ASTM D1203-23

Standard Test Methods for Volatile Loss from Plastics Using Activated Carbon Methods

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The test methods are intended to be rapid empirical tests which have been found to be useful in the relative comparison of materials having the same nominal thickness.
Note 2: When the plastic material contains plasticizer, loss from the plastic is assumed to be primarily plasticizer. The effect of moisture is considered to be negligible.  
4.2 Correlation with ultimate application for various plastic materials shall be determined by the user.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of volatile loss from a plastic material under defined conditions of time and temperature, using activated carbon as the immersion medium.  
1.2 Two test methods are covered as follows:  
1.2.1 Test Method A, Direct Contact with Activated Carbon—In this test method the plastic material is in direct contact with the carbon. This test method is particularly useful in the rapid comparison of a large number of plastic specimens.  
1.2.2 Test Method B, Wire Cage—This test method prescribes the use of a wire cage, which prevents direct contact between the plastic material and the carbon. By eliminating the direct contact, the migration of the volatile components to the surrounding carbon is minimized and loss by volatilization is more specifically measured.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.  
1.4 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Note 1: This standard and ISO 176 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2023
• ICS: 83.080.01 - Plastics in general
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.15 - Thermoplastic Materials

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D1203-22 - Standard Test Methods for Volatile Loss from Plastics Using Activated Carbon Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D883-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D883-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D883-22 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2022
• Refers: ASTM E456-13a(2022) - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2022
• Refers: ASTM E456-13a(2022)e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2022
• Refers: ASTM D1600-18 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Referred By: ASTM D4551-22 - Standard Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Flexible Concealed Water-Containment Membrane
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D8065/D8065M-16(2023) - Standard Classification System and Basis for Specification for Specifying Plastic Films
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D1593-22 - Standard Specification for Nonrigid Vinyl Chloride Plastic Film and Sheeting
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D3690-19 - Standard Performance Specification for Vinyl-Coated and Urethane-Coated Upholstery Fabrics—Indoor
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D2287-19 - Standard Classification System and Basis for Specification for Nonrigid Vinyl Chloride Polymer and Copolymer Molding and Extrusion Compounds
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D7176-22 - Standard Specification for Non-Reinforced Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Geomembranes Used in Buried Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D4068-17(2022) - Standard Specification for Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE) Sheeting for Concealed Water-Containment Membrane
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D5926-15(2020) - Standard Specification for Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Gaskets for Drain, Waste, and Vent (DWV), Sewer, Sanitary, and Storm Plumbing Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023

Overview

ASTM D1203-23 is the Standard Test Methods for Volatile Loss from Plastics Using Activated Carbon Methods, developed by ASTM International. This standard outlines procedures to determine the volatile loss from plastic materials by employing activated carbon under controlled conditions of time and temperature. Volatile loss measurement is a critical factor in assessing the performance, quality, and suitability of plastics-particularly where plasticizer loss can significantly affect the material’s properties in real-world applications.

These empirical test methods are particularly valuable for comparing various plastic specimens of the same nominal thickness, offering essential data used for product development, quality control, and regulatory compliance in plastics manufacturing and processing.

Key Topics

• Test Methods Covered:
  • Test Method A: Direct contact of plastics with activated carbon for rapid comparison of a large number of specimens.
  • Test Method B: Use of a wire cage to prevent direct contact, thus focusing measurement on weight loss due to volatilization only.
• Parameters:
  • Tests are conducted at specified time and temperature, using controlled humidity and specimen thickness for reproducibility.
  • Results are expressed as percent weight loss, allowing direct evaluation of volatile content.
• Material Focus:
  • Particularly relevant for plastics containing plasticizers, where volatile loss is assumed to reflect plasticizer migration; moisture effects are considered negligible.
• Empirical Comparison:
  • Designed for relative comparison-direct value transfer to field performance depends on further correlation by the user.

Applications

ASTM D1203-23 serves a broad range of applications in the plastics industry:

• Quality Control: Enables manufacturers to monitor and limit volatile loss in production batches, ensuring product consistency and longevity.
• Material Development: Useful in formulation studies, where relative volatile loss between test formulations-especially those with plasticizers-impacts decisions on material selection and process conditions.
• Regulatory Compliance: Supports compliance with safety, health, and environmental standards where control of volatile migration is legislatively required.
• Product Performance Prediction: Data obtained is used to make relative comparisons between materials, aiding in the selection of plastics for applications where minimal volatile loss is critical, such as in medical, automotive, and packaging sectors.
• Comparison of Different Materials: Allows buyers and sellers to agree on testing protocols for comparative performance assessments on plastics of the same thickness.

Related Standards

For enhanced understanding and comprehensive testing programs, the following standards are closely related to ASTM D1203-23:

• ISO 176: Determination of the loss of plasticizers from plastics by the activated carbon method (similar in scope but with technical differences).
• ASTM D618: Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing-ensures specimens are acclimated for reliable test outcomes.
• ASTM D883: Terminology Relating to Plastics-provides standardized definitions for consistency across standards.
• ASTM D1600: Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics-useful for interpreting test reports.
• ASTM E456: Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics-supports the evaluation of test precision.
• ASTM E691: Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method-validates reproducibility and repeatability data.

