Overview
EN ISO 10147:2012 (identical to ISO 10147:2011) defines a laboratory method to estimate the degree of crosslinking in crosslinked polyethylene (PE‑X) pipes and fittings by determining the gel content via solvent extraction. The standard is published by CEN/ISO and is used to quantify the fraction of insoluble polymer (gel) after solvent treatment - a key indicator of crosslinking level in PE‑X materials.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope: Assessment of PE‑X pipes and fittings by gel content (insoluble fraction) determination.
- Solvent: Xylene (isomeric mix) with ≥98% purity and 1% antioxidant added. Safety measures and use in a ventilated hood are required.
- Test-piece preparation:
- At least two test pieces unless otherwise specified.
- Slice/shaving thickness: (0.2 ± 0.02) mm; mass ≥ 0.2 g; include full wall thickness around a circumference unless specified otherwise.
- Extraction procedure:
- Use a wire-mesh cage in a round-bottom flask with reflux condenser.
- Maintain a solvent:test-piece mass ratio ≥ 200:1.
- Boil (reflux) vigorously for 8 h ± 30 min to extract soluble material.
- Drying and weighing:
- Dry residue (or residue + cage) for at least 3 h in either:
- Vacuum oven at (90 ± 2) °C and ≤ 0.15 bar absolute; or
- Forced‑ventilation oven at (140 ± 2) °C with extraction.
- Weigh before and after extraction with 1 mg accuracy.
- Result expression:
- Degree of crosslinking expressed as percentage by mass of insoluble material (gel content), reported to the nearest whole number.
- Account for any fillers in the material.
- Reporting: Include reference to ISO 10147, sample identification, individual and average gel contents, test variations, and test date.
Applications and users
- Manufacturers of PE‑X pipes and fittings - for quality control and product development.
- Third‑party testing laboratories and conformity assessment bodies - to verify crosslinking performance and compliance with product/system standards.
- Specifiers, engineers and procurement teams - to compare materials and ensure suitability for intended service (e.g., hot water distribution).
- Regulatory and standards organizations - for harmonized testing and certification.
Related standards and notes
- EN ISO 10147:2012 supersedes EN 579:1993 and corresponds to ISO 10147:2011 (third edition).
- Use alongside product or system standards that define minimum applicable crosslinking values for specific PE‑X types and applications.
Keywords: EN ISO 10147:2012, ISO 10147:2011, PE‑X, crosslinked polyethylene, gel content, degree of crosslinking, solvent extraction, xylene, pipes and fittings, testing method.
