ASTM D8474-23

Standard Test Method for Recovered Carbon Black (rCB)-Compositional Analysis by Thermogravimetry (TGA)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is intended for use in quality control of production, for research and development purposes in which a compositional analysis or comparisons of different materials are needed.  
5.2 This test method may not be suitable for rCB products containing either organic substances that decompose or oxidize only at temperatures of above 550°C or inorganic substances with decomposition temperatures ≤550°C.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method provides a thermogravimetric (TGA) technique to determine the amounts of organic residue, overall carbon content, and ash content in recovered carbon black (rCB).  
1.2 This test method uses previously calibrated, manual, or computer-assisted TGA instrumentation.  
1.3 Units-The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-May-2023
• ICS: 83.040.20 - Rubber compounding ingredients
• Technical Committee: D36 - Recovered Carbon Black (rCB)
• Drafting Committee: D36.10 - Recovered Carbon Black

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E473-23b - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Analysis and Rheology
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM E1953-20 - Standard Practice for Description of Thermal Analysis and Rheology Apparatus
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2020
• Refers: ASTM D8178-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Recovered Carbon Black (rCB)
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM D8178-18e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Recovered Carbon Black (rCB)
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM D8178-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Recovered Carbon Black (rCB)
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM D1900-06(2015) - Standard Practice for Carbon Black—Sampling Bulk Shipments
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM E473-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Analysis and Rheology
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2014
• Refers: ASTM D1799-03a(2014) - Standard Practice for Carbon Black—Sampling Packaged Shipments
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2014
• Refers: ASTM E1953-14 - Standard Practice for Description of Thermal Analysis and Rheology Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2014
• Refers: ASTM E1953-07(2013) - Standard Practice for Description of Thermal Analysis and Rheology Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2013
• Refers: ASTM E473-11a - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Analysis and Rheology
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM D1900-06(2011) - Standard Practice for Carbon Black<char: emdash>Sampling Bulk Shipments
• Effective Date: 01-May-2011
• Refers: ASTM E473-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Analysis and Rheology
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2011
• Refers: ASTM E473-10 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Analysis and Rheology
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2010
• Refers: ASTM E473-09 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Analysis and Rheology
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2009

Overview

ASTM D8474-23, titled Standard Test Method for Recovered Carbon Black (rCB)–Compositional Analysis by Thermogravimetry (TGA), is a key international standard developed by ASTM. This test method outlines procedures for determining the organic residue, overall carbon content, and ash content in recovered carbon black (rCB) using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Primarily intended for quality control, research, and development, this standard supports reliable compositional analysis-critical for ensuring consistent rCB material quality across the rubber, plastics, and related industries.

Key Topics

• Purpose and Significance

  • Enables precise identification and quantification of organic residue, total carbon, and inorganic ash content in rCB.
  • Widely applicable for quality assurance and material comparison in production and R&D environments.
  • Supports the growing circular economy by verifying properties of recycled materials like rCB.

• Scope of Applicability

  • Suited for rCB samples that do not contain organic substances decomposing above 550°C, or inorganic substances decomposing below this threshold.
  • Uses both manual and automated TGA equipment, after proper calibration.
  • SI units are the default system of measurement.

• Test Method Summary

  • A specified mass of the rCB sample is heated at a controlled rate, and the mass loss is measured at key temperature ranges.
  • Results provide a breakdown of organic residue, carbon, and ash content by mass percentage.
  • Involves use of inert (argon or nitrogen) and reactive (air or oxygen) gases of high purity for the TGA procedure.

• Sample Handling and Reporting

  • Samples are to be prepared and sampled based on referenced ASTM practices to ensure repeatability.
  • Reports must include sample identification and results for organic residue, carbon content, and ash-each measured to the nearest 0.1%.

Applications

Adoption of ASTM D8474-23 delivers practical benefits to several sectors, especially as recovered carbon black gains prominence in sustainable material sourcing:

• Quality Control in Manufacturing
  Routine compositional analysis verifies that rCB feedstock meets specified performance and safety parameters, reducing batch variability and optimizing rubber and plastic compounding.

• Research and Development
  This TGA method helps researchers develop and compare new rCB materials, improving product consistency and adherence to environmental standards.

• Material Certification
  Compliance with ASTM D8474-23 is often required for internal or third-party certifications related to the use of recycled raw materials.

• Circular Economy Initiatives
  By enabling accurate characterization of rCB, this standard supports sustainability initiatives and regulatory compliance in industries seeking to reduce reliance on virgin resources.

Related Standards

The standardized approach for recovered carbon black analysis draws upon and complements a range of supporting ASTM standards:

• ASTM D1799 – Practice for Carbon Black-Sampling Packaged Shipments
• ASTM D1900 – Practice for Carbon Black-Sampling Bulk Shipments
• ASTM D4483 – Practice for Evaluating Precision for Test Method Standards in the Rubber and Carbon Black Manufacturing Industries
• ASTM D8178 – Terminology Relating to Recovered Carbon Black (rCB)
• ASTM E473 – Terminology Relating to Thermal Analysis and Rheology
• ASTM E1953 – Practice for Description of Thermal Analysis and Rheology Apparatus

Leveraging these related documents alongside ASTM D8474-23 fosters a comprehensive and harmonized approach to rCB compositional analysis.

