ASTM D3749-19

Standard Test Method for Residual Vinyl Chloride Monomer in Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Resins by Gas Chromatographic Headspace Technique

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
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.
SCOPE
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. 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 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.  
1.6 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.  
1.7 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-Mar-2019
• ICS: 83.080.20 - Thermoplastic materials
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.70 - Analytical Methods

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D4443-19 - Standard Test Method for Determining Residual Vinyl Chloride Monomer Content in PPB Range in Vinyl Chloride Homo- and Co-Polymers by Headspace Gas Chromatography
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019

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: D3749 − 19
Standard Test Method for
Residual Vinyl Chloride Monomer in Poly(Vinyl Chloride)
1
Resins by Gas Chromatographic Headspace Technique
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3749; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* D4443Test Method for Determining Residual Vinyl Chlo-
ride Monomer Content in PPB Range in Vinyl Chloride
1.1 This test method is suitable for determining the residual
Homo- and Co-Polymers by Headspace Gas Chromatog-
vinyl chloride monomer (RVCM) content of poly(vinyl chlo-
raphy
ride)(PVC)homopolymerandcopolymerresins.Therangefor
D4526Practice for Determination of Volatiles in Polymers
thistest,basedoninterlaboratoryevaluation,isfrom0.1to400
by Static Headspace Gas Chromatography
ppm RVCM.
E691Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
1.2 This test method can be adapted to determinations of
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
RVCM in a PVC copolymer resin if the Henry’s Law constant
2.2 Federal Standards:
at 90°C for that copolymer is known.
EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyMethod107 Determina-
1.3 This test method cannot be used for polymer in fused
tion ofVinyl Chloride Content of In-ProcessWaste-Water
forms,suchascubesorsheets.RefertoTestMethodD4443for
Samples, andVinyl Chloride Content of Poly(Vinyl Chlo-
3
these materials.
ride) Resin, Slurry, Wet Cake, and Latex Samples
29CFR 1919.1017 Vinyl Chloride for Regulated Levels of
1.4 This test method is proposed as an alternative to EPA
4
Method107 for determination of vinyl chloride monomers in Exposure
dry-resin samples.
2.3 ISO Standard:
1.5 The values stated SI units are to be regarded as the ISO6401Determination of Residual Vinyl Chloride Mono-
mer in Homopolymers and Copolymers by Gas Chroma-
standard.
5
tography
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3. Terminology
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.1 Acronyms:
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.1 VCM—Vinyl chloride monomer.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.1.2 RVCM—Residual vinyl chloride monomer.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1.3 PVC—Poly(vinyl chloride).
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.4 OSHA—Occupational Safety and Health Agency.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1.5 FID—Flame ionization detector.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1.6 PID—Photoionization detector.
2. Referenced Documents
3.1.7 HED—Hall electroconductivity detector.
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.1.8 MHE—Multiple headspace extraction.
1
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD20onPlastics
3
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.70 on Analytical Methods. Available from United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ariel
Current edition approved April 1, 2019. Published May 2019. Originally Rios Bldg., 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20460, http://
approved in 1978. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D3749-13. DOI: www.epa.gov.
4
10.1520/D3749-19. AvailablefromU.S.GovernmentPrintingOfficeSuperintendentofDocuments,
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM www.access.gpo.gov.
5
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
the ASTM website. 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
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D3749 − 19
graphic conditions may need to be modified.
4. Summary of Test Method
7.3 Balance, capable of weighing to 61% of sample
4.1 The basis for this test method relates to the vapor
weight.
equilibriumthatisestablishedbetweenRVCM,PVCresin,and
air in a closed system. The RVCM in a PVC resin will
7.4 Accessories, for headspace samples, including vials,
equilibrate in
...

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: D3749 − 13 D3749 − 19
Standard Test Method for
Residual Vinyl Chloride Monomer in Poly(Vinyl Chloride)
1
Resins by Gas Chromatographic Headspace Technique
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3749; 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.
1. Scope*
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. resins. 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 D3680for 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.
1.6 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
NOTE 1—This standard and ISO 6401 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content.
1.7 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
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D3680 Test Method for Residual Vinyl Chloride Monomer Content of Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Resins, Compounds, and
3
Copolymers by Solution Injection Technique (Withdrawn 2005)
D4443 Test Method for Determining Residual Vinyl Chloride Monomer Content in PPB Range in Vinyl Chloride Homo- and
Co-Polymers by Headspace Gas Chromatography
D4526 Practice for Determination of Volatiles in Polymers by Static Headspace Gas Chromatography
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
2.2 Federal Standards:
Environmental Protection Agency Method 107 Determination of Vinyl Chloride Content of In-Process Waste-Water Samples,
3
and Vinyl Chloride Content of Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Resin, Slurry, Wet Cake, and Latex Samples
4
29 CFR 1919.1017 Vinyl Chloride for Regulated Levels of Exposure
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.70 on Analytical Methods.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2013April 1, 2019. Published November 2013May 2019. Originally approved in 1978. Last previous edition approved in 20122013 as
D3749 - 12.D3749 - 13. DOI: 10.1520/D3749-13.10.1520/D3749-19.
2
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.
3
Available from United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ariel Rios Bldg., 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20460, http://www.epa.gov.
4
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
www.access.gpo.gov.
*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
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D3749 − 19
2.3 ISO Standard:
5
ISO 6401 Determination of Residual Vinyl Chloride Monomer in Homopolymers and Copolymers by Gas Chromatography
3. Terminology
3.1 Acronyms:
3.1.1 VCM—Vinyl chloride monomer.
3.1.2 RVCM—Residual vinyl chloride monomer.
3.1.3 PVC—Poly(vinyl chloride).
3.1.4 OSHA—Occupational Safety and Health Agency.
3.1.5 FID—Flame ionization detector.
3.1.6 PID—Photoionization detector.
...