The determination of trace contaminants in polymers

Although not as successful as anticipated, this first study has shown several pitfalls in the determination of trace ions not previously anticipated. It has shown (1) the presence of trace amounts of starting materials or hydrolysis products, both of which attack metallurgy; (2) elements present in the polymer are not always extractable and, therefore, not mobile; (3) pure materials may be contaminated by their containers; (4) several simultaneous analytical methods are necessary, since each has unique properties.