7.identification and Chemical Properties

IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL

PROPERTIES
VISHAL VERMA
Technical Officer
CENTRAL INSTITUTE OF PLASTICS ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, CHENNAI Home

IDENTIFICATION
When working with plastics there is often a need to identify
which particular plastic material has been used for a given
product. This is essential to get an idea of the cost and likely
properties of the product. The identification of plastics is
generally very difficult due to:
 The wide range of basic polymers that is available for
use.
 The wide range of additives that can be used to modify
the properties of the basic polymer.

 The wide range of mixtures or compounds of polymers
that can be manufactured to get the required properties.

Despite this there are some simple tests that can be carried
out to get a basic idea of the possible base polymer used for
the manufacture of any given product.

CONTENTS
 Introduction
 Simple method
 cutting test
 hot wire penetration test
 flotation test
 bending test
 dropping test
 Burning test
 Pyrolysis test
 Specific gravity test
 Solubility test
 Softening and Melting point
 Elemental Analysis
 Confirmation test

IDENTIFICATION BY SIMPLE METHOD

 Stage 1: Look at the sample
This will give you a lot of information. The colour of the plastic will give you
some information. Some polymers have restricted colour ranges, particularly
the thermosetting types. Others tend to be glossier in colour (polypropylene),
whereas some are both glossy and glassy (the acrylics).
 Stage 2: Feel the sample
After you have carried out the tests in the is series a few times you will start to
get the feel for various plastics. The polyolefins have a very distinctive feel
and you can generally tell if it is one of them. The presence of glass fibre or
other reinforcement materials can alter the feel and stiffness of the sample but
you can sometimes tell by the feel if there is reinforcement present.
 Stage 3: Cut a thin sliver from the edge of the sample. Follow the links to
the appropriate page.
The first test is to cut a small sliver off the sample. This tells you a lot about
the type of plastic you are trying to identify

CUTTING TESTS
 If a shaving can be pared off with knife, it may be a
thermoplastic.
Note: PMMA and Polystyrene are brittle and difficult to
pare
 If the material is rigid and will not pare off instead flakes of
powders, it may probably a thermoset plastic.

 Scuff the sample with your fingernail.
Results
 Scuffs with fingernail - Urea formaldehyde resin.
 Does not scuff with fingernail - Melamine formaldehyde
resin.

HOT ROD PENETRATION TEST
 Heat an electronic soldering iron to red hot and press

against the unknown sample.
 If the plastic material softens, and the rod penetrates the
sample is thermoplastic.
 If the plastic material does not soften and the rod does
not penetrate, the sample is thermoset plastic.

FLOTATION TEST
This test will give the idea to distinguish the material
according to their density.
Floats on type Alcohol Vegetable oil water glycerin

of plastics
PET No No No No
HDPE No No Yes Yes
PVC No No No No
LDPE Yes No Yes Yes
PP Yes Yes Yes Yes
PS No No No Yes
Note:Filled polyolefin’s and cellular foams are exceptional

for this test.

BENDING TESTS
Some plastics will exhibit particular characteristics in the manner
in which they respond to bending. The bending behaviour of some
plastics of almost same cross-section is given in Table
PLASTICS BENDING BEHAVIOUR
1. Polyethylene Bends, tends to remain
2. Polypropylene Unbends most of the way
3. Polystyrene Cracks but retains bend
4. ABS Bend tends to remain
5. PVC (Rigid) Bends easily and springs back quickly
6. Cellulose acetate Bend tends to remain
7. PMMA Cracks and splinters
8. Nylon Difficult to bend, springs back
9. Polycarbonate Tough to bend

DROPPING TEST
When a polymer moulded component is dropped on hard
surface, it creates sound, which shall be either metallic
sound or dull sound. On the basis of sound polymer is
distinguished in two categories, which is tabulated in
Table
Metallic sound dull sound

PS, HIPS Cellulosics
SAN, ABS Polyamides
PC, PPS PTFE, PMMA
PPO Polyacetal
Polysulphone PVC , Polyolefins

BURNING TEST
A small sample is held in flame. If it ignites withdraw it
from the flame a distance of flame. Make observations
as listed below and record the observations, for
example:
Degree of flammability burns

Self extinguishing does not burn
Colour of flame yellow yellow and orange; Blue; blue with yellow edges; clear,
case orange with
Type of flame steady; tall; short; sputtering
Smoke none, black, thin and thick black with sooty streamers
Melt behaviour softens remains hard; flows; bubbles; swells; does not
char but melts; melts and chars
Odour Burning rubber; sweet – fruity; marigolds; burning
paper; acid; rancid butter

Typical results of burning tests of polymers (thermoplastics)

Thermo plastics Melting Behaviour Colour of Flame/ kind of Odour / smell
smoke
PE Melt and bubbles fiercely Blue with yellow tip Waxy (Burning Candle)
around the edge, Drips
PP Becomes soft, tends to Yellow with blue base Waxy smell,

form a ball, Drips Lubricating oil smell
PTFE Does not melt, self – Will not burn None

Extinguishing
PS / SAN Melts and bubbles around Orange – Yellow, Heavy, Mari gold, Strong smell
the edge, spurting, burns Black, Sooty Smoke of Styrene and Burning
readily rubbe
High Impact poly Melts and bubbles around Orange – Yellow, Heavy, Slight burning rubber
styrene the edge, spurting, burns Black, Sooty Smoke smell
readily
ABS Becomes soft but not fluid Orange – Yellow, Heavy, Slight burning rubber
Black, Sooty smell
PVC Soften and forms a ball, Yellow with green bottom Chlorine smell, pungent
chars at bottom, self – edge, Some White Smoke
Extinguishing

Typical results of burning tests of polymers (thermoplastics) cont.

