This document specifies two test methods for determining the refractive index of plastics, namely:

— Method A: a refractometric method for measuring the refractive index of moulded parts, cast or extruded sheet or film, by means of a refractometer. It is applicable not only to isotropic transparent, translucent, coloured or opaque materials but also to anisotropic materials.
— Method B: an immersion method (making use of the Becke line phenomenon) for determining the refractive index of powdered or granulated transparent materials by means of a microscope. Monochromatic light, in general, is used to avoid dispersion effects.

NOTE The refractive index is a fundamental property which can be used for checking purity and composition, for the identification of materials and for the design of optical parts. The change in refractive index with temperature can give an indication of transition points of materials.