Moisture Methods Plastic EN PDF

Method Collection
Determination of
Moisture Content
in Plastics
Precise
Practical
Chemical-free
Plastics
Methods for HX204
Content Moisture Determination Method Collection
Moisture Determination Method Collection 2

Use of HX204 3
Recommendation for Application 4
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) 5
Explanation of Diagrams 6

Moisture Determination Methods for:
PC (Polycarbonate) 7
POM (Polyoxymethylene) 8
ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) 9
ABS + PC (Blend) 10
PA6 (Polyamide 6), ecru 11
(Photograph courtesy of Wild & Küpfer AG Switzerland)
PA6 (Polyamide 6), grey 12
Moisture determination of plastics is an important step for the injection molding process.
PA6.6 (Polyamide 6.6) 13
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) 14
PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) 15
PMMA (Polymethyl methacrylate) 16
TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane) 17
HX204 in plastics industry
Both manufacturers of plastic parts and their clients focus on quality and
TPV (Thermoplastic vulcanizate) 18
rapid production processes. The right moisture content of your raw mate-
PA46 (Polyamide 46) 19 rials ensures trouble-free compounding and injection molding, smooth
PA12 (Polyamide 12) 20 surfaces and ideal mechanical properties of the injection-molded parts.
PEI (Polyether Imide) 21 With the HX204 Moisture Analyzer METTLER TOLEDO offers the ideal
TPE (Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer) 22 instrument for a simple and accurate moisture content determination
on the factory floor.
Indeed using a halogen moisture analyzer to determine moisture

content in plastics is a recognized test method described in ASTM
standard D6980-12 "Standard Test Method for Determination of
Moisture in Plastics by Loss in Weight".
All methods and analysis were performed by

William McGovern, Ph.D., Application Specialist
METTLER TOLEDO North America
Disclaimer
We carefully developed the methods with METTLER TOLEDO HX204 Halogen Moisture Analyzer and Karl-Fischer titra-
tor. However, you should still test the information provided for its suitability to your intended purpose. As the use and
transfer of an application are beyond our control, we cannot accept responsibility for this. The general safety rules and
precautions of the manufacturer (e.g. for chemicals or solvents) must be observed.
METTLER TOLEDO
Method Collection Plastics
2
How to Use HX204 Moisture Analyzer
Moisture determination with HX204

Position HX204 instrument at suitable location, connect it to the power supply and give it 30 minutes for accli-
matization. Level and adjust balance and heating module. Use the recommended standard settings for plastics
(page 4). After switch-on and preheating period of 15 minutes the instrument is ready for use.
Place the aluminum sample pan in the instrument, preheat it for 1 minute at the standby temperature 100 °C
and tare it. Distribute the sample fast and evenly in the sample pan and start the drying process. For simplifica-
tion and acceleration of your daily work it is useful to program all settings for a particular material in the HX204.
You can recall the method at a keystroke and HX204 operates with the corresponding settings.
Typically, the switch-off criterion is activated 30 seconds after starting the measurement. When testing plastics
with very low moisture content and high sample weight this may lead to premature stop of the measurement
because there is not enough moisture evaporating after 30 seconds. To avoid that, the method parameter “SOC-
Delay” is set to 5 minutes to give the sample time to heat up. Literature: ASTM D6980-12
For further product and application

information please visit
www.mt.com/moisture
Reference method Karl Fischer titration

To determine the reference value the coulometric Karl Fischer titrator C30 from METTLER TOLEDO was used.
In combination with the Stromboli oven sample changer the C30 enables up to 14 samples to be titrated in
unattended operation. The samples were automatically transferred into a temperature controlled oven from
where the evolved water is transferred to the titration cell via an applied nitrogen flow. The Software LabX Titra-
tion was used for instrument control and data management. Literature: ASTM D 6869-03
For further product and application

information please visit
www.mt.com/Karl-Fischer
METTLER TOLEDO
3
Recommendations for HX204
Recommended standard settings for all plastics