Practical Value

ASTM D1203-23 offers industry professionals a robust, standardized approach to determining volatile loss from plastics, facilitating reliable quality control, material development, and performance validation. Its methods provide essential data points for specification compliance and competitive material comparison, contributing to increased material safety, performance, and customer satisfaction in diverse application areas.

Keywords: ASTM D1203-23, volatile loss, plastics, activated carbon, plasticizer loss, test methods, vinyl, volatility, weight loss, quality control, material comparison, plastic performance.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D1203 − 23
Standard Test Methods for
Volatile Loss from Plastics Using Activated Carbon
Methods
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1203; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope* 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of volatile
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
loss from a plastic material under defined conditions of time
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
and temperature, using activated carbon as the immersion
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plas-
medium.
tics
1.2 Two test methods are covered as follows:
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
1.2.1 Test Method A, Direct Contact with Activated
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
Carbon—In this test method the plastic material is in direct Determine the Precision of a Test Method
contact with the carbon. This test method is particularly useful
E2935 Practice for Evaluating Equivalence of Two Testing
in the rapid comparison of a large number of plastic specimens. Processes
1.2.2 Test Method B, Wire Cage—This test method pre-
2.2 Other Documents:
scribes the use of a wire cage, which prevents direct contact
ISO 176 Determination of the Loss of Plasticizers from
between the plastic material and the carbon. By eliminating the
Plastics by the Activated Carbon Method
direct contact, the migration of the volatile components to the
surrounding carbon is minimized and loss by volatilization is
3. Terminology
more specifically measured.
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms in this test method
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the relating to plastics, refer to Terminology D883. For abbrevia-
standard. tions used in this test method, refer to Terminology D1600,
unless otherwise indicated.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2 For definitions of terms that appear in this test method
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
relating to quality and statistics, refer to Terminology E456.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4. Significance and Use
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.1 The test methods are intended to be rapid empirical tests
NOTE 1—This standard and ISO 176 address the same subject matter,
but differ in technical content. which have been found to be useful in the relative comparison
of materials having the same nominal thickness.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
NOTE 2—When the plastic material contains plasticizer, loss from the
plastic is assumed to be primarily plasticizer. The effect of moisture is
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
considered to be negligible.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical 4.2 Correlation with ultimate application for various plastic
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. materials shall be determined by the user.
1 2
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Plastics and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.15 on Thermoplastic contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Materials. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2023. Published November 2023. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1952. Last previous edition approved in 2022 as D1203 – 22. DOI: Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
10.1520/D1203-23. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D1203 − 23
5. Apparatus prior to test in accordance with Procedure A of Practice D618.
Preferably, specimens shall be suspended to assure free air
5.1 Balance—Analytical balance with a resolution of
circulation among the specimens. In cases of disagreement, the
0.0001 g.
tolerances shall be 61°C and 65 % relative humidity.
5.2 Oven or Bath—A thermostatically controlled oven or
bath capable of maintaining the temperature to within 61°C of
9. Procedure—Test Method A, Direct Contact with
the test temperature, which normally will be in the range from
Activated Carbon
50 to 150°C.
9.1 Weigh the conditioned specimens individually on an
5.3 Containers—Metal cans or wide-mouth screw-top jars,
analytical balance with a resolution of 0.0001 g and designate
of cylindrical form, approximately 100 mm in diameter and
this weight as WC (Weight of Conditioned specimen number
i
approximately ⁄2 L in capacity.
“i”). The percentage difference between the highest and lowest
specimen weight divided by the highest specimen weight shall
NOTE 3—Pint paint cans work well.
be less than or equal to 10 %.
5.4 Micrometer—A micrometer capable of measuring to the
9.2 Spread 120 cm of activated carbon evenly on the
nearest 0.0025 mm for measuring the thickness of the test
bottom of a container. Place one specimen on top of the
specimens.
activated carbon and cover it with 120 cm of activated carbon.
5.5 Metal Cages (for Test Method B)—Wire cages con-
Place a second specimen (7.2.1) on top of the first and cover it
structed from approximately 30-mesh bronze gauze, in cylin-
with 120 cm of the carbon, followed by a third specimen and
drical form, having a diameter of 60 mm and a height of 6 mm,
then 120 cm more of activated carbon. Only specimens of the
formed by soldering a strip of gauze at right angles to the
same composition or formulation shall be tested in a single
periphery of a disk of bronze gauze. One of the bases acts as a
container, because of the possibility of cross-migration be-
lid.
tween varying compositions. Place a cover on the container in
5.6 150 mL Beaker graduated in 10 mL intervals.
