ASTM D 3900 - 15 Standard Test Methods for Rubber - Determination of Ethylene Units in Ethylene- Propylene Copolymers (EPM) and in Ethylene-Propylene- Diene Terpolymers (EPDM) by Infrared Spectrometry

Current edition approved June 1, 2015. Published July 2015. Originally approved in 1980. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as D3900 – 05a (2010). — 11 p.
These test methods cover the determination of the proportion of ethylene and propylene units in ethylenepropylene 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:
Pressed Film Test Methods:
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
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
These test methods are not applicable to oil-extended EPDM unless the oil is first removed in accordance with Test Method D.