Drying program: Standard
Switch-off criterion: 5 (1mg/140s)
SOC delay: 5 min (delay of switch-off criterion)*
Sample weight: 30 g
Resolution: High (0.1 mg)
Preheating: Standby, 100 °C
Preheat aluminium sample pan for 1 min at standby temperature, then tare it.
* During the 5 minutes of the switch-off criterion delay (SOC delay) the sample is thoroughly heated. Only after passing the SOC delay the
switch-off criterion is active. This avoids premature measurement termination.
Material specific drying temperature (T1)

Select a temperature such that moisture evaporates and result matches the reference value obtained by Karl-
Fischer titration. Melted material or color changes are indications of too high temperatures. However, sometimes
browning of the sample cannot be avoided as in the case of polyamides.
Left photograph shows a well chosen drying temperature, material is neither melted nor has the color changed.
The photograph on the right clearly shows signs of burning and therefore too high temperatures (melted mate-
rial, color changes).
Sample handling
If sample is not analyzed immediately, store sample material in airtight container, fill the container completely
in order to reduce the amount of air in the container and thereby minimize uptake of moisture during storage.
METTLER TOLEDO
4
Frequently Asked Questions
Question Answer
Can I use the same method for a plastic which is Reinforced plastics contain glass or other materials
reinforced as for a non-reinforced? which do not interfere. Therefore, you can use the
same method.
I have a colored resin, can I use the same Adaptation of temperature due to different absorption
parameters as applied for the uncolored resin? characteristics is suggested, e.g. for a black resin use
a heating temperature which is approx. 10°C lower
compared with a white resin.
How about determination of moisture content of Because the thermogravimetric measuring principle
plastics containing plasticizers? recognizes the loss of plasticizers as moisture, special
care needs to be taken. E.g., if possible, dry with low
temperatures so plasticizers do not evaporate.
I am using Karl-Fischer titration with an oven; The oven temperature from Karl-Fischer titration cannot
can I use this oven temperature for HX204 be transferred one-to-one to the HX204. Our experi-
ence shows that the heating temperature of the HX204
is approximately 30°C lower.
There is an existing method for a polymer from a The existing method is a good indication, but an adap-
specific resin supplier available. Can I use this method tion may be needed as the composition of polymers
for the same polymer but from a different supplier? from different suppliers can vary.
METTLER TOLEDO
5
Explanation of Diagrams
The measurement performance of the HX204 Moisture Analyzer is

illustrated with a diagram for each substance showing the drying curve in
reference to the results obtained with Karl Fischer Titration.
2 samples of substance with 2

different moisture contents (dry,
humid) are tested.
Karl Fischer Titration
Result for "humid"
0.40
0.40
0.35
0.35
0.300.30 humid
HX204 result for
0.25
0.25
"humid"
%MC
%MC
0.20
0.20
0.15
0.15
0.100.10
0.050.05 dry
0.00
HX204 result for "dry"
0.00 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600
0 200 400 600 800
Time [s] 1000 1200 1400
Suggested maximal moisture content
Karl Fischer Titration Time[s] according to manufacturer's recommendation
Result for "dry"
The resolution of the HX204 is 0.001% MC (Moisture Content) or 10 ppm. 10 ppm = 0.001% MC
The conversion of % MC to ppm may be required: 100 ppm = 0.01% MC
1000 ppm = 0.1% MC
Explanation of diagram
• Six samples of a substance are tested, each sample with a different moisture content (dry, humid).
• The moisture content as determined with Karl Fischer Titration (green line, average value)
• The moisture content as determined using the HX204 Moisture Analyzer (blue lines, each line represents
one measurement).
• The red line indicates the typical value for the maximum admissible moisture content for processing of pellets.
Always refer to the instructions of the materials supplier for the specific value for a material.
Specific sample requirements