Keywords: recovered carbon black, rCB, thermogravimetric analysis, TGA, compositional analysis, ash content, carbon content, organic residue, ASTM standard, quality control, sustainable materials, recycled materials.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D8474 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Recovered Carbon Black (rCB)—Compositional Analysis by
Thermogravimetry (TGA)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D8474; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D8178 Terminology Relating to Recovered Carbon Black
(rCB)
1.1 This test method provides a thermogravimetric (TGA)
E473 Terminology Relating to Thermal Analysis and Rhe-
technique to determine the amounts of organic residue, overall
ology
carbon content, and ash content in recovered carbon black
E1953 Practice for Description of Thermal Analysis and
(rCB).
Rheology Apparatus
1.2 This test method uses previously calibrated, manual, or
computer-assisted TGA instrumentation.
3. Terminology
1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
3.1 The definitions relating to recovered carbon black (rCB)
as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in
in this standard are in accordance with Terminology D8178.
this standard.
3.2 The definitions for thermal analysis in this standard are
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
in accordance with Terminology E473.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.3 The descriptions of thermal analysis equipment in Prac-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
tice E1953 apply to this test method.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.4 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.4.1 ash, n—inorganic substance with a decomposition
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
temperature >550°C.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.4.2 carbon content, n—carbon black, carbonaceous
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
residues, and other non-volatile oxidizable carbon containing
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
substances at temperatures ≤550°C.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.4.3 organic residue, n—volatile residuals from organic
2. Referenced Documents
substances present in the feedstock at temperatures ≤550°C.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4. Summary of Test Method
D1799 Practice for Carbon Black—Sampling Packaged
Shipments
4.1 The mass of the rCB sample, heated at a controlled,
D1900 Practice for Carbon Black—Sampling Bulk Ship-
specified rate in a controlled, specified environment is recorded
ments
as a function of temperature. The mass loss over the specified
D4483 Practice for Evaluating Precision for Test Method
temperature range provides a value for the amounts of organic
Standards in the Rubber and Carbon Black Manufacturing
residue, carbon content, and ash content of the sample.
Industries
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method is intended for use in quality control of
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D36 on
production, for research and development purposes in which a
Recovered Carbon Black (rCB) and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
D36.10 on Recovered Carbon Black.
compositional analysis or comparisons of different materials
Current edition approved June 1, 2023. Published July 2023. Originally approved
are needed.
in 2022. Last previous edition approved in 2022 as D8474 – 22. DOI: 10.1520/
D8474-23.
5.2 This test method may not be suitable for rCB products
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
containing either organic substances that decompose or oxidize
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
only at temperatures of above 550°C or inorganic substances
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary pag
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D8474 − 22 D8474 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Recovered Carbon Black (rCB)—Compositional Analysis by
Thermogravimetry (TGA)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D8474; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method provides a thermogravimetric (TGA) technique to determine the amounts of organic residue, overall carbon
content, and ash content in recovered carbon black (rCB).
1.2 This test method uses previously calibrated, manual, or computer-assisted TGA instrumentation.
1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1799 Practice for Carbon Black—Sampling Packaged Shipments
D1900 Practice for Carbon Black—Sampling Bulk Shipments
D4483 Practice for Evaluating Precision for Test Method Standards in the Rubber and Carbon Black Manufacturing Industries
D8178 Terminology Relating to Recovered Carbon Black (rCB)
E473 Terminology Relating to Thermal Analysis and Rheology
E1953 Practice for Description of Thermal Analysis and Rheology Apparatus
3. Terminology
3.1 The definitions relating to recovered carbon black (rCB) in this standard are in accordance with Terminology D8178.
3.2 The definitions for thermal analysis in this standard are in accordance with Terminology E473.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D36 on Recovered Carbon Black (rCB) and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D36.10 on
Recovered Carbon Black.
Current edition approved Dec. 15, 2022June 1, 2023. Published February 2023July 2023. Originally approved in 2022. Last previous edition approved in 2022 as
D8474 – 22. DOI: 10.1520/D8474-22.10.1520/D8474-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D8474 − 23
3.3 The descriptions of thermal analysis equipment in Practice E1953 apply to this test method.
3.4 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.4.1 ash, n—inorganic substance with a decomposition temperature >550°C.
3.4.2 carbon content, n—carbon black, carbonaceous residues, and other non-volatile oxidizable carbon containing substances at
temperatures ≤550°C.
3.4.3 organic residue, n—volatile residuals from organic substances present in the feedstock at temperatures ≤550°C.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The mass of the rCB sample, heated at a controlled, specified rate in a controlled, specified environment is recorded as a
function of temperature. The mass loss over the specified temperature range provides a value for the amounts of organic residue,
carbon content, and ash content of the sample.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method is intended for use in quality control of production, for research and development purposes in which a
compositional analysis or comparisons of different materials are needed.
5.2 This test method ma
...