Identification Tests for Plastic

Films

19/09/20 Speaker: Dr. Pravin Ganorkar, Dept. of Food Processing Technology

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 Classification of Plastic
 Thermoplastic
 Thermoset

 Cutting / Sliver test

 Heating

19/09/20 Speaker: Dr. Pravin Ganorkar, Dept. of Food Processing Technology 2

 Identification Codes

Speaker: Dr. Pravin Ganorkar, Dept. of Food Processing Technology 3

19/09/20
 Common Tests for identification
 Visual Test
 Flotation Test
 Tearing Test
 Scratch Test
 Density Test
 Solubility Test
 Copper wire test
 Drip Test (Burning Test)
 Pyrolysis Test
19/09/20 Speaker: Dr. Pravin Ganorkar, Dept. of Food Processing Technology 4
Visual Test
Procedure:
Fold the film several times to make number of layers and observe the
color of the film.

SN Plastic film Observation

1 PE Hazy
2 PP Hazy
3 PVC Crystal clear
4 Polyester, PS, PVdC, Crystal clear
Cellophane,
Cellulose acetate,
Cellulose nitrate,
Nylon
5 Rubber Yellowish clear
hydrochloride

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Speaker: Dr. Pravin Ganorkar, Dept. of Food Processing Technology
 Flotation Test
Standard size specimen drop into the testing fluid and
observe.

 In water
Sink Floats
PC, PS, CA, PVC, Nylon PE or PP

 Saturated NaCl solution (Spe. Gravity – 1.20)

 Saturated magnesium chloride (Spe. Gravity – 1.34)
 Saturated calcium chloride (Spe. Gravity – 1.45)

Speaker: Dr. Pravin Ganorkar, Dept. of Food Processing Technology 6

19/09/20
 Tearing Test
SN Plastic film Observation
Stretch (No notch) Tear (Notched)
1. PE Stretches Stretched edge
2. PP Does not stretch (oriented) Smooth edge
Stretches (Non oriented) Stretched edge
3. PS Does not stretch Smooth edge, straight
4. PET Does not stretch Rough edge
5. PVC Stretches Rough edge
6. PC Does not stretch Smooth edge
7. PA Stretches Stretched edge
8. PVdC Stretches Smooth edge

19/09/20
Speaker: Dr. Pravin Ganorkar, Dept. of Food Processing Technology 7
 Scratch Test
Try to scratch with finger nail

SN Plastic film Observation

1. PE Can be easily scratched – LD
Extra force requires for scratching - HD
2. PP Does not scratch (oriented)
Scratches (Non oriented)
3. PS Does not scratch
4. PET Does not scratch
5. PVC Scratch
6. PC Does not scratch
7. PA Scratches
8. PVdC Scratches

Speaker: Dr. Pravin Ganorkar, Dept. of Food Processing Technology 8

19/09/20
 Copper Wire Test
 Beilstein Test
 Indicates the presence of chlorine
 Procedure – Place clean copper wire over a burner. Continue
to heat the wire to burn off impurities. As the wire cools, melt
the part of the sample onto the wire and place on the flame.

Plastic type Flame color

PE Yellow
PP Yellow
PS Yellow
PET No change
Cellulose TA Orange
PVC Green
PVdC Blue - green

19/09/20 Speaker: Dr. Pravin Ganorkar, Dept. of Food Processing Technology 9

 Burn / Drip Test
Plastic Observations Odor
Type
PE Yellow flame, drips Waxy (burning candle)
PP Yellow flame, Some drips Waxy smell with
lubricating oil smell
PS Orange/yellow flame, Heavy black smoke, Marigold flower
spurting, burns readily, charred residue
PET Melts, Opacity, blackens Pleasant elusive odor
Cellulose Orange Vinegar
Acetate
PVC Green, white smoke Chlorine pungent smell
PVdC Blue - green Chlorine smell
PC Yellow and smoky, Self extinguishing Floral

19/09/20
Speaker: Dr. Pravin Ganorkar, Dept. of Food Processing Technology 10
Thank You!!!!!

Speaker: Dr. Pravin Ganorkar, Dept. of Food

19/09/20 Processing Technology 11