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D2288-97 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📐 Test Conditions and Specimen Preparation
This test method, designated D2288-97 (Reapproved 2001), covers the determination of relative volatility of plasticizers or volatile contaminants at elevated temperatures. The text references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory material but are not considered requirements. Conditioning of test specimens is performed at 23 ± 2°C (73.4 ± 3.6°F) and 50 ± 5% relative humidity for not less than 40 hours prior to test, in accordance with Procedure A of Practice D 618. In cases of disagreement, stricter tolerances of ±1°C and ±2% relative humidity apply.
The test temperatures shall be either 105 ± 1°C (221 ± 2°F) for volatile plasticizers or 155 ± 2°C (310 ± 5°F) for permanent-type plasticizers. It is important to note that volatile and permanent-type plasticizers should not be tested together to avoid weight gain from absorption of volatiles. There are no ISO standards covering the primary subject of this test method.
| 🟦 Parameter | 📏 Value |
|---|---|
| Test Temperature (Volatile Plasticizers) | 105 ± 1°C (221 ± 2°F) |
| Test Temperature (Permanent-Type Plasticizers) | 155 ± 2°C (310 ± 5°F) |
| Heating Periods | 2, 4, and 24 hours |
| Specimen Dish Size | 50 mm diameter × 35 mm height |
| Conditioning Duration | Not less than 40 hours |
⚙️ Apparatus and Test Procedure
The apparatus requires a forced-ventilation laboratory oven, Type II, Grade A, as specified in Specification E 145, with a rotating turntable driven at 2 to 6 rpm. Crystallizing dishes of 50 mm (2 in.) diameter and 35 mm (1 3/8 in.) height are used to contain the plasticizer specimens.
Plasticizers are heated in the dishes on the rotating turntable at the selected temperature. After heating periods of 2, 4, and 24 hours, the specimens are removed from the oven, cooled to room temperature in a desiccator, and weighed. The weight loss is determined for each interval and reported as percent plasticizer loss. The quantity of volatile components measured influences fuming during processing and the retention of flexibility in the end product.
| 📐 Apparatus Component | ⚡ Specification |
|---|---|
| Oven Type | Forced-ventilation, Type II, Grade A |
| Turntable Speed | 2 to 6 rpm |
| Dish Dimensions | 50 mm diameter × 35 mm height |
💡 Tip: Due to the difficulty of controlling air flow, results may vary between ovens. Always run control plasticizers simultaneously for accurate comparisons. Volatility is highly dependent upon air flow and temperature.
📊 Weight Loss Calculation and Reporting
The weight loss at each heating interval is calculated as a percentage of the initial specimen weight. Results are reported as percent plasticizer loss after 2, 4, and 24 hours. The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.15 on Thermoplastic Materials.
Results obtained by this test method are not strictly equivalent to those obtained during processing where conditions of temperature and air flow are quite different. This test method may be used to measure volatile components under closely controlled conditions.
⚠️ Warning: This standard does not purport to address all safety concerns. It is the responsibility of the user to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What is the purpose of the D2288-97 test method?
This test method measures the relative volatility of plasticizers or volatile contaminants at elevated temperatures, which influences fuming during processing and the retention of flexibility in the end product.
💡 How should plasticizer specimens be conditioned before testing?
Condition specimens at 23 ± 2°C and 50 ± 5% relative humidity for at least 40 hours, following Procedure A of Practice D 618. Stricter tolerances apply in cases of disagreement.
⚡ What are the standard test temperatures used?
The test temperatures are 105 ± 1°C for volatile plasticizers and 155 ± 2°C for permanent-type plasticizers. Do not test both types together to avoid absorption of volatiles.
📌 Why is it important to run control plasticizers simultaneously?
Due to variability in oven air flow between different ovens, control samples ensure accurate comparisons when assessing volatility. Volatility is highly dependent on air flow and temperature.