such a manner that the container will be vented. This is
necessary to assure that any possible pressure build-up in the
6. Material
container during heating is relieved. Take care that in no case
shall the carbon be packed by pressure other than the weight of
6.1 Activated Carbon—It has been found that different types
the composite sandwich in the container.
and grades of activated carbon give differing results, thus
making
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D1203 − 22 D1203 − 23
Standard Test Methods for
Volatile Loss from Plastics Using Activated Carbon
Methods
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1203; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of volatile loss from a plastic material under defined conditions of time and
temperature, using activated carbon as the immersion medium.
1.2 Two test methods are covered as follows:
1.2.1 Test Method A, Direct Contact with Activated Carbon—In this test method the plastic material is in direct contact with the
carbon. This test method is particularly useful in the rapid comparison of a large number of plastic specimens.
1.2.2 Test Method B, Wire Cage—This test method prescribes the use of a wire cage, which prevents direct contact between the
plastic material and the carbon. By eliminating the direct contact, the migration of the volatile components to the surrounding
carbon is minimized and loss by volatilization is more specifically measured.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
1.4 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
NOTE 1—This standard and ISO 176 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.15 on Thermoplastic Materials
(Section D20.15.07 on Vinyls). .
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2022Nov. 1, 2023. Published September 2022November 2023. Originally approved in 1952. Last previous edition approved in 20212022
as D1203 – 21.D1203 – 22. DOI: 10.1520/D1203-22.10.1520/D1203-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D1203 − 23
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
E617 Specification for Laboratory Weights and Precision Mass Standards
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
E2935 Practice for Evaluating Equivalence of Two Testing Processes
2.2 Other Documents:
ISO 176 Determination of the Loss of Plasticizers from Plastics by the Activated Carbon Method
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms in this test method relating to plastics, refer to Terminology D883. For abbreviations used
in this test method, refer to Terminology D1600, unless otherwise indicated.
3.2 For definitions of terms that appear in this test method relating to quality and statistics, refer to Terminology E456.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The test methods are intended to be rapid empirical tests which have been found to be useful in the relative comparison of
materials having the same nominal thickness.
NOTE 2—When the plastic material contains plasticizer, loss from the plastic is assumed to be primarily plasticizer. The effect of moisture is considered
to be negligible.
4.2 Correlation with ultimate application for various plastic materials shall be determined by the user.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Balance—An accurate analytical balance, equipped with ASTM Class 1 weights or better in accordance with Specification
Analytical balance with a resolution of 0.0001 g.E617.
5.2 Oven or Bath—A thermostatically controlled oven or bath capable of maintaining the temperature to within 61°C of the test
temperature, which normally will be in the range from 50 to 150°C.
5.3 Containers—Metal cans or wide-mouth screw-top jars, of cylindrical form, approximately 100 mm in diameter and
approximately ⁄2 L in capacity.
NOTE 3—Pint paint cans work well.
5.4 Micrometer—A micrometer capable of measuring to the nearest 0.0025 mm for measuring the thickness of the test specimens.
5.5 Metal Cages (for Test Method B)—Wire cages constructed from approximately 30-mesh bronze gauze, in cylindrical form,
having a diameter of 60 mm and a height of 6 mm, formed by soldering a strip of gauze at right angles to the periphery of a disk
of bronze gauze. One of the bases acts as a lid.
5.6 150 mL Beaker graduated in 10 mL intervals.
6. Material
6.1 Activated Carbon—It has been found that different types and grades of activated carbon give differing results, thus making it
necessary for the purchaser and the seller to agree on the same type and grade in order to obtain concordant results. Care shall be
taken that an airtight storage container is used for the activated carbon and that fresh material is used for each test. The activated
carbon shall be screened through a 14-mesh screen immediately prior to use to eliminate fines.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
D1203 − 23
NOTE 4—Numerous activated carbon mesh sizes are available. Recommend using a granular activated carbon close to 6/14 mesh in size as it works well
with minimal sifting. Some activated carbons require a lot of sifting which also contributes to extensive dusting.
7. Test Specimens
7.1 The test specimens shall be 50 6 1 mm diameter disks made of the plastic material to be tested. Three specimens of each
formulation shall be tested.
7.2 Thickness of the test specimens shall be 0.25 6 0.025 mm.
7.2.1 If another thickness is desired to be tested due to purchase specifications or other considerations, it shall be specified in the
report.
7.3 Direct comparison of values between materials shall not be made unless all specimens so compared do not vary by more than
610 % from a given nominal thickness.
NOTE 5—This precaution is necessary because of discrepancies that may arise due to edge effects, depletion of volatiles, and the fact that the percent
weight loss is an inverse function of thickness.
8. Conditioning
8.1 Conditioning—Condition the test specimens at 23 6 2°C and 50 6 10 % relative humidity for not less than 20 h prior to test
in accordance with Procedure A of Practice D618. Preferably, specimens shall be suspended to assure free air circulation among
the specimens. In cases of disagreement, the tolerances shall be 61°C and 65 % relative humidity.
9. Procedure—Test Method A, Direct Contact with Activated
...