The maximum permissible moisture content of pellets for processing must always be based on the manufacturer
instructions. Values noted herein are only typical values and may not be suitable for your specific material or
process.
The drying parameters noted have been determined by testing of common plastics. It is not intended that these
parameters are inclusive for every grade or color of every plastic. Optimization of drying method parameters
may be needed for best results with a specific material.
METTLER TOLEDO
6
PC (Polycarbonate)
Description of sample
PC, white
Measurement results for 2 different moisture contents

0.3
0.3
0.25
0.25
0.2
0.2
%MC
%MC
0.15
0.15
0.10.1
0.05
0.05
00 0 200 400 600 800 1000

0 200 400 Time [s] 600 800 1000
Time [s]
Method parameter HX204 Measurement results
Drying program Standard Condition 1 Condition 2

Drying temperature 130 °C HX204 KF titration HX204 KF titration
Switch-off criterion 5 (1 mg/140 s) %MC 0.164 0.164 0.018 0.010
SOC Delay 5 min. SD 0.003 0.001 0.001 0.001
Sample weight 30 g Time [min] 18 30 7 30
Resolution High (0.1 mg)
Preheating 100 °C
Commercial name Suggested max. moisture Humidity absorption Description*

for processing [%]* (23˚C/50rH) [%]*
Lexan® 141R 0.02 0.15 medium viscosity
* Information obtained from manufacturer.
Blue curves: Drying curves measured with the HX204 Moisture Analyzer
Green lines: Moisture results obtained by Karl-Fischer titration
Red line: Typical value for maximum moisture content for processing
METTLER TOLEDO
7
POM (Polyoxymethylene)
POM, ecru

0.40
0.40
0.35
0.35
0.30
0.30
0.25
0.25
%MC
0.20
%MC
0.20
0.15
0.15
0.10
0.10
0.05
0.05
0.00
0.00
0
0 200
200 400
400 600
600 800
800 1000
1000 1200
1200 1400
1400
Time [s]
Time [s]

SOC Delay 5 min. SD 0.001 0.002 0.001 0.003
Preheating 100 °C

Hostaform C9021 0.2 0.2 High rigidity, good

chemical resistance, high
resistance to thermal and
oxidative degradation, low
moisture absorption
METTLER TOLEDO
8
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
ABS, white

0.40
0.40
0.35
0.35
0.30
0.30
0.25
0.25
%MC
0.20
0.20
%MC
0.15
0.15
0.10
0.10
0.05
0.05
0.00
0.00 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600
0 200 400 600 Time [s] 800 1000 1200 1400
Time [s]

Drying temperature 125 °C HX204 "KF titration" HX204 "KF titration"
SOC Delay 5 min. SD 0.003 0.006 0.001 0.002
Preheating 100 °C

Novodur® P2H-AT 0.2 – Standard impact
strength, easy flowing,
high gloss, contains
antistatic additives
Conclusion With the HX204 Halogen Moisture Analyzer plastic pellets can be verified reliable, easy
and fast according to the manufacturer's specification on maximum moisture content
for processing (e.g. injection molding).
METTLER TOLEDO
9
ABS + PC (Blend)
ABS+PC, white

0.40
0.40
0.35
0.35
0.30
0.30
0.25
0.25
%MC
0.20
0.20
%MC
0.15
0.15
0.10
0.10
0.05
0.05
0.00
0.00
00 200
200
400
400 600
600 800
Time [s]
800 1000 1000
1200
1200
1400
1400
1600
Time [s]

SOC Delay 5 min. SD 0.003 0.004 0.001 0.002
Preheating 100 °C

Cycoloy® C1000A 0.02 0.2 Excellent processability,
platable
METTLER TOLEDO
10
PA6 (Polyamide 6)
PA6, ecru

0.60
0.60
0.50
0.50
0.40
0.40
%MC
0.30
0.30
%MC
0.20
0.20
0.10
0.10
0.00
0.00
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
0 500 1000 1500
Time [s] 2000 2500 3000
Time [s]

SOC Delay 5 min. SD 0.003 0.006 0.002 0.002
Preheating 100 °C

Schulamid® 6 MV 0.2 2.3 Medium viscosity
METTLER TOLEDO
11
PA6 (Polyamide 6)
PA6, grey

