Related Information

Before measuring PEI samples with the VM-E01, you may also want to know:

Common Questions About PEI and Plastics

WKT-A9 Karl Fischer Trace Moisture Analyzer Coulometric

Reference Value Determination

The PEI reference moisture value was determined with the VicoMeter WKT-A9 Karl Fischer moisture analyzer and WKT-V2 Karl Fischer oven; released moisture is carried by dry nitrogen into the electrolytic cell.

Recommended Settings for Plastics Industry Samples

If you have no reference method for plastics samples on the VM-E01, VicoMeter recommends these settings from experimental experience:

• Heating mode: Standard

• Shutoff mode: Automatic (1 mg/140 s)

• Sample size: 30 g

• Resolution: High (0.1 mg/0.0001 g)

• Warm-up: standby, 100°C; at standby temperature, preheat the empty pan for 1 minute, then tare.

Selecting the Drying Temperature

Figure 1: Same Sample Heated at Different Temperatures

(Click image to enlarge)

Choose a drying temperature matching the Karl Fischer reference value. Melting or marked color change means the temperature is too high. Some samples inevitably discolor when heated (polyamide unavoidably turns brown).

Figure 1 compares samples after two heating runs. Left: correct temperature — no melting or discoloration. Right: the sample browned, so the temperature was too high.

Plastic Sample Handling

Measure samples promptly. Otherwise, fill the container completely (use a smaller one if needed) and seal it to minimize air and prevent moisture uptake during storage.

Operating Steps for PEI (Polyetherimide) Samples

Place the VM-E01 in a suitable spot, warm up 30 min, level it (bubble centered), and perform weighing and temperature calibration. Then measure PEI samples (installation, environment, warm-up, calibration: seePreparation Before Formal Measurement with a Halogen Moisture Analyzeras discussed in that article; click the link to learn more.).

Tare Sample Pan

1. Place the empty pan on the center holder, preheat 1 min at 160°C standby, press tare to zero.

Add Sample

2. Quickly spread about 30 g of PEI sample evenly on the pan; wait for a stable reading.

One-Touch Start

3. Press start; the PEI moisture result appears within minutes.

Test Data

VM-E01 Halogen Moisture Analyzer（0.1mg/0.0001g）

VM-E01 Settings Reference

• Heating mode: Standard

• Heating temperature: 160°C

• Shutoff mode: Automatic (1 mg/140 s)

• Sample size: 30 g

• Resolution: High (0.1 mg/0.0001 g)

• Warm-up: standby, 100°C; at standby temperature, preheat the empty pan for 1 minute, then tare.

Sample Information

• Sample Description: PEI, amber, ECO compliant, for food contact.

• Typical Maximum Allowable Moisture Content [%]: 0.02

• Hygroscopicity (23°C/50% rH) [%]: 0.7

Moisture Chart for PEI Samples Before and After Drying

Chart Notes

Moisture Data for PEI Samples Before and After Drying

Sample-Specific Test Notes

Maximum allowable moisture for pellet processing must always follow supplier specifications. Values here are typical only and may not suit your material or process.

These drying parameters were obtained on common plastics and do not cover all grades or colors; optimizing them may be needed for best results on a specific material.

Dr. Wei's Classroom

Polyetherimide (PEI) is a super engineering plastic made from amorphous PEI, offering top heat resistance and dimensional stability plus chemical resistance, flame retardancy, electrical properties, high strength, and rigidity. PEI resin is widely used in high-temperature terminals, IC sockets, lighting equipment, FPCBs (flexible PCBs), liquid handling equipment, aircraft interiors, medical devices, and household appliances.

Amber (transparent dark yellow) PEI sheet — PEI, i.e. polyetherimide — is an amorphous plastic, a high-performance amorphous polymer extruded at high temperature from amorphous PEI. Common PEI sheet uses GE's Ultem resin; GE began PEI R&D in 1972.

(1) High strength, rigidity, wear resistance, and dimensional stability at high temperatures. (2) An amber transparent solid, inherently flame retardant with low smoke, oxygen index 47%, UL94 V-0. (3) Density 1.28–1.42 g/cm3, glass transition 215°C, heat deflection 198–208°C; long-term use at 160–180°C, intermittent max 200°C. (4) Excellent mechanical strength, insulation, radiation, high/low temperature and fatigue resistance, and processability; reinforcement with glass fiber, carbon fiber, or other fillers.