ASTM D5814-23

Standard Practice for Determination of Contamination in Recycled Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) (PET) Flakes and Chips Using a Plaque Test

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Presence of paper, metal, or incompatible polymer contamination in poly(ethylene terephthalate) renders the recycled polymer unfit for use in secondary product manufacturing operations. This procedure is useful for identifying different types of contamination in recycled PET flakes.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers an indication of the quality of recycled transparent poly(ethylene terephthalate) by examination of a wafer or plaque formed by melting a representative sample and quenching it to prevent crystallization.  
1.2 Specific contaminants and impurities such as aluminum particles, dirt particles, paper, and fibers are identified in the transparent wafer. This method is only limited to contamination observable through visual methods. If there are low levels (0–200 ppm) of certain types of contamination, which are transparent and partially/wholly miscible with PET, they will not be apparent through this method.  
1.3 The overall color of the plaque is indicative of oxidizable contaminants such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) glue residue and the number of bubbles present in the plaque gives an indication of the moisture content of the sample.  
1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.5 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. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 8.
Note 1: There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.  
1.6 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: 55.040 - Packaging materials and accessories
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.95 - Recycled Plastics

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D5814-18 - Standard Practice for Determination of Contamination in Recycled Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) (PET) Flakes and Chips Using a Plaque Test
• 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 D1600-18 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Referred By: ASTM D6288-23 - Standard Practice for Separation and Washing of Recycled Plastics Prior to Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023

Overview

ASTM D5814-23 outlines the standard practice for determination of contamination in recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) flakes and chips using a plaque test. This practice is essential for assessing the visual quality of recycled PET by forming a transparent wafer (plaque) from a representative sample that is subsequently examined for visible contaminants. The standard is relevant for industries and laboratories involved in recycling and handling of PET, ensuring the quality of secondary raw materials through efficient contamination evaluation.

Key Topics

• Contamination Detection: The method focuses on identifying solid particulate contaminants in recycled PET such as:
  • Paper
  • Metal (aluminum particles)
  • Dirt
  • Fibers
• Visual Examination: Only visually observable contamination is detectable. Certain contaminants, especially those which are transparent or miscible with PET at concentrations below 0–200 ppm, may escape detection by this method.
• Plaque Preparation: The process involves melting PET flakes in an oven and quenching the melt to prevent crystallization, resulting in a clear plaque.
• Moisture and Oxidizable Contaminants:
  • The number of bubbles in the plaque indicates moisture content.
  • The overall color can point to the presence of oxidizable contaminants, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) glue residue.
• Test Reporting: Results are reported based on the color of the sample plaque, the count and description of visible particles, and the number of bubbles present.

Applications

ASTM D5814-23 is used in multiple contexts within the plastics recycling industry:

• Quality Control: PET recyclers utilize the plaque test as a quick and practical means to monitor contamination levels in recycled PET flakes prior to processing into secondary products.
• Sorting and Grading: Facilities employ this method to sort batches of recycled PET based on visual quality, enabling better resource allocation and improved product consistency.
• Research and Development: Laboratories use the method to study the effects of different recycling, washing, and sorting procedures on PET cleanliness.
• Compliance and Specification: The test is valuable for verifying that recycled PET meets specific contamination limits established by end-users or industry requirements.

Related Standards

For a comprehensive approach to PET recycling and plastics quality assessment, consult these relevant ASTM standards:

• ASTM D883: Terminology Relating to Plastics
• ASTM D1600: Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
• IEEE/ASTM SI 10: Standard for Use of the International System of Units (SI)

Note: As of now, there is no ISO standard equivalent to ASTM D5814-23.

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By following ASTM D5814-23, organizations can reliably indicate the visual contamination of recycled PET flakes and chips, contributing to higher quality recycled materials and more effective downstream product manufacturing. This enhances the value chain for sustainable plastics and supports environmental best practices in PET recycling.

