ASTM E1090-96(2002)

Knowledge of the peroxide content of uncured PE and EVA samples is required to regulate the degree of crosslinking in the cured product. As end use applications of the cured product can be affected by residual amounts of the peroxide or its decomposition products—dimethylbenzyl alcohol and acetophenone—knowledge of these levels is also important. This test method provides a procedure for determining the concentration of these compounds. A method for the HPLC assay of dicumyl peroxide is described in Test Method E 755.

1.1 This test method is applicable to the determination of dicumyl peroxide and the decomposition products dimethylbenzyl alcohol and acetophenone in cured and uncured polyethylene (PE) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) resins. These uncured polymers normally contain from 1 to 2 % dicumyl peroxide, whereas the residual peroxide level in the cured polymers is usually less than 0.1 %.

1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 7.

1.3 Review the current Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for detailed infomration concerning toxicity, first aid procedures, and safety precautions.