ISO 8810:2026

Overview

ISO 8810:2026 defines an international method for the determination of residual peroxide in plastics, utilizing gas chromatography. Specifically, this standard focuses on measuring di-tert-butyl peroxide (DTBP) and 2,5-Dimethyl-2,5-di(tert-butylperoxy) hexane (DBPH), substances often used as degradation agents, crosslinking agents, or additives in polymerization processes. The standard applies primarily to degraded polypropylene, crosslinked polyethylene, polystyrene, and a range of other plastics where peroxide residues can impact product quality and safety.

Key Topics

• Residual Peroxide Analysis: Explains the need to detect and quantify residual DTBP and DBPH after plastics processing, as these substances may remain due to their use in manufacturing.
• Gas Chromatography Method: Details the sample preparation, extraction process using solvents (e.g., tetrahydrofuran), and subsequent GC analysis with internal calibration using a reference substance.
• Precision and Accuracy: Provides validated data on repeatability and reproducibility, ensuring reliable results when measuring residual peroxides.
• Sample & Calibration Preparation: Outlines precise procedures for preparing calibration and test solutions, enabling standardized and comparable measurements.
• Test Reporting: Specifies essential elements for test documentation, including test conditions, equipment used, results, and any deviations or special observations.

Applications

• Quality Control in Plastics Manufacturing: Used by laboratories and manufacturers to guarantee that residual peroxide levels are within safe and acceptable limits, contributing to product safety and performance.
• Regulatory Compliance: Supports compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations by providing a validated, internationally recognized test method for residual peroxides.
• Research and Development: Assists R&D departments in developing new plastic materials and evaluating the efficiency of peroxide decomposition or removal processes.
• Product Safety Certification: Provides data for certifying plastic products, especially in industries like food packaging, medical devices, and consumer goods, where peroxide residues can pose health risks.

Related Standards

• ISO 648: Laboratory glassware - Single-volume pipettes
  Standardizes pipette use to ensure accuracy in sample and calibration preparation.
• ISO 1042: Laboratory glassware - One-mark volumetric flasks
  Governs the volumetric flasks used for precise solution preparation.
• ISO 5725-2: Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results - Part 2
  Cited for determining the repeatability and reproducibility of results in collaborative trials.
• ASTM D7210-21: Standard Practice for Extraction of Additives in Polyolefin Plastics
  Offers complementary practices for additive extraction in similar materials.

Practical Value

ISO 8810:2026 enhances quality assurance across the plastic supply chain by ensuring the reliable determination of residual peroxides, which is critical for both safety and material properties. This method helps prevent issues related to residual chemicals, such as degradation, off-gassing, and negative health impacts. Furthermore, the standard offers clear guidance for laboratories to achieve consistent and reproducible results, supporting international trade and harmonized product evaluation.

By following ISO 8810:2026, organizations can improve plastic product quality, comply with international regulations, and foster confidence among customers and end-users regarding the safety and performance of polymer materials.

For more on ISO standards in plastics analysis, visit iso.org.