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Specifies two methods for evaluating the melting behaviour of semi-crystalline polymers. Method A specifies a capillary tube method, based on the change in shape of the polymer. This method is applicable to all semicrystalline polymers and their compounds. Method B specifies a polarizing microscope method, based on changes in the optical properties of the polymer. This method is applicable to polymers containing a briefringent crystalline phase; it may not be suitable for plastics compounds containing pigments and/or other additives which could interfere with the briefringence of the polymeric crystalline zone. The melting temperature determined by the different methods usually differ by several degrees kelvins for the reasons explained in the introduction.