to be regarded as the standard.