Measurement Uncertainty in Analysis of Plastics : Evaluation by Interlaboratory Test Results

Measurement uncertainty is an important component of modern materials analysis: it indicates the boundaries within which the test results can be trusted. Such results are necessary for understanding of, for example, material and product tolerances and lifetimes, vital for plastic product reliability and safety.

Determination of measurement uncertainty is normally quite laborious, but this book shows how the available interlaboratory test data for plastics can be used to calculate measurement uncertainty much more simply. It contains many interlaboratory test results in the fields of thermoanalysis, molar mass determination, and quantitative analysis of the composition of material, presented in tables and graphical charts, discussed in the text, and elaborated by practical examples.

In addition to the evaluation by means of the presented data (top-down approach), the relationship to the bottom-up approach specified in the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM) is explained based on an example. Further sections deal with sampling, and the issue of whether or not the difference between analytical results is significant.

Dr. Bruno Wampfler (retired) was Head of Process and Product Optimization at Empa St. Gallen, Switzerland. He was initiator of the Eureka project “Uncertainty Manager”.

Dr. Samuel Affolter is Professor für Plastics Chemistry and Technology at the OST (Ostschweizer Fachhochschule in Rapperswil), Switzerland. He is expert in polymer analysis & testing, polymer structures, additivation and ageing processes in the Institute for Materials Technology and Plastics Processing (IWK).

Dr. Axel Ritter is a chemist at Alpinamed AG, Freidorf, Switzerland, where he is laboratory manager. He has a long experience in general and polymer analysis.

Dr. Manfred Schmid is Head of R&D for Additive Manufacturing with Plastics at Inspire icams in St. Gallen, Switzerland. He is also author of the book “Laser (LS) Sintering with Plastics”, published by Hanser in 2018.