ASTM D3900-05a
Standard Test Methods for Rubber-Determination of Ethylene Units in Ethylene-Propylene Copolymers (EPM) and in Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Terpolymers (EPDM) by Infrared Spectrometry

Standard No.

ASTM D3900-05a

Release Date

2005

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM D3900-05a(2010)

Latest

ASTM D3900-17(2021)

Scope

These test methods can be used for determining which EPDM polymers are evaluated in the different compounds in Test Methods D 3568.

Differences in ethylene sequence distribution cause differences in crystallinity and green strength at the same ethylene content. Since these are important variables in EPM and EPDM processability and end-use properties, the ethylene content of the rubber should not be used as the sole measurement to determine the suitability of a particular rubber for an intended purpose.

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the proportion of ethylene and propylene units in ethylene-propylene copolymers (EPM) and ethylene-propylenediene terpolymers (EPDM) over the range from 35 to 85 mass % ethylene. Four test methods are needed to encompass the variety of commercial polymers that contain additives or polymerized diene units that interfere with the various infrared peaks. Except when interferences are present, all four test methods should give similar results. The test methods appear in the following order:

1.1.1 Pressed Film Test Methods

	Sections
Test Method A-For EPM and EPDM between 35 and 70 mass % ethylene
Test Method B-For EPM and EPDM between 60 and 85 mass % ethylene, except for ethylene/propylene/1,4-hexadiene terpolymers
Test Method C-For all EPM and EPDM polymers between 35 and 85 mass % ethylene, using near infrared

1.1.2 Cast Film Test Methods

Test Method D-For all EPM and EPDM polymers between 35 and 85 mass % ethylene, except for ethylene/propylene/1,4-hexadiene terpolymers

1.2 These test methods are not applicable to oil-extended EPDM unless the oil is first removed in accordance with Test Method D.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

ASTM D3900-05a Referenced Document

• ASTM D297 Standard Test Methods for Rubber Products-Chemical Analysis
• ASTM D3568 Standard Test Methods for Rubber8212;Evaluation of EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymers) Including Mixtures With Oil
• ASTM D4483 Standard Practice for Determining Precision for Test Method Standards in the Rubber and Carbon Black Industries
• ASTM E168 Standard Practices for General Techniques of Infrared Quantitative Analysis

ASTM D3900-05a history

• 2021 ASTM D3900-17(2021) Standard Test Methods for Rubber—Determination of Ethylene Units in Ethylene-Propylene Copolymers (EPM) and in Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Terpolymers (EPDM) by Infrared Spectrometry
• 2017 ASTM D3900-17 Standard Test Methods for Rubber—Determination of Ethylene Units in Ethylene-Propylene Copolymers (EPM) and in Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Terpolymers (EPDM) by Infrared Spectrometry
• 2015 ASTM D3900-15 Standard Test Methods for Rubber&x2014;Determination of Ethylene Units in Ethylene-Propylene Copolymers (EPM) and in Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Terpolymers (EPDM) by Infrared Spectrometry
• 2005 ASTM D3900-05a(2010) Standard Test Methods for Rubber-Determination of Ethylene Units in Ethylene-Propylene Copolymers (EPM) and in Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Terpolymers (EPDM) by Infrared Spectrometry
• 2005 ASTM D3900-05a Standard Test Methods for Rubber-Determination of Ethylene Units in Ethylene-Propylene Copolymers (EPM) and in Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Terpolymers (EPDM) by Infrared Spectrometry
• 2005 ASTM D3900-05 Standard Test Methods for Rubber-Determination of Ethylene Units in Ethylene-Propylene Copolymers (EPM) and in Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Terpolymers (EPDM) by Infrared Spectrometry
• 2004 ASTM D3900-95(2004)e1 Standard Test Methods for Rubber-Determination of Ethylene Units in Ethylene-Propylene Copolymers (EPM) and in Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Terpolymers (EPDM) by Infrared Spectrometry
• 1995 ASTM D3900-95(2000) Standard Test Methods for Rubber Raw-Determination of Ethylene Units in EPM (Ethylene-Propylene Copolymers) and EPDM (Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Terpolymers)