FDA requirements for maximum extractables are specified for resin and uses. This test method provides a means to determine the amount of hexane-soluble low molecular weight material present in polyolefins. It is applicable to resins containing greater than 0.20 % extractables.

1.1 This test method describes an extraction/gravimetric procedure for determination of the amount of hexane soluble low molecular weight material present in polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene copolymers, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers. This test method is a modification of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) procedure for determining hexane extractables of polyolefins. This test method is based upon the presumption that the weight of the residue extract present in the solvent is equal to the amount extracted from the film sample and could therefore be quantified by measuring the weight loss of the extracted film, eliminating the complex and time-consuming evaporation process described in 21 CFR 177.1520.

1.2 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. Units used in 21 CFR 177.1520 are also used in this test method. Units are in conformance with Federal Code 21 CFR 177.1520, from which this test method is derived.

Note 1—There is no known ISO equivalent ISO to this test method.