Thermo Melting Behaviour Colour of Flame/ kind of Odour / smell
plastics smoke
CA Melts and emits white smoke boils Yellow, burns brown at Smell of Vinegar (Acetic
and chars base, Some light Smoke acid)
CN Melts and emits white smoke – Hot, White Camphor (Mothball)

Burn Furiously, dangerous
CAB Melts and Char at the edge, drips Dark yellow with light blue Rancid butter (an Odour
base, Some light black of butyric acid)
Smoke
PMMA Boils and Bubbles Blue and Yellow Flame, Fruity, Floral smell
Some light black Smoke
PC Melt but chars, Bubbles develops a Orange yellow flame with Phenolic smell ( ink
cellular structure before black smoke smell)
decomposing, self – Extinguishing
PPO Melt but chars, self – Extinguishing Orange yellow flame with Phenolic smell ( ink
black smoke smell)
Nylon Melts round edges and chars, Blue with Yellow tip Burning hair / wool /
Froth formation and drips vegetarian

Typical results of burning tests of polymers (thermoplastics)
cont.
Thermo Melting Behaviour Colour of Flame/ kind of smoke Odour / smell
plastics
Acetal Melts, forms drops, Burns Pale blue Pungent smell of

readily Formaldehyde
PET/ PBT Melts, opacifies, blackens, Yellow, Slightly smoky Pleasant elusive odour
Molten Material drips
Polyvinyl Softens Dark Yellow, Spurts with black Vinyl acetate smell (Sweet
Acetate smoke odour)
Casein Swells and chars on Yellow, Grey smoke Burning milk

ignition, Self –
Extenguishing,
Poly Melt and char, self Orange yellow flame with black H2S smell or rotten egg
phenylene extinguish smoke smell
sulphide
PU Drip like oil Blue base yellow tip burns Faint apple smell or castor
MDI based continuously, no smokeYellow oil smellFiant apple smell
resin flame, black smoke or castor oil smell
TDI based Drip very fastly, self Blue base yellow tip burns Faint apple smell or castor
resin extinguish continuously, no smokeYellow oil smellFiant apple smell or
flame, black smoke castor oil smell

Typical results of burning tests of polymers (thermoset)
Thermoset Colour of Flame/ kind of smoke Odour/ smell

Phenol Resin Yellow flame, self extinguishing, Charcoal smell
Some sparks
Urea Resin Yellow with light blue edge, self Fishy smell
extinguishing
Melamine Resin Yellow with light blue edge, self Fishy smell
extinguishing
Polyester Resin Burn with orange yellow flame, Black Ester smell
(Unsaturated) smoke
Epoxy Yellow flame, Black smoke Charred flour

smell

Typical results of burning tests of polymers (Elastomer)
Elastomer Colour of flame/ smoke Odour/ smell Other notable

Flame characteristics
& kind of smoke
Poly butylene Yellow, blue base Smoky Disagreeable, Sweet Chars readily
Styrene - butadiene Burns continuously Pungent smell of styrene Chars readily, dry
Yellow sooty powdery
EPDM Burns continuously no Waxy smell Dry powdery
smoke, blue base yellow tip
NBR Yellow sooty Unpleasant Tacky
Butile rubber (IIR) Smoke free, candle like Hydrocarbon smell Melt does not char
readily, tacky
Polyisoprene (NR) Yellow sooty Pungent like burn rubber Chars & crack
Polychloroprene (CR) Self extinguishing Pungent smell Strongly acidic fumes,
Yellow & smoky of chlorine black residue dry
powdery
Silicone rubber Burns continuously, glow No odour Dry white powdery
with white smoke powdery
Ebonite Smoke free Sulphur odour Chars readily

PYROLYSIS TESTS
 In this testing, heat few milligrams of the sample in an ignition tube and test
the pyrolytic vapour with a moistened indicator paper. The behaviour of
vapour to indicator paper is given as follows:
 ACID: turns blue litmus to red
 BASE: turns red litmus to blue.
 ACID VAPOURS: may come from carbohydrate polymers & their
derivatives. [e.g., cellulose acetate]
 HIGH ACID VAPOURS: often indicates the presence of chlorine. e.g., PVC
or rubber neutral vapors] evolved from hydro carbon polymers,
silicones and some polyesters hydrochloride.
 ALKALINE VAPOURS: indicate the presence of N2. e.g. polyamide,
proteins & amino formaldehyde resins.