0.50
0.50
0.45
0.45
0.40
0.40
0.35
0.35
0.30
0.30
%MC
%MC
0.25
0.25
0.20
0.20
0.15
0.15
0.10
0.10
0.05
0.05
0.00
0.00
00 500
500
1000
1000
1500
1500
2000
2000
Time [s]
Time [s]

SOC Delay 5 min. SD 0.002 0.004 0.002 0.001
Preheating 100 °C

Grilon BS/2 0.1 3 Good flow behaviour,
easy processing, good
sliding friction charac-
teristics
METTLER TOLEDO
12
PA6.6 (Polyamide 6.6)
PA6.6 - GF30, ecru

0.50
0.50
0.45
0.45
0.40
0.40
0.35
0.35
0.30
0.30
%MC
0.25
0.25
%MC
0.20
0.20
0.15
0.15
0.10
0.10
0.05
0.05
0.00
0.00
0
0
200
200
400
400
600
600
Time [s]
800
800
1000
1000
1200
1200
Time [s]

SOC Delay 5 min. SD 0.002 0.004 0.001 0.002
Preheating 100 °C

Zytel® 0.2 1.9 30% glass fiber rein-
70G30HSLR NC010 forced, heat stabilized,
lubricated, hydrolysis
resistant
METTLER TOLEDO
13
PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate)
PBT, light-grey

0.50
0.50
0.45
0.45
0.40
0.40
0.35
0.35
0.30
0.30
0.25
%MC
%MC
0.25
0.20
0.20
0.15
0.15
0.10
0.10
0.05
0.05
0.00
0.00
0
0 200
200
400
400 600
600
Time [s]
800
800 1000
1000 1200
1200
Time [s]

SOC Delay 5 min. SD 0.002 0.002 0.001 0.001
Preheating 100 °C

Crastin® 0.04 0.2 20% glass bead filled,
SO653 NC010 low moisture absorp-
tion, lubricated, warp
resistant
METTLER TOLEDO
14
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
PET, transparent

0.60
0.60
0.50
0.50
0.40
0.40
%MC
%MC
0.30
0.30
0.20
0.20
0.10
0.10
0.00
0.00
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
0 200 400 600Time [s] 800 1000 1200
Time [s]

SOC Delay 5 min. SD 0.002 0.006 0.001 0.001
Preheating 100 °C

Eastar EN058 0.05 0.19 Copolymer, crystalline
METTLER TOLEDO
15
PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate)
PMMA, transparent

0.70
0.70
0.60
0.60
0.50
0.50
0.40
0.40
%MC
%MC
0.30
0.30
0.20
0.20
0.10
0.10
0.00
0.00
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
0 500 1000 1500
Time [s]
2000 2500 3000
Time [s]

SOC Delay 5 min. SD 0.004 0.004 0.001 0.001
Preheating 100 °C

Lucryl G 55 0.1
METTLER TOLEDO
16
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
TPU, ecru
0.70
0.70
0.60
0.60
0.50
0.50
%MC
0.40
0.40
%MC
0.30
0.30
0.20
0.20
0.10
0.10
0.00
0.00
00 200
200 400
400 600600 Time [s] 800800 10001000 1200 1200
Time [s]

SOC Delay 5 min. SD 0.003 0.003 0.001 0.003
Preheating 100 °C

Desmopan 9370AU 0.1 – hydrolysis and micro-
bial resistance, free
from plasticizers
METTLER TOLEDO
17
TPV (Thermoplastic vulcanizate)
TPV, ecru

0.50
0.50
0.45
0.45
0.40
0.40
0.35
0.35
0.30
0.30
%MC
%MC
0.25
0.25
0.20
0.20
0.15
0.15
0.10
0.10
0.05
0.05
0.00
0.00
0
0
200
200
400
400
600
600
800
800
Time [s]
1000
1000
1200
1200
1400
1400
Time [s]

