ASTM D4670 Standard Test Method for Polyurethane Raw Materials: Determination of Suspended Matter in Polyols

    What is ASTM D4670?

    ASTM D4670 describes a test method for determining suspended matter in polyols used as polyurethane raw materials. Suspended matter may be the presence of insoluble particles or other material present in a polyol, which could alter the quality, uniformity, handling, or processing of the material. Technicians prepare a representative polyol sample and perform the specified procedure to separate and determine the suspended matter. The collected measurements indicate the amount of suspended material in the tested polyol. ASTM D4670 testing (Standard Test Method for Polyurethane Raw Materials: Determination of Suspended Matter in Polyols) analyzes polyol purity and consistency and measures the purity, uniformity, and handling ease of a polyol, and can be used by polyol manufacturers, suppliers, engineers, or quality-control personnel.

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    Get Certified ASTM D4670 Suspended Matter Testing of Polyols

    ASTM D4670 testing is useful for polyurethane manufacturers, polyol suppliers, material producers, engineers, and quality-control personnel evaluating the suspended matter present in applicable polyol materials. Technicians identify and prepare representative polyol samples and perform the required separation and measurement procedure under controlled conditions. They record the relevant sample information, measured values, and test observations. Analysts review the recorded data and determine the applicable suspended matter result. 

    What is the scope of ASTM D4670?

    ASTM D4670 provides a test method for determining suspended matter in applicable polyols used as polyurethane raw materials. The method provides a standardized approach for preparing the sample, separating suspended material, and determining the amount of suspended matter under the required test conditions. The standard covers-

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    • Suspended Matter Determination: Determines the amount of suspended matter present in applicable polyol materials.
    • Polyol Evaluation: Supports evaluation of the cleanliness and physical condition of polyurethane raw materials.
    • Sample Separation: Uses the applicable procedure to separate suspended material from the polyol sample.
    • Material Comparison: Supports comparison of suspended matter between applicable polyol samples.
    • Quality Control: Helps manufacturers monitor material consistency and identify variations or contamination.

    What are the uses of ASTM D4670 testing?

    ASTM D4670 provides information about suspended matter in polyols that can help manufacturers and technical personnel evaluate material quality and consistency. The test helps to-

    • Determine the suspended matter present in applicable polyols.
    • Identify possible particulate contamination or material variations.
    • Compare suspended matter results between polyol samples.
    • Monitor consistency between production batches.
    • Support raw-material quality control.
    • Assist in evaluating material cleanliness.
    • Support polyurethane manufacturing and product-development activities.

    Which materials can be tested according to ASTM D4670?

    ASTM D4670 applies to polyol materials for which suspended-matter determination is required. Technicians should verify the material type, sample condition, and applicable test requirements before testing. The method applies to-

    • Polyols: Evaluates applicable polyol materials used as polyurethane raw materials.
    • Polyurethane Raw Materials: Supports evaluation of applicable liquid materials used in polyurethane production.
    • Different Polyol Grades: Allows comparison of applicable polyol grades and formulations.
    • Production Samples: Supports testing of representative samples from manufacturing or production batches.

    Why is ASTM D4670 testing important?

    Suspended matter affects the consistency and quality of polyol materials. The presence or amount of suspended particles may indicate contamination, material degradation, manufacturing variation, or changes in material handling and storage conditions. ASTM D4670 provides a standardized approach for determining suspended matter in applicable polyols. The results help manufacturers and engineers monitor material quality, compare samples, identify variations, and support quality-control activities.

    ASTM D4670 Equipment and Sample Preparation Guide

    Technicians need representative polyol samples and suitable equipment for preparing the sample, separating suspended matter, and determining the applicable result.

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    Sample IdentificationTechnicians identify the polyol material, grade, production batch, and other relevant sample information before testing.
    Sample PreparationTechnicians prepare a representative polyol sample according to the applicable procedure and avoid contamination or loss of suspended material.
    Suspended Matter SeparationAnalysts use suitable separation equipment and materials to isolate suspended matter from the polyol sample according to the specified procedure.
    Measurement EquipmentTechnicians use suitable calibrated equipment to determine the required measurements for calculating or reporting the suspended matter result.

    ASTM D4670 Testing Procedures and Requirements

    Technicians first identify and prepare a representative polyol sample according to the applicable requirements. They prepare the required separation equipment and process the sample to isolate the suspended matter. The required measurements are then recorded and evaluated to determine the suspended matter result. The ASTM D4670 test involves the following steps.

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    Sample Identification and PreparationTechnicians identify the polyol material and prepare a representative sample according to the applicable requirements.
    Separation System PreparationTechnicians prepare the required equipment and materials for separating suspended matter from the sample.
    Suspended Matter Separation and MeasurementAnalysts process the sample according to the specified procedure and determine the required measurements of the separated material.
    Data Recording and Result EvaluationEngineers review the recorded measurements and determine and report the applicable suspended matter result.

    ASTM D4670 Testing Process and Data Collection

    Technicians prepare a representative sample for testing. They handle the sample gently to avoid contamination or changes in the suspended material before analysis. The technician prepares the required separation system and processes the polyol sample according to the applicable procedure. The suspended material is separated, and the required measurements are obtained. Technicians record the sample identification, sample quantity, measurement values, test conditions, and relevant observations. Analysts review the recorded information and determine the suspended matter result for the tested polyol.

     ASTM D4670 testing process showing polyol sample identification and preparation, processing through suitable separation equipment, isolation of suspended matter, measurement of the separated material, and recording of suspended matter results.
    ASTM D4670 Suspended Matter Testing of Polyols

    Common Challenges and Troubleshooting

    Sample contamination, improper sample handling, loss of suspended material, incomplete separation, inaccurate measurement, unsuitable equipment conditions, and calibration errors affect ASTM D4670 results. Technicians should prepare representative samples and carefully follow the applicable procedure. They should maintain clean equipment and avoid introducing additional particles during sample preparation and testing. If results differ unexpectedly, technicians should review the sample condition, sample handling, separation procedure, equipment cleanliness, measurement accuracy, calibration, and possible contamination.

    Analysis Results and Interpretation

    The report summarizes the suspended matter characteristics of the tested polyol material. It presents the measured values together with the relevant sample identification, material information, sample quantity, test conditions, and other required test information.

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    • ASTM D4670 gives suspended-matter-specific results rather than a single overall material-property value.
    • Technicians typically report suspended matter using the units specified by the selected procedure, such as mg, mg/kg, mg/L, or mass percent (%), as applicable.
    • The report includes the sample amount and analytical information needed to interpret the suspended matter result.
    • Consistent sample preparation, careful handling, proper separation techniques, careful measurement, and properly calibrated equipment enable technicians and analysts to generate precise, comparable results.

    Link to ASTM D4670 

    FAQ

    What is suspended matter?
    Suspended matter consists of insoluble particles or other material that remains dispersed within the tested polyol and is determined according to the applicable procedure.
    The method applies to polyol materials used as polyurethane raw materials.
    Suspended matter is reported using the units specified by the applicable procedure, such as mg, mg/kg, mg/L, or %, as applicable.
    Suspended matter can provide information about material cleanliness, contamination, and consistency and helps manufacturers monitor variations between polyol samples or production batches.

    Updated on September 2, 2026

    Suyog Kamble
    About Author
    Suyog Kamble is an Operations Associate at Matestlab Inc. Suyog holds a postgraduate degree in organic chemistry and is trained in material science topics.
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