Rubber Testing: This scheme is useful for identification of CR, NBR, SBR, NR / IR,
IIR type of rubbers
Test Procedure: Heat strongly 0.5gm of sample in a test tube until sample begins
to decompose and pass the fume in solution II and I and observe change in
colour initially and after heating. (Refer the following table)
 Solution - I : Dissolve one gram of p - dimethyl amino benzaldehyde in
5ml of HCl and add 10ml of ethylene glycol. Adjust the density to 0.851
gm /cc. by addition of methanol.
 Solution - II : Dissolve 2gm sodium citrate , 200mg of citric acid , 300mg
of bromo cresol green and 300mg of metanil yellow in 500ml of water.
RUBBER Solution - I Solution II
Initial After Heating
Blank Solution Pale Yellow Pale Yellow Green
CR Yellow Pale Yellow Green Red

NBR Orange Red Red Green
SBR Yellow Green Green Green
NR / IR Brown Violet Blue Green
IIR Yellow Droplet Floats Pale Blue Green Green
Floats in water (S.G. 1) Specific Gravity ≤ 1

SPECIFIC GRAVITY TEST PP 0.90
LDPE 0.92
A simple test for differentiating HDPE 0.96
between different types of Sink in Water floats in 1 ≤ Specific Gravity
plastics can be carried out by Hypo ≤ 1.1
placing specimens in water. PS 1.07
Some will sink and some will SAN 1.1
float depending on their specific ABS 1.1
gravity as shown in Table . NYLON 1.1
Sinks in Hypo Specific Gravity ≥
Those with the higher specific 1.1
gravities will sink as shown in PMMA 1.2
the Table. Accurate specific PMMA 1.2
gravity results can be obtained CA 1.3
by the standard method of PVC 1.4
relating weight of the material to
weight of water displaced. ACETAL RESIN 1.4
UREA RESIN 1.5
PTFE 2.75

SOLUBILITY TESTS
Solubility tests form a basis of some older identification schemes for
main types of plastic materials. However, in many cases solubility
varies considerably for different samples of the same resin and it is
difficult to interpret the results Solubility of plastics may vary
according to the grade or to the whether or not other constituents
are present in the sample. The data in Table refer in principle to pure
polymers, although even those polymers may exhibit differences in
solubility. The solubility test should be carried out directly in a test
tube. To about 100 mg of a powdered sample add 10ml of solvent,
mix occasionally shake the contents of the test tube and observe for
a few hours swelling may occur before complete dissolution of the
polymer.

PLASTIC MATERIAL SOLVENTS

Cellulose esters Ketones, esters
Poly (vinyl chloride) Dimethylformemide, tetrahydrofuran, cyclohexenone
ABS Methylene chloride
Vinyl chloride / Vinyl acetate Methylene chloride, cyclohexanone, tetrahydrofuran
Polytetrafluoroethylene Fluorocarbon oil e.g. C21 F44 {hot)
Polyacrylonitrile Dimethylformamide, butyrolactone, nitrohenel, mineral acids,
dimethylsulphoxide, aqueous solutions of some inorganic salts.
Poly (Methacrylic acidesters) Arimatic hydrocarbons dioxen, chlorinated hydracarbons, esters, ketones.
Polyamides Phenols, formic acid, tetrafluoropropanel, conc. Mineral acids.
Poly (vinyl acetal) Esters, Retones, tetrahydro – furan
Poly (vinyl alcohol) Formamide water
Polycarbonates Chlorinated hydrocarbons, dioxan, cyclohexanene.
Polyesters, unsaturated Ketenes, etyrene, acrylic esters.
Polyethylene Dichloroethylens, tetralin, hot hydrocarbons
Polyformaldehyde Hot selvantas phenels, benzyl alcohol, dimethylformide.
Polypropylene At elavator temp, aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons, tetralin
Polystyrene Aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons, pyridinc, ethylacetate,
methylethyl ketone, diovan totralin.
SOFTENING AND MELTING POINTS

The temperature range of softening and melting – point can be used
to characterize/ identify the material.
Procedure: Place the 2 to 3 mg portion on a clean glass slide and
cover with No 1 cover glass. Heat the slide, sample and cover on a hot
plate to slightly above the softening point of the polymer so that a
thin film can be formed. By slightly pressor on the cover glass form a
thin film 0.01 to 0.04 mm, and allow it to cool slowly by turning of the
hot plate power to promote crystallization. Keep the slide on hot
plate melting point apparatus. Adjust the hot plate temperature
about 10 0 C below the melting point of sample. Then adjust the
temperature ramp at 0.5 0 C/ min. observe the sample through
microscope and note down the temperature where the material starts
melting.