SOC Delay 5 min. SD 0.002 0.006 0.003 0.001
Preheating 100 °C

Santoprene TPV 0.08 – Good chemical and heat

241-73 aging resistance, recycla-
ble, ozone resistant, flexible
at low temperature
METTLER TOLEDO
18
PA46 (Polyamide 46)
PA46, ecru

0.60
0.60
0.50
0.50
0.40
0.40
%MC
%MC
0.30
0.30
0.20
0.20
0.10
0.10
0.00
0.00
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
0 500 1000 1500Time [s]
2000 2500 3000
Time [s]

SOC Delay 5 min. SD 0.003 0.007 0.002 0.002
Preheating 100 °C

Stanyl® TW341 0.05 3.7 Heat stabilized
METTLER TOLEDO
19
PA12 (Polyamide 12)
PA12, black

0.40
0.40
0.35
0.35
0.30
0.30
0.25
0.25
%MC
%MC
0.20
0.20
0.15
0.15
0.10
0.10
0.05
0.05
0.00
0.00
0
0 200
200 400
400 600
600 800
800 1000
1000 1200
1200 1400
1400
Time [s]
Time [s]

SOC Delay 5 min. SD 0.001 0.003 0.001 0.002
Preheating 100 °C
Commercial name Suggested max. mois- Humidity absorption Description*

ture for processing [%]* (23˚C/50rH) [%]*
Grilamid® LV 50H 0.1 0.4 50% glass fibre reinforced, heat

FWA stabilized
METTLER TOLEDO
20
PEI (Polyether Imide)
PEI, amber

0.35
0.35
0.30
0.30
0.25
0.25
0.20
0.20
%MC
%MC
0.15
0.15
0.10
0.10
0.05
0.05
0.00
0.00
0
0
200
200
400
400
600600
Time [s]
800
800
1000
1000
1200
1200
Time [s]

SOC Delay 5 min. SD 0.005 0.002 0.001 0.001
Preheating 100 °C

Ultem® 1000 Resin 0.02 0.7 ECO compliant, Food contact

acceptable
METTLER TOLEDO
21
TPE (Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer)
TPE, ecru

0.60
0.60
0.50
0.50
0.40
0.40
%MC
%MC
0.30
0.30
0.20
0.20
0.10
0.10
0.00
0.00
0
0
200
200
400
400
600
600
Time [s]
800
800
1000
1000
1200
1200
Time [s]

SOC Delay 5 min. SD 0.002 0.002 0.001 0.003
Preheating 100 °C

Hytrel® 6358 0.08 0.2 High modulus grade,

contains non-discoloring
stabilizer
METTLER TOLEDO
22
Increased Productivity with Innovative Plastic Testing
Efficient testing at each stage of the process plays a decisive role in long term success.
METTLER TOLEDO offers a a wide range of instruments for successful plastic testing.
Thermal Analysis
Thermal analysis (TA) is used to analyze polymers and in particular to study the behavior of thermoplastics,
thermosets and elastomers. The four main techniques of TA are DSC, TGA, TMA and DMA, which are often used
complementary. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is the prefered TA technique with respect to moisture determi-
nation and compositional analysis.
In TGA, the mass of a sample is measured while it is heated, cooled or held isothermally in a defined atmo-
sphere. A typical TGA curve shows the mass loss steps relating to the loss of volatile components (moisture,
solvents, monomers), decomposition and combustion (polymers, carbon black), and final residues (ash, filler,
glass fibers).
For more information about thermal

analysis, go to
www.mt.com/ta-handbooks
www.mt.com/ta-applications
TGA analysis of an SBR elastomer
Karl Fischer Titration

