This application note describes a method for rapidly determining the PE:PP ratio in blends using the Agilent Cary 630 FTIR spectrometer.
The document details a method for rapidly determining the ratio of polyethylene (PE) to polypropylene (PP) in polymer blends using the Agilent Cary 630 FTIR spectrometer. It addresses the importance of knowing blend composition for performance and recycling applications.
Two procedures are described: a traditional salt plate cast film method consistent with ASTM D3900-05a, and a novel PTFE cast film method utilizing the DialPath or TumbllR accessory. Both methods utilize specific infrared absorbance ratios to calculate weight percent PE.
| Measurement time | 30 seconds |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 4 cm-1 |
| Concentration range | 35-85% PE |
| Absorbance range | 0.3-1.0 AU |
The new DialPath method can be used on the Agilent 4500, 5500 FTIR spectrometers as well as the Agilent Cary 630 FTIR.
The new cast film method based on the DialPath accessory yields an R value of 1.000.