Melting and softening point of polymer materials

S. No. Polymer material Softening Point Melting Point
1. PET 140 260
2. HDPE 120 130
3. Poly Urethane Linear 125 150 – 185
4. PP 110 165 – 170
5. 6, 10 Polyamide 180 210 – 215
6. 6, Polyamide 120 215 – 220
7. 6,6 Nylon 140 255
8. PC 200 220 – 360
9. PTFE 277 325 – 360

ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS
 The results of test for the elements other than carbon,
hydrogen and oxygen, namely nitrogen, sulphur, and
halogens serve to indicate the possible nature of the
unknown material
 It should be noted that the compounding ingredients
may contain elements which will also be detected and
thus give rise to a positive result. They may interfere
with the identification of the polymer. So additives free
extracted purified polymer should be used for elemental
analysis in order to identify exactly the nature of
polymer.
Carbon
Experiment: 0.05 gm of material is mixed with 0.2 gm of
potassium dichromate, 10 drops of phosphoric acid in a test tube.
Exclude air present by blowing with CO2 with N2 or O2. Heat the
solution in H2SO4 or glycerol bath at 200oC. Connect test tube to a
U – tube containing clear BaCl2 solution.
Observation: White precipitate of BaCo3
Inference: Carbon confirmed

Hydrogen
Experiment: Place little of the sample in a
micro test tube with few o-g- of pure sulphur
cover mouth strain with led-acetate paper.
Heat the solution in glycerol bath for 2 min.
Observation: Brown black strain
Inference: Hydrogen Confirmed

Oxygen
Experiment: Reagent preparation: Dissolve 1 gm of
ferric chloride and 1gm of potassium thiocyanate
separately in 10 ml of methanol. Mix the two solutions
and after standing for few hours filter of the KCl
precipitate. Dip strips of filter paper in methanol
solution. Dry it is air, Prepare fresh strips before test.
Several drops of liquid polymer or its solution are
placed on the paper prepared above (conduct a blank
also)
Observation: Deep wine red colour
Inference: Oxygen confirmed

Nitrogen
Experiment: 2 ml of the sodium fusion extract is
boiled with 3 drops of freshly prepared aqueous
ferrous sulphate (approx 5%) & then cooled,
after acidification with acid, a drop of 0.5N
aqueous ferric chloride is added
Observation: Blue precipitate
Inference: Nitrogen confirmed

Sulphur
Experiment: Three drops of freshly prepared
aqueous sodium nitroprusside (approx 5%) are
added to the test portion.
Observation: Violet colour
Inference: Sulphur confirmed

Chlorine & Bromine

Experiment: The test portion is acidified with 5N
Nitric acid; the solution is boiled for 2 min. 0.1 N
aqueous silver nitrate is then added.
Observation & Inference: A white precipitate
which is soluble in ammonia, Chlorine confirmed.
A yellow precipitate which is insoluble in
ammonia, Bromine confirmed.

Fluorine
Experiment: An aqueous solution of Zirconium nitrate
(0.1%) and alizarin reds (0.1%) is prepared. Filter
paper is immersed in the solution and then allowed to
dry. When required, a small piece of the paper is
moisturened with aqueous acetic acid (50%). The
solution to be tested is neutralized with 5N HCL and a
drop placed on the moistened test paper.
Observation: Red spot turns Yellow
Inference: Fluorine Confirmed.

Halogen: Copper wire test

 Take the piece of copper wire about 5 mm long. Push on
end of the wire in to a small cork. (The cork is used as a
handle so you are not touching a hot wire.
 Place one pellet or plastics sample near your Bunsen burner.
This is the sample you will be testing.
 Hold the free end of the copper wire in the burner flame
until it is red-hot and the flame no longer has a green
colour.
 Remove the wire from the flame and torch the hot wire to
the plastics pellet or sample you will be testing. A small
amount of the plastics should melt onto the wire. If the wire
sticks to the plastic sample, use a pair of tongs to remove it.
 Place the end of the wire, with small amount of plastic on it,
into the flame. You should see a slight flash of a luminous
flame (a yellow- orange colour). If the flame turns green in
colour, then the sample contains chlorine.
CONFIRMATION TEST - Thermoplastics
Tests for Polyolefins

A piece of dry sample is pyrolysed in a tube closed
with a filter paper which is drenched with a
solution of 0.5 g yellow mercury (II) oxide in
sulphuric acid (1.5 ml conc. Sulphuric acid added
to 8 ml. Water). If the vapour gives a golden
yellow spot, indicates polyisobutylene, butyl rubber
and polypropylene (the latter only after a few
minutes). Polyethylene does not react. Natural
and nitrile rubber, as well as polybutadiene yield a
brown spot.

Cont.
Test for Chlorine containing polymers

Heat a small amount of polymer in pyridine and
make a solution. Add few drops of 5% alcoholic
(Methanol) NaOH to a portion of boiling solution
and a portion of solution in cool condition.
Observe the change of colour taking place in the
solutions. Table 6 is the list of colours observed in
various chlorine containing polymers.

Cont.
Test for Caprolactum in Nylon 6

About 0.5 gm of sample is heated in 5.0 ml of
distilled water and allowed to boil for 10 to 15 min.
After cooling, 2-3 drops of con. H2SO4 is added
to 0.5 ml of the above solution followed by
addition of 2 ml. of potassium iodo bismuthate ( a
solution of 5 gm. Of basic bismuth nitrate and 25
gm. Of potassium iodide in 10 ml. of 2% H2SO4 ).
Precipitation of an orange red complex indicates
the presence of caprolactum.

Cont.
Test for Adipic acid in Nylon 6,6

About 0.2 gm of sample is heated in low flame in a test
tube and the vapour coming out of the tube is passed over
a filter paper moistened with a saturated solution of O-
nitrobenzaldehyde in 2N aqueous NaOH. A deep mauve
(violet) colour confirms the presence of adipic acid.
A yellowish green colour develops in the case of
polyethylenete rephthalate and polybutyleneterephthalate
confirming the presence of terephthalic acid.

