ASTM D5814-23 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Practice for Determination of Contamination in Recycled Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) (PET) Flakes and Chips Using a Plaque Test — a short procedural standard that describes preparation of a melted-and-quenched PET plaque (wafer) from a representative sample of recycled transparent PET flakes or chips and visual examination of that plaque to identify and characterize visible contamination and indications of moisture or oxidizable residues.

Abstract

ASTM D5814-23 specifies a simple, rapid plaque-test technique used to assess the visible quality of recycled transparent PET feedstock. A representative sample of PET flakes or chips is melted in an aluminum pan, rapidly quenched to produce a clear plaque, and examined visually for solid contaminants (paper, metal, dirt, incompatible polymers and fibers), for plaque color (indicative of oxidizable residues such as EVA glue) and for bubbles (an indicator of moisture). The practice notes the method’s limitations (it detects only visually apparent contamination and will not reveal certain low‑level or miscible contaminants) and calls out basic safety and handling considerations.

General information

• Status: Active
• Publication date: November 1, 2023 (Edition D5814-23)
• Publisher: ASTM International
• ICS / categories: 55.040 (Packaging materials and accessories) / Plastics — Recycled plastics testing
• Edition / version: D5814-23
• Number of pages: 3

Scope

This practice covers a visual-indication method for the quality assessment of recycled transparent poly(ethylene terephthalate) by formation and inspection of a melted-and-quenched plaque. It identifies visually observable contaminants and impurities — for example aluminum particles, paper and fibers, dirt, and incompatible polymer fragments — and uses plaque color and bubble content to indicate oxidizable contamination and moisture. The method is limited to contaminants detectable by visual examination; transparent or partially miscible contaminants present at low levels (typically low ppm range) may not be detected. The practice also summarizes units, safety responsibilities, and references for terminology.

Key topics and requirements

• Sampling: obtaining a representative sample of PET flakes or chips for plaque formation.
• Plaque formation: melting the sample in an aluminum pan and rapid quenching to produce a transparent plaque (wafer) that resists crystallization.
• Visual examination: inspection for solid contaminants (paper, metal, dirt, fibers, incompatible polymers) embedded or visible in the plaque.
• Color assessment: interpreting plaque coloration as an indicator of oxidizable residues (for example, EVA glue or other adhesives).
• Bubble count/appearance: using number and size of bubbles in the plaque as a qualitative indicator of moisture content in the sample.
• Limitations: this is a qualitative, visual method — it cannot reliably detect low-level transparent contaminants or those miscible with PET, and it does not replace quantitative chemical analyses.
• Referenced terminology and units: aligns with ASTM plastics terminology (e.g., D883) and uses SI units as standard.
• Safety and environmental precautions: users must implement appropriate laboratory safety, thermal-handling and waste-disposal procedures.

Typical use and users

Used by PET recyclers, material inspection and quality-control laboratories, bottle- and sheet-manufacturers who accept or process recycled PET, converters, buyers/specifiers of recycled PET feedstock, and regulatory or compliance teams verifying incoming recycled material quality. The method is especially useful for rapid incoming‑inspection checks, process troubleshooting, and for screening lots prior to more detailed chemical or instrumental analysis.

Related standards

Revisions and related ASTM documents commonly used alongside D5814 include the previous edition D5814-18 (superseded by D5814-23) and plastics terminology standards such as ASTM D883. The practice references general terminology and units standards applicable to plastics testing. There is no known ISO equivalent listed in the standard.

Keywords

recycled PET, plaque test, contamination, flakes, chips, visual inspection, EVA, moisture indication, quality screening, recycled plastics

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D5814-23 is a short practice that describes a visual plaque-test procedure to detect visible contamination and indications of moisture or oxidizable residues in recycled transparent PET flakes and chips.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sample melting and rapid quenching to form a transparent plaque for visual inspection, guidance on identifying common solid contaminants (paper, metal, dirt, fibers, incompatible polymers), interpretation of plaque color (oxidizable residues) and bubbles (moisture), and notes limitations and safety considerations.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: PET recyclers, inbound quality inspectors, conversion and manufacturing quality labs, material buyers/specifiers, and others performing routine screening of recycled PET feedstock use this practice.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The D5814-23 edition (approved and released effective November 1, 2023) is the current, active edition; it supersedes earlier editions (for example D5814-18).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: D5814 is a stand‑alone practice within ASTM Committee D20 (Plastics) and is associated with other ASTM plastics test methods and terminology standards (for example ASTM D883). It is part of the body of standards used for recycled plastics testing and characterization.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Recycled PET, plaque test, contamination, flakes, chips, visual inspection, moisture indication, oxidizable residues, EVA, quality screening.