TESTS VERIFY QUALITY OF INCOMING MATERIALS.

Incoming rubber and polymer chemicals can be easily screened by performing a few simple tests in the incoming inspection laboratory, as part of a well-conceived and executed SPC program. These tests can be applied as preliminary checks for substandard materials, accidental mislabeling, or even deliberate substitution. If the tests indicate a variation from the norm, a more complete test can be performed to determine the cause of the deviation and whether or not it will be detrimental to performance. It is rarely necessary to use more than two tests to screen materials. Satisfactory results can be obtained by utilizing combinations of such tests as infrared analysis, B. E. T. surface-area analysis, viscosity measurements, and volatile determinations.