Cont.
Test for Polycarbonate
About 1.0 gm of sample is pyrolysed in an ignition tube,
which is plugged with cotton. The cotton is removed and
immersed in 1% methanolic solution of p-dimethylamino
benzaldehyde and then one drop of 5 N-Hydrochloric acid
is added.
A dark blue colour appears in the case of polycarbonates.
A red colour that does not change to blue is observed in
the case of polyamides.
The cotton floak in which the prolysed vapours of the
sample absorbed is treated with dilute (1:1) HCI. An
intense red colour which is unaffected by methanol
indicates the presence of polycarbonate.

Cont.
Test for PMMA

About 1 gm of sample is heated in an ignition tube
and the pyrolysate is collected in a test tube
wrapped with a wet filter paper. To the distillate,
1 ml. of conc. HNO3 is added and heated just to
boiling. After cooling, 5 ml. of water is added an
then sodium nitrite (0.1 gm) is added. A blueish
green colour confirms the presence of
polymethylmethacrylate.

Cont.
Test for Polyacetals

Polyacetals produce formaldehyde on heating. A
small amount of sample is heated with 2 ml. conc.
Sulphuric acid and a few crystals of chromotropic
acid for about 10 min at 60 -70C. A strong violet
colour indicates formaldehyde.

Cont.
Tests for PET and PBT

PET and PBT are soluble in nitrobenzene. A small
sample is pyrolysed in a glass tube covered with
filter paper. The filter paper is drenched with a
saturated solution of O-nitroben zaldehyde in
dilute sodium hydroxide. A blue-green colour,
which is stable against dilute hydrochloric acid,
indicates terephthalic acid. Then PET and PBT are
differentiated based on melting points.

Cont.
Test for polyurethane

About 0.5 gm of sample is dissolved in 10
ml of glacial acetic acid and 0.1 gm of p-
dimethylamino benzaldehyde is added. The
solution turning yellow after several minutes
shows the presence of polyurethane.

Cont.
Test for polyurethane

About 0.5 gm of sample is dissolved in 10
ml of glacial acetic acid and 0.1 gm of p-
dimethylamino benzaldehyde is added. The
solution turning yellow after several minutes
shows the presence of polyurethane.

Cont.
Test for Cellulose in Cellulosics (Molisch

Reaction)
Sample is dissolved in acetone, reacted with 2 to 3
drops of 2% ethanolic solution of 1-napthol and a
few drops of conc. H2S04. is allowed to flow down
the wall of the test tube. Red to
Reddish brown ring at the interface indicates
cellulose.

Cont.
Test for acetates and propionates

The sample (about 0.2 gm) and few ml of Hydrochloric acid are
heated for 10 minutes and dilute ammonia is added to make
alkaline. One ml of this solution is reacted with 1":2 drops of a 5%
lanthanom nitrate solution and 1 drop of 0.1 N Iodine solutions.
A fast colour change to blue confirms the presence of acetates
and a brown colour indicates the presence of propionate. For
differentiation between cellulose acetate and cellulose acetate-
butyrate, it is usually sufficient to examine the vapour produced
by dry heating of the sample. The acetate smells like acetic acid,
the acetatebutryate has the smell of both acetic acid and butyric
acid (like rancid butter).

Cont.
Test for Cellulose Ethers:
The important cellulose ethers are Methyl cellulose, Ethyl.
Cellulose and Benzyl cellulose.
Reaction to Heating and Burning:
Cellulose ethers melt and char after heating and continuously
burn after ignition. Nature of flame and smell of the cellulose
ethers are as follows:
Methyl cellulose Brilliant yellow flame Odour of

burnt
Ethyl cellulose less brilliant flame accompanied by dripping
paper
Benzyl cellulose Brilliant sooty flame smells like bitter almonds

Cont.
Detection of Methyl Cellulose

The sample is treated with a 10% tannic acid solution. A
flaky (flocculent) precipitate confirms the presence of
methyl cellulose.
A sample is treated with Iodine - Potassium Iodide
solution. A colour change from violet brown to brown,
which disappears on the addition of strong NaOH
confirms the presence of methyl cellulose.

Cont.
Detection of Ethyl Cellulose:
The sample is treated with one drop of dichromate solution
(1.0 9 of potassium dichromate K2 Cr2 07 + 60 ml water +
7.5 ml of con. H2S04) and then heated to 100° C. The
mouth of the tube is covered with a filter paper moistened
with a mixture of equal volumes of 20% aqueous
morpholine solution and 5% aqueous sodium nitroprusside.
A blue colour indicates the presence of Ethyl Cellulose.

Cont.
Cellulose Nitrate
1 ml of water is added to a test tube containing about 1mg of
the sample & 2 ml of freshly prepared 0.2% solution of
enthrone in conc. H2S04 . A green colour changing to dark
blue is confirmed cellulose.
20ml of diphenylamine is dissolved in 1ml of conc H2S04.
Few drops of this are poured on to a small piece of the sample

on a spotting plate. Immediate development of intense blue
colour is confirmed Nitrate.
Wash the sample with hot water dissolve in conc. H2S04. Add
a small amount of resorcinol. A purple blue colour

development is confirmed Nitrate.

