This morning I completed the hydrocarbon extraction analysis on every polymer sample ever sent this morning. I will start the evaluation of the data today but it will take a few days as it is a lot of data.
Previously I provided an inventory of the beads and bagging. I numbered them per the exterior label and came up with 21 samples. However, when when I performed the extraction and opened the packaging many of these bags were actually containing more than one sample. There were 32 samples of sheets, bags and beads that were sent in the original sample set.
On Oct 14 I sent a note describing the extraction testing of the HDPE and LDPE beads and films using my phone. When I re-read it on my computer the note was very hard to read. I have rewritten it below for clarity:
“I will put together a report shortly but I wanted to let you know about the level of progress so far. I finished looking at the two PE bead samples as well as the three films. I have the parameters of the analysis worked out to where I obtain the same levels of extractables from the beads as the film. It is clear the source of the mesa failure in the film is the HDPE portion. The material causing the MESA failures are known as micro-crystaline waxes. The HDPE beads have these linear hydrocarbons. The only issue with your choice of LDPE is the level of anti-oxidant. I expect the LDPE will be suitable for your bagging formulation. This anti-oxidant, known as Irgophos, is a controlled substance on drive components as it is able of MESA Causing a failure. However, while it can cause has MESA you should be able having a background of irgophos in your bagging and pass all requirements.
I see no possibility you would pass a MESA test using the HDPE beads you provided so I would make a new HDPE source your target. I am confident the screen I am running will point out HDPE that would fail MESA testing. Further analysis using the official MESA test method would be a waste of time until you find a source of HDPE that can pass the solvent screening. The MESA test is incredibly sensitive so even if the extraction screening method points out failing non-material you will still need to show the final film will pass the official SEM based MESA test.
I propose screening in this way would allow a very fast and low cost way to eliminate and bypass candidates and that you save the expense and time required for an official MESA test until you have a material that passes the extraction test.”