PE-HD, Identification of Cable Tubing and Recycled Material
Sample
Two different types of tubing for automobiles and recycled material said to be PE-HD
Conditions
Measuring Cell: DSC20
Pan: Aluminum standard 40 ul, pierced lid
Sample preparation: Disk cut from material
DSC measurement: Heating from 30 to 250°C at 10 K/min
Atmosphere: Nitrogen, 50 cm3/min
Evaluation
Interpretation
The DSC melting curves of all three samples are characteristic for PE-HD.
Conclusions
The DSC melting curve allows PE-HD to be clearly identified. The defective tubing is also made of the correct material. to eliminate the effects of thermal history, the samples should be premelted and then cooled at identical rates, e.g. 10 K/min.
Recycled material is not delivered in properly labeled original manufacturer's packaging material. It is therefore very important to confirm that the polymer is the right material. The recycled material must also be checked to make sure that the initial processing and the recycling did not degrade the quality to a significant extent.
PE-HD, Identification of Cable Tubing and Recycled Material | Thermal Analysis Application No. HB206 | Application published in METTLER TOLEDO TA Application Handbook Thermoplastics