Cont.
Acrylonitrile – butadiene Styrene
The polymer (about 1 g) is refluxed with concentrated nitric acid (20 ml)
for 1 hr using a long air condenser in a fume cupboard. The mixture is
poured into water (100ml) and extracted with ether (2 x 25 ml) and the
aqueous extracts rejected. The ethereal layer is extracted with in aqueous
NaOH (2x25ml). The ethereal layer is rejected. The alkaline extracts are
combined and just acidified with concentrated HCl & then excess of acid
(20 ml) is added. Granulated zinc (5g) is added & the mixture heated on a
steam, bath for 20 min. The mixture is cooled freshly prepared sodium
nitrate (approx. 0.1g in 2 ml) added. The resulting solution is poured into
freshly prepared alkaline - Napthol solution (approx.0.05g in 10 ml SN
aqueous NaOH). The formation of vivid scarlet colour confirms the
presence of styrene.

Cont.
Casein
A sample about (0.02g) is dissolved in concentrated HNO3
(2ml) by boiling for about 5mn. The solution is cooled and
excess 5N ammonium hydroxide added. The formation of
orange colour confirms the presence of casein.

Cont.
Polyisobutylene
Filter paper is immersed in freshly prepared mercuric
sulphate solution (prepared by dissolving yellow mercuric
oxide (1g) in boiling 5N H2SO4 (20ml) and cooling before
use and used without drying. The paper is inserted in the
mouth of an ignition tube containing the polymer (about
0.2g). The tube is gently heated. The formation of Bright
yellow colour confirms the presence of Polyisobutylene.

Cont.
Polymethyl Methacrylate
A sample (about 0.1) is heated in an ignition tube and the
pyrolysate collected in a test tube wrapped in a wet filter
paper. To the distillate is added conc. HNO3 ( 1 ml) and the
mixture is heated just to boiling and then cooled water ( 5ml)
and then Sodium nitrite ( 0.1g) are added. The formation of
Blue colour confirms the presence of PMMA.

Cont.
Polyvinyl Acatate
An iodine reagent is prepared by dissolving iodine (0.1g) &
potassiumiodide (1g) in a mixture of water (10 ml) &
ethanol (10ml) and making upto 100 ml with 2N HCL.
The polymer (about 0.05g) is covered with the iodine
reagent (1ml). The effect is enhanced if water (10ml) is
added. The formation of Stained deep red colour confirms
the presence of Polyvinylacetate.

Cont.
Polyvinyl Alcohol
A Sample (about 0.02g) is dissolved in water 5ml and
iodine reagent described above (5 drops) added. The
formation of Blue colour confirms the presence of Polyvinyl
alcohol.

Cont.
Shellac
A sample (0.05g) is dissolved in ethanol (1ml) with
warming. To the cooled solution is added water (about
1ml) to give an emulsion like precipitate. 5N aqueous
NaOH 2 drops is added to the mixture. The colour change
is reversed on acidification with 5N HCL. The formation of
Violet - red colour confirms the presence of Shellac.

CONFIRMATION TEST - THERMOSET PLASTICS
Test for formaldehyde

A small amount of sample is boiled in water in presence of
H2S04and filtered. Few drops of 5% aqueous chromotropic
acid solution (1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene-3, 6-disulphonic
acid) and excess of cone. H2S04are added to the filterate
and heated at 1000 C for few minutes. In the presence of
formaldehyde, the solution turns violet/dark violet. Poly
(vinyl formal), polyoxymethylenes, PF, UF and MF resins
contain formaldehyde.

Cont.
Test for Phenol In PF

Million's Reagent:
About 10 gm of Hg is dissolved in 10 ml. of HN03 by gentle
heating and then diluted with 15 ml. of distilled water.
The sample is heated to boiling for two minutes with 1 ml.
of clear million's reagent. Red colour indicates the presence
of phenol in the sample.

Cont.
Test for Urea in UF

About 0.5 gm. of sample is refluxed for 30 min. with 20%
acetic acid (50 mI.). The mixture is cooled and filtered. To
the filterate added a solution of (2 ml.) xanthydrol in
methanol (1% solution) and boiled for 1-2 minutes. White
bulky precipitate confirms the presence of urea.

Cont.
Test for Melamine in MF

About 0.5 gm of sample is refluxed with 80% acetic acid
(25 ml.) for 30 min., cooled and filtered. Then the filterate
is evaporated to dryness and added 2 ml. of water, cooled
and filtered. To the filtrate one drop of saturated aqueous
picric acid is added. Yellow precipitate indicates the
presence of melamine.

Cont.
Tests for Epoxy Resin

Foucry Test:
About 0.25 gm. of sample is dissolved in 98% H2S04
by slight warming. After cooling 1 ml. of 63% HN03 is
added. After shaking, the mixture is poured into 100
ml. of 5% aqueous NaOH. A bright red or orange red
colour indicates the presence of epoxy resin.

Cont.
Tests for Alkyd Resins

Oil modified polyesters are called as alkyd resins. Since
in most of the Alkyd resins, phthalic anhydride is used
as the major polybasic constituent the presence of
phthalic anhydride is identified by the following test.

