ASTM International

Standard Test Methods for Determination of Gel Content and Swell Ratio of Crosslinked Ethylene Plastics
 N D2765

Annotation

The gel content (insoluble fraction) produced in ethylene plastics by crosslinking is determined by extracting with solvents such as decahydronaphthalene or xylenes. The methods described herein are applicable to crosslinked ethylene plastics of all densities, including those containing fillers, and all provide corrections for the inert fillers present in some of those compounds.

Test Method A, which permits most complete extraction in least time, is to be used for referee tests, but two alternative nonreferee Test Methods B and C are also described. Test Method B differs from the referee test method only in sample preparation; that is, it requires use of shavings taken at selected points in cable insulation, for example, rather than the ground sample required by the referee test method. Because the shaved particles are larger, less total surface per sample is exposed to the extractant, so this test method ordinarily yields extraction values about 1 to 2 % lower than the referee method. Test Method C requires that a specimen in one piece be extracted in xylenes at a constant temperature of 110°C. At this temperature and with a one-piece specimen, even less extraction occurs (from 3 to 9 % less than the referee test method), this method permits swell ratio (a measure of the degree of crosslinking in the gel phase) be determined.

Extraction tests are made on articles of any shape. They have been particularly useful for electrical insulations since specimens may be selected from those portions of the insulation most susceptible to insufficient crosslinking.

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

NOTE 1—Method B of this test method is equivalent to ISO 10147.