Elemental analysis serves as a quality control measure for post-reactor studies, for additive levels in formulated resins, and for finished products. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry is an accurate and relatively fast method to determine mass fractions of multiple elements in polyethylene and polypropylene materials.

1.1 This test method covers a general procedure for the determination of elemental content in polyolefins by wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) spectrometry, in mass fraction ranges typical of those contributed by additives, catalysts, and reactor processes. The elements covered by this test method include fluorine, sodium, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, phosphorus, sulfur, calcium, titanium, chromium, and zinc in the composition ranges given in Table 1.