Cont.
Test for Phthalate

The sample (0.1 gm) is carefully melted in a test
tube with 0.3 gm. of crystalline ptlenol.,and one drop
of concentrated sulphuric acid. After cooling, the melt
is dissolved in water (10-20 ml) and the solution is
made alkaline with 5% NaOH. A red colour indicates
the pthalate which confirms the alkayd resins.

CONFIRMATION TEST - RUBBERS
Chloroprene rubber (CR)

Shake 250 gm of sample with 2 ml of iodine solution. If
violet colour fades within 2 to 3 minutes. It indicates
CR. A persistent green flame with copper wire during
burning indicates chlorine.

Cont.
SBR- NR-IR
If 2 ml of chloroform show appreciable darkening
when shaken with 200 mg of sample of vulcanized
rubber product, and repeat pyrolysis test.

Cont.
NR- IR
Extract a fresh portion of sample with acetone, and swell the
extracted sample in a little chloroform and add few drop of
bromine and wait for 2 min . add about 1 gm phenol and
warm on a stream bath to remove chloroform a blue to red
– violet colour indicate NR/IR.

Cont.
SBR
Boil 2 gm of dried, acetone-extracted sample under reflux with 20 ml
HNO3 for 1 hr, and add 100 ml of water. Extract with 50, 25, 25 ml
portions of diethyl ether. Combine the ether extracts and wash twice with
15 ml of water and extract with 15 ml portion of NaOH solution and finally
extract with 20 ml of water.Discard the ether, combine the sodium
hydroxide extract and water washing, make just acid with HCl and add 20
ml in excess. Heat on a stream bath and reduce the nitro benzoic acid by
adding 5 gm on granulated zinc. Make ther solution alkaline with the
NaOH solutionto just dissolve the precipitate. Extract twice with ether
and discard the ether. Make the aqueous solution acid with HCl, cool to
room temperature and add 2 ml of NaNO2 solution. Pour this diazotized
solution into an excess of solution of B- Napthol in NaOH. A vivid scarlet
colour indicates SBR.

Cont.
IIR
Place about 1 gm of dried, acetone extracted sample in a
tube and decompose it by heating and pass on the vapours
to seconds test tube placed in icxe, from these, the vapour
are transferred to another tube contains 0.5 gm of
mercuric acetate in 15 ml of methanol, evaporate the
methanol and boil the residue with 25 ml petroleum ether
and get petroleum ether extract and evaporate petroleum
ether to get mercuric derivate with melting point of 55
degree centigrade.

Identification code of plastics

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Chemical resistance is define in terms of stability of properties in contact
with chemicals like water, oxidizing agents, oils, lubricants, industrial
solvents and food stuffs.
The Interaction of chemicals with plastics can take place in different
ways, affecting adversely their useful properties at varying rates and to
varying degrees. The mechanisms involved can be chemical reaction,
solvation, absorption, plasticization and stress cracking. The strength of
the chemical bonds, the degree of crystallinity, branching, and polarity are
the deciding factors for the chemical resistance of polymers. Rise in
temperature increases the rate of chemical interaction.

IMMERSION TEST
Acetone immersion test
Significance This test method is applicable only for
distinguishing between inadequately fused and adequately
fused PVC.
Test Method
ASTMD 2152: Adequacy of fusion of extruded poly (vinyl
chloride) PVC pipe and moulded fittings by acetone
immersion.
Test Specimen
Specimen shall be a size that is convenient to immersion in
the test container but not less than 13 mm in height.

Conditioning
Specimen shall be kept in an oven for 24 h at 50 ± 30 C,
cooled in desiccators and immediately weigh to the nearest
0.001 g.
Equipment
•Weighing balance: up to 0.001 g precision
•Micrometer flat ended: up to 0.025 mm precision
Reagents
Acetone: maximum density of 0.7857 g /ml at 25 0 C.

Procedure
• Place sufficient dried acetone in to the container to
ensurte complete immersion of the specimen
• Place the test specimen in the acetone, seal the
container and do not agitate. Allow specimen to stand
immersed for 20 min.
• After 20 min remove the specimen from the container ad
subject for sign of attack.
• Attack is described as lifting, raising or removing of any
material outside surface inside surface or mid wall of the
specimen. Swelling surface of test specimen shall not be
considering attack.

Result
Results can be expressed in terms of lifting, raising or
removing of any material outside surface inside surface
or mid wall of the specimen.
Factors influencing
• Thickness of the specimen
• Test condition: Temperature, Time (with in
saturation)
• Concentration of chemical.

IMMERSION TEST
Acetic Acid immersion test
Significance: This test is applicable for distinguishing
between specimens that are highly stressed and specimen
that are not provided that other conditions are the same.
Test Method
ASTMD 1939: Determining residual stresses in extruded or
moulded Acrylonitrile- Butadiene- Styrene (ABS) parts by
immersion in Glacial Acetic Acid.
Test Specimen
Specimen shall be complete moulding or a cut piece of the
extrusion or moulding of sufficient size to not influencing the
stress being observed. .

