Styrene Testing — Purity & Polymerization Inhibitor Analysis

AGT Labs provides styrene testing and analytical services for styrene monomer and related streams using methods that are included in our accredited scope. Typical accredited analyses we perform (as listed on our certificate) include GC-based hydrocarbon profiling (detailed naphtha/styrene-range analysis), visual and tristimulus colour, odor, refractive index and carbon residue determinations, and copper-corrosion screening for hydrocarbon solvents.

Our scope-focused approach uses accredited, validated ASTM/ISO procedures from our certificate for acceptance testing, incoming tank checks and forensic sampling — delivering defensible COAs aligned with the methods listed on the accreditation supplement. For client-specific inhibitor quantitation or non-accredited assays we can run validated client methods but will clearly flag these as non-accredited on the COA.

Typical clients include styrene monomer producers, resin and polystyrene manufacturers, tank farms, transporters, QA/QC labs, and chemical distributors.

Service Highlights

Detailed hydrocarbon profiling via accredited GC methods for purity and compositional checks.
Colour & odour screening using to detect degradation or contamination.
Refractive index Ramsbottom carbon residue and copper-strip corrosion tests for accepted handling and storage checks.
Electrical conductivity / resistivity checks as per where relevant for safe handling and ionic contamination screening.

Industries We Serve

Monomer & Resin Producers — incoming/outgoing QC and batch certification.
Polystyrene / EPS / ABS Manufacturers — feedstock acceptance and polymerization control.
Chemical Distributors & Tank Farms — tank condition checks, cross-contamination investigations.
Transport & Logistics — rail/road tanker sampling and certificate verification.
R&D & Failure Analysis — polymerization events, inhibitor effectiveness testing and root-cause investigation.

Laboratory Capabilities & Instrumentation

Analytical Systems

GC-FID / GC-MS — primary tool for styrene-range hydrocarbon profiling and residual hydrocarbon analysis series Refractometry for refractive index automatic & visual colour systems conductivity meters for checks; Copper-strip and corrosion plates per and Ramsbottom carbon residue rigs for assays. These instruments support the accredited methods listed on our certificate.

Stability & Thermal Testing

Bench residue and degradation screening (Ramsbottom carbon residue) and monitored colour/odour checks to flag thermal or oxidative change per accredited procedures.
Documented sample handling and chain-of-custody for inhibitor-sensitive matrices.

Sampling, Handling & Chain of Custody

Styrene testing is reactive — proper sampling and inhibitor-preserving handling are essential. We provide kits or accept client-collected samples with a signed Chain of Custody (CoC).

Containers & Handling

Use clean amber glass or compatible metal packaging; minimize headspace to reduce inhibitor off-gassing.
Avoid prolonged exposure to light and heat; add inhibitor when immediate analysis is not possible (document on CoC).
Cap tightly and ship at recommended conditions — we provide labeling and handling instructions on request.

Transport & Logging

Log sample temperature and sampling time; note prior inhibitor additions or treatment.
For forensic sampling, follow documented chain-of-custody and witnessed collection where required.
We accept bulk tank, rail, drum and small-bottle samples — contact for kit details.

Quality Assurance, Reporting & Interpretation

Styrene testing reports include a Certificate of Analysis (COA) with method references, results, units, measurement uncertainty and interpretive comments. For inhibitor issues or polymerization events we provide technical guidance and recommended mitigations. Accredited methods quoted on the COA are limited to those listed on our PJLA supplement.

Standards & Methods

Styrene testing methods may reference relevant ASTM, ISO or validated in-house procedures for styrene and inhibitors. We calibrate with certified reference materials and maintain documented traceability. Contact us for method specifics or validated LOQs.

FAQs — Styrene Testing

How quickly should samples be analyzed after collection?

Ideally within 24–48 hours. If delay is expected, preserve samples (cool, dark, minimal headspace) or record any inhibitor additions on the CoC.

What inhibitors do you test for?

Inhibitor screening can be performed using validated chromatographic methods when included in the accredited scope or as validated client methods; accredited scope items are listed on our certificate supplement.

Can you support forensic polymerization investigations?

Yes — we provide compositional profiling, residue (Ramsbottom) checks, color/odor documentation and interpretive support to identify causes and mitigation steps, using accredited methods where available.

Deliverables & Value-Added Services

COA with quantitative results, method references, and measurement uncertainty for accredited tests.
Stability reports with inhibitor depletion curves (if requested and performed under validated method protocols).
Advisory notes on safe handling, re-inhibition and storage recommendations.

Summary

AGT Labs’ Styrene Testing provides rigorous, accredited-style analyses for purity and quality parameters — enabling safe handling, regulatory compliance, and reliable polymer feedstock quality. Accredited method references are available on request.

Styrene Testing