1.1 ISO 15512:2016 specifies methods for the determination of the water content of plastics in the form of powder, granules, and finished articles. These methods do not test for water absorption (kinetics and equilibrium) of plastics as measured by ISO 62.

Method A is suitable for the determination of water content as low as 0,1 % with an accuracy of 0,1 %. Method B and Method C are suitable for the determination of water content as low as 0,01 % with an accuracy of 0,01 %.

Water content is an important parameter for processing materials and has to remain below the level specified in the appropriate material standard.

1.2 Four alternative methods are specified in this International Standard.

- Method A is an extraction method using anhydrous methanol followed by a Karl Fischer titration of the extracted water. It can be used for all plastics and is applicable to granules smaller than 4 mm × 4 mm × 3 mm. The method can also be used for, e.g. prepolymer materials in the form of a powder that are insoluble in methanol.

- Method B1 is a vaporization method using a tube oven. The water contained in the test portion is vaporized and carried to the titration cell by a dry air or nitrogen carrier gas, followed by a Karl Fischer titration of the collected water. It can be used for all plastics and is applicable to granules smaller than 4 mm × 4 mm × 3 mm.

- Method B2 is a vaporization method using a heated sample vial. The water contained in the test portion is vaporized and carried to the titration cell by a dry air or nitrogen carrier gas, followed by a Karl Fischer titration of the collected water. It can be used for all plastics and is applicable to granules smaller than 4 mm × 4 mm × 3 mm.

- Method C is a manometric method.