ASTM D5508-94a(2001)e1

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the residual acrylonitrile (RAN) content in nitrile-butadiene rubbers (NBR), styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymers, and rubber-modified acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resins.

1.2 Any components that can generate acrylonitrile in the headspace procedure will constitute an interference. The presence of 3-hydroxypropionitrile in latices limits this procedure to any rubbers and resins.

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. Specific precautionary statements are given Notes 4 and 5.

Note 1--There is no current ISO equivalent test method for residual acrylonitrile (RAN) determinations.
Significance and Use:

A measurement of the residual acrylonitrile in nitrile rubbers (NBR), styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers or ABS terpolymers will determine the polymer’suitability for various applications.

Under optimum conditions, the minimum level of detection of RAN in NBR, SAN, or ABS terpolymers is approximately 50 ppb.