Testing flips for pvc.

BigE2

I can't remember where I saw a simple test for PVC in flips. It involved a torch and copper wire. Anybody got the rest?

Barry

The Beilstein test is a simple chemical test which is used to determine whether ~ a plastic contains PVC or polyvinylidene chloride. To carry out the test you will need a small propane torch and a copper wire (a ~ penny could also be used). Copper by itself burns cleanly but produces a green flame (copper chloride) when combined with a compound containing chlorine ( e.g., PVC)
Steps:
Heat the copper wire in the flame of the torch until it burns cleanly. This serves to bum off any unwanted residues that might be on the wire. Make sure that you hold the wire with pliers or an insulator to avoid injury. Touch the hot wire to the holder. Some of the holder will melt and be stuck to the wire. Be sure to hold the holder close to the air intake of the torch in order to draw away the fumes from the burning plastic. Put the wire back into the flame. If the flame bums yellow or clear, no PVC present. If the flame burns bright green, then some PVC is present.

For the stretch test, pull on the plastic and determine how easy it is to stretch it. The tear test is similar. Try to tear the plastic film as you would a piece of paper.

Stretch and Tear
Polyester (MylarTM) hard to stretch hard to initiate a tear; once tear begins material tears easily; tear has a rough edge

Polypropylene easier to stretch than polyester hard to initiate a tear; once tear begins material tears easily; tear has a clean edge similar to cellophane

Polyethylene easier to stretch than polyester hard to tear tends to tear in directions

Polyvinylchloride easier to stretch than polyester moderately easy to initiate a tear ragged tear edge

Polystyrene hard to stretch easy to initiate a tear; clean tear, but not straight

Cellophane hard to stretch easy to tear

Cellulose Triacetate easier to stretch than polyester fairly easy to tear; tear has "smokey" edge

Burn Tests: Take a small sample of plastic and place it in a pair of tongs or tweezers. Ignite the sample and observe the resulting odor and rate of burn. Please be sure to carry out these tests in a well ventilated area while burning the plastic film over an ashtray. Avoid inhaling the fumes as they may be toxic.

Polyester (MylarTM) faintly sweet melts, burns slowly, beading back without dripping; leaves an ash residue.

Polypropylene burns slowly, beading back without dripping.

Polyethylene + odor like burning candle wax fairly rapid; melts and drips like wax

Polystyrene odor like marigolds melts into a clear liquid

Polyvinlidene Chloride pungent extinguishes itself when removed from the flame

Cellophane burned newspaper does not melt, drip or form beads; burns the same as paper; continues to burn when removed from flame

Cellulose Acetate mixture of burning paper and acetic acid burns slowly when removed from flame.

JadeRareCoin

Dang Barry, that's some great information. Are you a chemist, too?? I think I will bookmark this thread. Thanks for the info.

If you want to play it safe, only use ET Kointainer SaFlip brand 2X2 flips. They are the best. If a flip is soft, it probably contains PVC.

JadeRareCoin

BigE2, welcome to the forum!

Barry

Dennis,
Not a chemist, though I did have quite a few chemistry courses in college and had a minor in chemical engineering...
I don't recall the original source of that info, but it was posted to RCC a few years ago and I saved a copy for future reference.

Conder101

It's been printed a couple times in the past in Susan Malby's conserving collectibles colum in Coin World.

MadMonk

just remember, PVC fumes are toxic!

fountainheadgold

BigE2

Perfect!!! Thank you!!!