What is BS 3412 – Methods of specifying PE materials for moulding and extrusion about?
Polyethylene (PE) is a light, versatile synthetic resin made from the polymerization of ethylene. Polyethylene is a member of the family of polyolefin resins that is the most widely used plastic in the world, that is used for making products ranging from clear food wrap and shopping bags to detergent bottles and automobile fuel tanks. It can also be slit or spun into synthetic fibres or modified to take on the elastic properties of a rubber.
BS 3412 is a European Standard that discusses methods of specifying general purpose PE materials for moulding and extrusion.
BS 3412 gives a method for specifying the composition and property requirements of ethylene homopolymers and ethylene copolymers having a maximum content of other 1-olefin monomers of less than 50 % (m/m). In addition, those with a content of non-olefinic monomers with functional groups up to a maximum of 3 % (m/m) are specified in section 2 whilst those particularly for British Government Service contracts having in addition a content of non-olefinic monomers with functional groups up to a maximum of 30 % (m/m) are specified in section 3.
BS 3412 applies to materials ready for normal use in the form of powder, granules and to materials unmodified by colourants, additives, fillers, etc.
Note: BS 3412 does not apply to masterbatches or to ethylene-propylene copolymer (EPM rubber).
Who is BS 3412 - Methods of specifying PE materials for moulding and extrusion for?
BS 3412 on methods of specifying PE materials for moulding and extrusion form is relevant to:
- Manufacturers of thermoplastic materials
- Manufacturers of PE materials
- The plastic processing industry
- Product specifiers
- Technical experts and consultants
- Quality control and testing authorities
- Regulatory bodies
- Local and National authorities
Why should you use BS 3412 - Methods of specifying PE materials for moulding and extrusion?
Polyethylene is a daily use material conformed in variable shapes for different purposes. In order to mould it or use it for the purpose of extrusion it needs to have certain specific requirements.
In BS 3412, the types of polyethylene materials not particularly for British Government Service contracts, are classified by means of two designatory properties, i.e. conventional density and melt flow rate.
Reference methods to determine the appropriate carbon black content, and dispersion of carbon black and pigment and antioxidants, of specific ethylene homopolymer and copolymer materials is also covered.
Thus, with best industry specifications, BS 3412 can ensure your materials meet the performance requirements of the end-application use and are fit for purpose.