Conditioning
Specimen shall be kept in an oven for 24 h at 50 ± 30 C,
cooled in desiccators and immediately weigh to the nearest
0.001 g.
Equipment
•Weighing balance: up to 0.001 g precision
•Micrometer flat ended: up to 0.025 mm precision
Reagents
Glacial Acetic Acid: 99.7% assay.

Procedure
• Place the acetic acid in container to ensure complete
immersion of the specimen.
• Place test specimen in to the acitic acid for 30 s.
• At the end of time, remove and rince the specimen at
once in running water, wipe dry.
• Then carefully observe the cracking.
• If no crack the keep another specimen and observe
cracking at interval of 90 s, 2 min with same way.

Result
Results can be expressed in terms of no cracking, slight
cracking, moderate cracking , extensive cracking.
Factors influencing
• Thickness of the specimen
• Test condition: Temperature, Time (with in
saturation)
• Concentration of chemical.

SOLVENT STRESS CRACKING RESISTANCE
The solvent stress cracking resistance of plastics is a

prime consideration in selecting the proper material..
Most polymers will undergo stress cracking when
exposed to certain chemical environments under high
stress for a given period of time. Such cracking will
occur even though some chemicals have no effect on
unstressed parts and, therefore, simple immersion of
test specimens is an inadequate measure of chemical
resistance of polymers.

Figure Jig for solvent stress cracking test

This method employs a specimen of size 4 X 1 X 0.03 in. strapped

to an elliptical jig. The entire assembly, as shown in Figure, is
immersed in a reagent. Because of the elliptical design of the jig,
the stress at the high end of the jig is extremely low. Conversely,
the stress at the low end of the jig is extremely high. The level of
stress in the specimen at different points on the jig can be
calculated. After 1 min, the specimen is observed for crazing. The
point at which the crazing stops is considered the critical stress
point. The critical stress value at this point is determined from a
previously calculated value. If no crazing is observed after 1 min,
the test is continued for several hours. The test may also be carried
out at elevated temperatures to accelerate the stress-cracking
process. The biggest advantage of this method is that one can look
at the stress-cracking process over the entire range of stress
values using only one specimen.

Case study: Solvent stress crack resistance of HIPS is

studied in n- butane and air, and stress relaxation with
time to rupture is presented herewith

References:
 Vishu shah, “Hand Book of Plastics Testing Technology”
second edition, John Willy & Sons, 1998.
 Related Indian & International Standard.
 Handbook of plastics test methods, R.P.Brown, George
Goodwin Publication
 Testing and Evaluation of Plastics, A. B. Mathur, I. S.
Bhardwaj, Allied Publication, New Delhi.
 Allen. W.S and Baker, P.N, “Hand Book of Plastics
Technology” Vol.2, CBS Publishers, New Delhi, 2004


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IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL

CENTRAL INSTITUTE OF PLASTICS ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, CHENNAI Home

the properties of the basic polymer.

that can be manufactured to get the required properties.

CENTRAL INSTITUTE OF PLASTICS ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, CHENNAI Home

 hot wire penetration test

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IDENTIFICATION BY SIMPLE METHOD

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powders, it may probably a thermoset plastic.

 Does not scuff with fingernail - Melamine formaldehyde

CENTRAL INSTITUTE OF PLASTICS ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, CHENNAI Home

HOT ROD PENETRATION TEST

 Heat an electronic soldering iron to red hot and press

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Floats on type Alcohol Vegetable oil water glycerin

Note:Filled polyolefin’s and cellular foams are exceptional

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CENTRAL INSTITUTE OF PLASTICS ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, CHENNAI Home

Metallic sound dull sound

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Degree of flammability burns

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Typical results of burning tests of polymers (thermoplastics)

PP Becomes soft, tends to Yellow with blue base Waxy smell,

PTFE Does not melt, self – Will not burn None

CENTRAL INSTITUTE OF PLASTICS ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, CHENNAI Home

Typical results of burning tests of polymers (thermoplastics) cont.

CN Melts and emits white smoke – Hot, White Camphor (Mothball)

CENTRAL INSTITUTE OF PLASTICS ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, CHENNAI Home

Acetal Melts, forms drops, Burns Pale blue Pungent smell of

Casein Swells and chars on Yellow, Grey smoke Burning milk

CENTRAL INSTITUTE OF PLASTICS ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, CHENNAI Home

Typical results of burning tests of polymers (thermoset)

Thermoset Colour of Flame/ kind of smoke Odour/ smell

Epoxy Yellow flame, Black smoke Charred flour

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Typical results of burning tests of polymers (Elastomer)

Elastomer Colour of flame/ smoke Odour/ smell Other notable

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CR Yellow Pale Yellow Green Red

Floats in water (S.G. 1) Specific Gravity ≤ 1

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CENTRAL INSTITUTE OF PLASTICS ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, CHENNAI Home

PLASTIC MATERIAL SOLVENTS

SOFTENING AND MELTING POINTS

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Melting and softening point of polymer materials

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CENTRAL INSTITUTE OF PLASTICS ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, CHENNAI Home

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Chlorine & Bromine

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Halogen: Copper wire test

CONFIRMATION TEST - Thermoplastics

Tests for Polyolefins