Plastic Composition Analysis Workshop: Identifying reference material, data, and measurement needs

This two-day virtual workshop will bring together experts to identify critical challenges in plastic composition analysis where reference materials, interlaboratory studies, or documentary standard developments would deliver significant value for U.S. industry. While many reference materials and methods were developed for virgin polymers or simple formulations, there is a growing need for compositional analysis of plastics with highly complex or unknown compositions.

The first day will focus on polymeric component analysis such as molecular weight distribution, chain structure, and blends while the second day will focus on small molecule and additive quantification. The workshop will include high-level overviews of selected topics and focused breakout groups where participants will identify measurement challenges and provide feedback on industry needs. These discussions will help NIST to identify reference material and reference data needs to address the measurement challenges.

Scope and Focus

Scope: Reference material, data, and measurement needs for virgin polymers, formulated products, and recovered or recycled plastics.

Focus Areas:

• Polymer composition analysis
  • Molecular architecture, chemical, and molecular weight distributions
  • Blends
• Additives and small molecules
  • Halogens and metals
  • Additives and small molecules 
  • Non-targeted analysis and non-intentionally added substances (NIAS)

Who should attend

• Attendees should have a strong background in plastic composition analysis, polymer separations, and/or analysis of small molecules and metals in plastics.  
• This event is not intended as an educational program. It will be a highly interactive workshop where participants engage in discussions focused on identifying reference material and data needs as well as critical measurement challenges.

Workshop Preparation

• This pre-read provides useful background on existing NIST reference materials and data relevant to plastic composition analysis.
• Workshop organizers invite participants to reflect on the guiding questions in preparation for the breakout sessions.

Plastic Workshop Pre-Read (Download PDF)