Moisture is usually related to water, water vapor, solvents and other volatiles contained in the sample. With Karl
Fischer (KF) titration the water content is determined specifically. Special chemical reagents containing iodine
and other compounds react directly with water. Two KF techniques are widely applied:
– Volumetric KF for medium to high water content, typically from 100 ppm to 100%
– Coulometric KF for low water content, typically from 1 ppm to 5%
Volumetric KF titration cell (detail)
For more information about the other techniques and applications go to
www.mt.com/karl-fischer
www.mt.com/moisture-determination
METTLER TOLEDO
23
Benefit from Our Moisture Expertise
With decades of experience in laboratory weighing and halogen moisture

analysis, METTLER TOLEDO can offer you a wide range of online learning
resources. Make the most of our expertise to enhance your moisture know-
how and ensure you benefit from all the power that your moisture analyzers
offers. Check out the documentation on our internet page for a range of
relevant materials.
Videos
Our videos demonstrate the use
of our moisture analyzers.
Know-How
• White Paper Routine Testing
• White Paper Method Validation
• Guide to Moisture Analysis
E-Learning
Learn directly from our experts:
• Installation & Routine Testing
• Method Development
• Optimal results & Special samples
www.mt.com/moisture
For more information
Mettler-Toledo AG
Laboratory & Weighing Technologies
CH-8606 Greifensee, Switzerland
Phone +41 44 944 22 11
Fax +41 44 944 30 60
Subject to technical changes

©11/2014 Mettler-Toledo AG
Printed in Switzerland 11795881
MarCom Greifensee METTLER TOLEDO 24

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Method Collection

Moisture Determination Method Collection 2

Indeed using a halogen moisture analyzer to determine moisture

All methods and analysis were performed by

Moisture determination with HX204

For further product and application

Reference method Karl Fischer titration

For further product and application

Recommended standard settings for all plastics

Material specific drying temperature (T1)

The measurement performance of the HX204 Moisture Analyzer is

2 samples of substance with 2

Specific sample requirements

Measurement results for 2 different moisture contents

00 0 200 400 600 800 1000

Method parameter HX204 Measurement results

Drying program Standard Condition 1 Condition 2

Commercial name Suggested max. moisture Humidity absorption Description*

* Information obtained from manufacturer.

Measurement results for 2 different moisture contents

Method parameter HX204 Measurement results

Drying program Standard Condition 1 Condition 2

Commercial name Suggested max. moisture Humidity absorption Description*

Hostaform C9021 0.2 0.2 High rigidity, good

* Information obtained from manufacturer.

Measurement results for 2 different moisture contents

Method parameter HX204 Measurement results

Drying program Standard Condition 1 Condition 2

Commercial name Suggested max. moisture Humidity absorption Description*

* Information obtained from manufacturer.

Measurement results for 2 different moisture contents

Method parameter HX204 Measurement results

Drying program Standard Condition 1 Condition 2

Commercial name Suggested max. moisture Humidity absorption Description*

* Information obtained from manufacturer.

Measurement results for 2 different moisture contents

Method parameter HX204 Measurement results

Drying program Standard Condition 1 Condition 2

Commercial name Suggested max. moisture Humidity absorption Description*

* Information obtained from manufacturer.

Measurement results for 2 different moisture contents

Method parameter HX204 Measurement results

Drying program Standard Condition 1 Condition 2

Commercial name Suggested max. moisture Humidity absorption Description*

* Information obtained from manufacturer.

Measurement results for 2 different moisture contents

Method parameter HX204 Measurement results

Drying program Standard Condition 1 Condition 2

Commercial name Suggested max. moisture Humidity absorption Description*

* Information obtained from manufacturer.

Measurement results for 2 different moisture contents

Method parameter HX204 Measurement results

Drying program Standard Condition 1 Condition 2

Commercial name Suggested max. moisture Humidity absorption Description*

* Information obtained from manufacturer.

Measurement results for 2 different moisture contents

Method parameter HX204 Measurement results

Drying program Standard Condition 1 Condition 2

Commercial name Suggested max. moisture Humidity absorption Description*

* Information obtained from manufacturer.

Measurement results for 2 different moisture contents

Method parameter HX204 Measurement results

Drying program Standard Condition 1 Condition 2