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: D5814 − 23
Standard Practice for
Determination of Contamination in Recycled Poly(Ethylene
Terephthalate) (PET) Flakes and Chips Using a Plaque Test
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5814; 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* 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This practice covers an indication of the quality of
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
recycled transparent poly(ethylene terephthalate) by examina-
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plas-
tion of a wafer or plaque formed by melting a representative
tics
sample and quenching it to prevent crystallization.
3. Terminology
1.2 Specific contaminants and impurities such as aluminum
particles, dirt particles, paper, and fibers are identified in the
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms that appear in this
transparent wafer. This method is only limited to contamina-
specification relating to plastics, refer to Terminology D883.
tion observable through visual methods. If there are low levels
For abbreviations that appear in the specification, refer to
(0–200 ppm) of certain types of contamination, which are
Terminology D1600.
transparent and partially/wholly miscible with PET, they will
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
not be apparent through this method.
3.2.1 plaque, n—a transparent wafer resulting from melting
and rapid quenching of the polymer.
1.3 The overall color of the plaque is indicative of oxidiz-
able contaminants such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) glue
4. Summary of Test Method
residue and the number of bubbles present in the plaque gives
4.1 Transparent poly(ethylene terephthalate) flakes are
an indication of the moisture content of the sample.
melted in an aluminum pan, then the molten sample is rapidly
1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
quenched in ice water to prevent crystallization. The resulting
as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
clear plaque is examined for color indicative of oxidizable
standard.
contaminants, bubbles indicative of moisture, and solid con-
taminant particles.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5. Significance and Use
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
5.1 Presence of paper, metal, or incompatible polymer
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
contamination in poly(ethylene terephthalate) renders the re-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
cycled polymer unfit for use in secondary product manufactur-
Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 8.
ing operations. This procedure is useful for identifying differ-
NOTE 1—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard. ent types of contamination in recycled PET flakes.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
6. Apparatus
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
6.1 Oven, forced convection type capable of heating
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
samples to 300°C.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical 6.2 Tongs, long arm.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
6.3 Stopwatch, 0.1-s accuracy.
6.4 Bucket, 1 L, stainless steel.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.95 on Recycled Plastics. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2023. Published November 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as D5814 – 18. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI:10.1520/D5814-23. 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
D5814 − 23
6.5 Aluminum Weighing Dishes, 57 mm diameter by 16 mm 9.6 Prepare an ice water bath by filling
...

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: D5814 − 18 D5814 − 23
Standard Practice for
Determination of Contamination in Recycled Poly(Ethylene
Terephthalate) (PET) Flakes and Chips Using a Plaque Test
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5814; 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 practice covers an indication of the quality of recycled transparent poly(ethylene terephthalate) by examination of a wafer
or plaque formed by melting a representative sample and quenching it to prevent crystallization.
1.2 Specific contaminants and impurities such as aluminum particles, dirt particles, paper, and fibers are identified in the
transparent wafer. This method is only limited to contamination observable through visual methods. If there are low levels (0–200
ppm) of certain types of contamination, which are transparent and partially/wholly miscible with PET, they will not be apparent
through this method.
1.3 The overall color of the plaque is indicative of oxidizable contaminants such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) glue residue and
the number of bubbles present in the plaque gives an indication of the moisture content of the sample.
1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard.
1.5 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. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 8.
NOTE 1—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
1.6 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:
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
IEEE/ASTM SI 10 Standard for Use of the International System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.95 on Recycled Plastics.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2018Nov. 1, 2023. Published September 2018November 2023. Originally approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 20102018
as D5814 – 10.D5814 – 18. DOI:10.1520/D5814-18.DOI:10.1520/D5814-23.
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
D5814 − 23
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—The terminology used in this practice is in accordance with For definitions of terms that appear in this
specification relating to plastics, refer to Terminology D1600D883. Units and symbols are in accordance withFor abbreviations that
appear in the specification, IEEE/ASTM SI 10: Standard forrefer to Terminology D1600Use of the International System of Units
(SI).
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 plaque—plaque, n—a transparent wafer resulting from melting and rapid quenching of the polymer.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Transparent poly(ethylene terephthalate) flakes are melted in an aluminum pan, then the molten sample is rapidly quenched
in ice water to prevent crystallization. The resulting clear plaque is examined for color indicative of oxidizable contaminants,
bubbles indicative of moisture, and solid contaminant particles.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Presence of paper, metal, or incompatible polymer contamination in poly(ethylene terephthalate) renders the recycled polymer
unfit for use in secondary product manufacturing operations. This procedure is useful for identifying different types of
contamination in recycled PET flakes.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Oven, forced convection type capable of heating samples to 300°C.
6.2 Tongs, long arm.
6.3 Stopwatch, 0.1-s accuracy.
6.4 Bucket, 1 L, sta
...