ASTM F3203-19(2023)

1.1 The gel content of pipe and tubing produced from crosslinked polyethylene plastics as described in Specification F876 and other pipe or tubing standards is determined by extracting with solvents such as xylenes. A test method for quantitative determination of gel content is described herein. The method is applicable to PEX pipe and tubing of all densities, including those containing fillers, and provides correction for the inert fillers present in some of those compounds.

1.2 Continuous extraction (see definition in Section 3) is used in this method to test the gel content of crosslinked polyethylene specimens. Continuous extraction when used for testing gel content has the advantages of decreased cost of testing, increased accuracy and consistency of results, and decreased test time. This is because extraction with a pure solvent is more efficient than extraction with a partially saturated solvent.

1.3 While extraction tests may be made on articles of any shape, this test method is applicable for determining the gel content of crosslinked polyethylene pipes and tubing.

1.4 This test method makes use of xylenes or alternative solvents. Alternative solvents either have lower toxicity than xylenes or allow decreased extraction times. The alternative solvents are also potentially beneficial from an economic and environmental viewpoint. Xylenes are used for referee tests.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The inch-pound units in brackets are for information only.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.