ASTM C1182-09(2019)

Standard Test Method for Determining the Particle Size Distribution of Alumina by Centrifugal Photosedimentation

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Manufacturers and users of alumina powders will find this test method useful to determine the particle size distribution of these materials for product specification, quality control, and research and development testing.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the particle size distribution of alumina in the range from 0.1 to 20 μm having a median particle diameter from 0.5 to 5.0 μm.  
1.2 The procedure described in this test method may be successfully applied to other ceramic powders in this general size range. It is the responsibility of the user to determine the applicability of this test method to other material.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
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: 30-Sep-2019
• ICS: 81.060.10 - Raw materials
• Technical Committee: C21 - Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Drafting Committee: C21.04 - Raw Materials

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C1182-09(2014) - Standard Test Method for Determining the Particle Size Distribution of Alumina by Centrifugal Photosedimentation
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM C242-20 - Standard Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2020
• Refers: ASTM C242-19a - Standard Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM C242-19 - Standard Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM C242-18 - Standard Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2018
• Refers: ASTM C242-15 - Standard Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2015
• Refers: ASTM E177-14 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM C242-14 - Standard Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2014
• Refers: ASTM E691-13 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E177-13 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM C242-12 - Standard Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM E691-11 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM E177-10 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM E177-08 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM E691-08 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008

Overview

ASTM C1182-09(2019): Standard Test Method for Determining the Particle Size Distribution of Alumina by Centrifugal Photosedimentation is a critical standard for professionals working with alumina and similar ceramic powders. This international standard outlines a precise method to measure the particle size distribution of alumina powders using centrifugal photosedimentation techniques. It is highly relevant for manufacturers, quality control specialists, and researchers who require accurate and reproducible data for product specifications, quality assurance, and development activities.

The method is applicable for alumina powders in the size range of 0.1 to 20 micrometers (µm) with a median particle diameter between 0.5 and 5.0 µm. It also provides guidance that may be adapted for other ceramic powders within similar size ranges.

Key Topics

• Particle Size Distribution of Alumina: Accurate measurement and reporting for alumina powders, essential for maintaining product quality and consistency.
• Centrifugal Photosedimentation: Utilization of controlled centrifugation and photodetection to analyze dispersion and sedimentation, resulting in a detailed volume-based particle size profile.
• Applicability to Other Ceramics: While centered on alumina, the test method can be extended to other ceramic powders within the specified size range, provided suitability is verified by the user.
• Quality Control and Specification Compliance: Supports product specification, process control, and research requirements in industrial and laboratory settings.
• Instrumentation: Specifies the use of advanced centrifugal particle size analyzers, ultrasonic dispersion tools, and compliance with relevant safety, calibration, and reagent practices.

Applications

The ASTM C1182-09(2019) standard test method is used in various scenarios, delivering strong practical value to the ceramics industry:

• Product Specification: Ensures that alumina powders and similar materials meet defined size specifications for end-use applications such as ceramic production and electronic components.
• Quality Control: Enables reliable batch-to-batch comparison and early detection of production variability, supporting consistent product quality over time.
• Research and Development: Provides a robust methodology for evaluating new materials, modifying processing conditions, and innovating in advanced ceramics.
• Process Optimization: By regularly monitoring particle size distribution, manufacturers can adjust milling and processing parameters to optimize product performance.
• Adaptability: While primarily for alumina, the method’s principles are valuable in analyzing other ceramic and inorganic powder materials, making it an adaptable technique in material science laboratories.

Related Standards

When implementing ASTM C1182-09(2019), several related ASTM standards and terminology documents may also be of use:

• ASTM C242: Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
  Provides definitions for technical terms used in this test method and across the industry.
• ASTM E691: Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
  Supports validation of test repeatability and reproducibility.
• ASTM E177: Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
  Guides interpretation and reporting of precision and bias data in testing results.

Keywords: ASTM C1182-09, alumina powder, particle size distribution, centrifugal photosedimentation, ceramic powder analysis, quality control, materials testing, standard test method.

For professionals working with ceramics and advanced materials, ASTM C1182-09(2019) offers a proven and internationally recognized approach to characterizing particle size distribution, supporting the quality and innovation essential to competitive manufacturing and research environments.

