This test method is of particular use as a quality control tool for a molding or synthesis operation. Acetaldehyde is a volatile degradation product generated during melt processing of PET. Thus, it becomes trapped in the sidewalls of a molded article and desorbs slowly into the contents packaged therein. In some foods and beverages AA can impart an off-taste that is undesirable, thus, it is important to know its concentration in PET articles that are to be used in food contact applications.

The desorption conditions of 150 C for 60 min are such that no measurable AA is generated by the sample during the desorption process.

1.1 This test method covers a gas chromatographic procedure for the determination of the ppm residual acetaldehyde (AA) present in poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) homo-polymers and co-polymers which are used in the manufacture of beverage bottles. This includes sample types of both amorphous and solid-stated pellet and preform samples, as opposed to the bottle test, Test Method D4509, an acetaldehyde test requiring 24 h of desorption time at 23°C into the bottle headspace and then the concentration of the headspace quantified by a similar GC method.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.3 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.