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.
Test Matrix — Key Parameters & Methods
Representative parameters we report for styrene testing is contain monomer and related streams. Method selection depends on client specification and LOQ requirements; consult us for custom panels. Accredited methods quoted are taken from our certificate.
| Test / Parameter | Reference Method / Technique | Purpose / Notes | Typical TAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | ASTM D5002 | Determines styrene density for quality verification and purity screening. | 24–48 h |
| Color (Visual) | ASTM D1209 | Detects discoloration indicating oxidation, inhibitor depletion, or contamination. | 24–48 h |
| Color (Automatic Tristimulus) | ASTM D6045 | Precision color grading to monitor degradation and polymerization onset. | 24–48 h |
| Copper Strip Corrosion | ASTM D130 / D849 / D1838 | Detects corrosive contaminants that may interact with storage or processing equipment. | 24–48 h |
| Carbon Residue (Ramsbottom) | ASTM D524 | Indicator of styrene thermal degradation and polymerizable residues. | 48–72 h |
| Odor Evaluation | ASTM D1296 | Checks abnormal odor signatures associated with contamination or degradation. | 24–48 h |
| Refractive Index | ASTM D1218 | Used to detect mixing, adulteration, or compositional drift in styrene. | 24–48 h |
| Electrical Conductivity | ASTM D2624 / ASTM D1125 | Assesses conductivity for safe handling and identifies ionic impurities. | 24–48 h |
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.
Download our Sample Submission Guide for container recommendations and CoC templates.
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.
Turnaround Times & Test Packages
| Package | Typical Tests | Typical TAT |
|---|---|---|
| Purity Panel | Color, odor, refractive index, hydrocarbon profile, gum content | 24–48 h |
| QC Suite | Purity panel + sulfur speciation + water & particulate check | 24–72 h |
| Forensic / Contamination Check | Detailed hydrocarbon analysis + sulfur compounds + H₂S vapor assessment | 48–96 h |
| Expedited | Priority sample processing (PDF-supported methods only) | <24 h (by arrangement) |
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?
What inhibitors do you test for?
Can you support forensic polymerization investigations?
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.