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: C1182 − 09 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Particle Size Distribution of Alumina by
Centrifugal Photosedimentation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1182; 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* 3. Terminology
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the particle 3.1 Definitions:
size distribution of alumina in the range from 0.1 to 20 µm 3.1.1 Refer to Terminology C242 for definitions of terms
having a median particle diameter from 0.5 to 5.0 µm. used in this test method.
1.2 The procedure described in this test method may be
4. Summary of Test Method
successfully applied to other ceramic powders in this general
4.1 A homogeneous aqueous dispersion of the powder is
size range. It is the responsibility of the user to determine the
prepared. While kept in a thoroughly mixed condition, a small
applicability of this test method to other material.
aliquot is transferred to the analyzer sample cell, which is
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to regarded as the
placed in the instrument and subjected to a controlled centrifu-
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
gal acceleration at a known or controlled temperature. At
only.
predetermined times related to the sedimentation of specific
Stokes’ diameters (Note 1), the optical absorbance is recorded
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
and ratioed to the initial value to determine the fraction of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
total sample that has sedimented a specific distance.Avolume
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
based size distribution is calculated from the absorbance-time
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
data. Since alumina particles are not truly spherical, the results
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
are reported as equivalent diameters (spherical) (Note 2).
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
NOTE 1—This diameter in micrometres is referred to as D in the
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
equation:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
18 n ~H/t!
2 8
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
D 5 310 (1)
ρ 2 ρ u
~ !
s f
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
where:
2. Referenced Documents
n = viscosity of the fluid, P,
H = height of the settling particles, cm,
2.1 ASTM Standards:
t = time for particle to settle, s,
C242 Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related
ρ = particle density, g/cm ,
s
Products
ρ = fluid density, g/cm , and
f
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
u = the rotational velocity, cm/s.
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
NOTE 2—Refer to Terminology C242 for the ASTM definition of this
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
term. Most equipment manufacturers refer to this as the equivalent
ASTM Test Methods
spherical diameter.
4.2 The instruments that have been found suitable for this
test method incorporate microcomputers that control instru-
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeC21onCeramic
ment operation and perform all required data acquisition and
Whitewares and Related Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
computation functions.
C21.04 on Raw Materials.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2019. Published October 2019. Originally
5. Significance and Use
approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as C1182 – 09 (2014).
DOI: 10.1520/C1182-09R19.
5.1 Manufacturers and users of alumina powders will find
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
this test method useful to determine the particle size distribu-
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
tion of these materials for product specification, quality
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. control, and research and development testing.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1182 − 09 (2019)
6. Apparatus sample) and place into a 250-mL beaker. If the sample is
received in a plastic or glass vial containing about 1 g
6.1 Centrifugal Particle Size Distribution Analyzer—The
(60.25 g), transfer the entire contents to the 250-mL beaker.
analyzer shall incorporate a centrifuge capable of subjecting a
Add 200 mLof 0.1 % sodium hexametaphosphate solution and
homogeneous dispersion of the sample to centrifugal accelera-
mix well by stirring. Disperse by either of the following
tion in specially designed sample cells. A collimated beam of
methods:
visible light (either monochromatic or broad-band) shall tra-
8.1.1.1 Ultrasonic Bath—Place the beaker in the bath with
verse the sample cell at a defined distance from the top of the
the bottom of the beaker suspended above the bottom of the
cell. The change in photo extinction resulting from sedimen-
bath. In the ideal position, the top of the fluid in the beaker is
tation of the sample shall be measured by a photo detector and
even with the liquid level in the bath. Apply ultrasonic energy
appropriate electronic circuits, and used to calculate the
for 15 min with frequent stirring. Remove beaker from bath.
volume-based sized distribution of the sample.
8.1.1.2 Ultrasonic Probe—Insert the probe into the beaker
6.2 Ultrasonic Probe, consisting of power unit, ultrasonic
containing the sample and apply power for 30 s. Make sure the
transducer, and 13-mm ( ⁄2-in.) diameter probe, 200 to 250 W.
sample is well suspended during this step. Remove probe from
6.3 Ultrasonic Water Bath, power density approximately the beaker.
8.1.2 Add a 25-mm (1-in.) stirring bar to the beaker and
0.3 W⁄cm (2W/in. ).
place on a magnetic stirrer. Stir for approximately 3 min in a
6.4 Balance, top-loading, accurate to 60.1 g.
cold water bath to bring the sample to ambient temperature.
6.5 Stirrer, magnetic, with 25-mm (1-in.) and 19-mm ( ⁄4-
Continue stirring at constant temperature.
in.) stirring bars.
NOTE 4—The concentration of the sample may require dilution with
6.6 Thermometer, 0 to 50 °C, accurate to 0.5 °C. May also
0.1 % sodium hexametaphosphate solution to meet the optical absorbance
be an electronic temperature measuring device, properly tolerance specified in the instrument operating manual. Thorough mixing
must accompany any dilution of the sample.
calibrated, that meets the given specifications.
8.2 Analyzer Preparation:
6.7 Sample Cells, as supplied by the instrument manufac-
8.2.1 To warm up the analyzer, apply power a minimum of
turer.
10 min prior to testing. Conduct the warm-up with the sample
7. Reagents compartment closed. Make certain t
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