ASTM D4456-17

Standard Test Methods for Physical and Chemical Properties of Powdered Ion Exchange Resins

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
7.1 The particle size distribution of powdered ion exchange resins and, more importantly, the derived parameters of mean particle size and percent above and below specified size limits are useful for determining batch to batch variations and, in some cases, can be related to certain aspects of product performance.  
7.2 Although automatic multichannel particle size analyzers, of the type described in Section 9, yield information on the entire distribution of sizes present in a given sample, it has been found that, for this application, the numerical value of three derived parameters may adequately describe the particle size characteristics of the samples: the mean particle diameter (in micrometres), the percent of the sample that falls below some size limit, and the percent of the sample that falls above some size limit.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the physical and chemical properties of powdered ion exchange resins and are intended for use in testing new materials. The following test methods are included:  
Sections  
Test Method A—Particle Size Distribution  
5 to 15  
Test Method B—Solids Content  
16 to 23  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 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-Jul-2017
• ICS: 71.100.40 - Surface active agents
• Technical Committee: D19 - Water
• Drafting Committee: D19.08 - Membranes and Ion Exchange Materials

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D4456-99(2009)e1 - Standard Test Methods for Physical and Chemical Properties of Powdered Ion Exchange Resins
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM D2687-95(2024) - Standard Practices for Sampling Particulate Ion-Exchange Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM D1129-13(2020)e2 - Standard Terminology Relating to Water
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM D2687-95(2016) - Standard Practices for Sampling Particulate Ion-Exchange Materials
• Effective Date: 15-May-2016
• Refers: ASTM D2777-12 - Standard Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of Applicable Test Methods of Committee D19 on Water
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2012
• Refers: ASTM D1129-10 - Standard Terminology Relating to Water
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2010
• Refers: ASTM D2777-08 - Standard Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of Applicable Test Methods of Committee D19 on Water
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2008
• Refers: ASTM D2687-95(2007)e1 - Standard Practices for Sampling Particulate Ion-Exchange Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2007
• Refers: ASTM D1129-06ae1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Water
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2006
• Refers: ASTM D1129-06a - Standard Terminology Relating to Water
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2006
• Refers: ASTM D2777-06 - Standard Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of Applicable Test Methods of Committee D19 on Water
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2006
• Refers: ASTM F658-00a(2006) - Standard Practice for Calibration of a Liquid-Borne Particle Counter Using an Optical System Based Upon Light Extinction (Withdrawn 2007)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2006
• Refers: ASTM D1193-06 - Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2006
• Refers: ASTM D1129-06 - Standard Terminology Relating to Water
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2006
• Refers: ASTM D1129-04e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Water
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2004

Overview

ASTM D4456-17: Standard Test Methods for Physical and Chemical Properties of Powdered Ion Exchange Resins provides essential protocols for testing the properties of new powdered ion exchange resins. Developed by ASTM International, this standard guides laboratories and manufacturers in determining particle size distribution and solids content. Ensuring consistency in these properties is critical for quality control and the reliable performance of ion exchange resins in industrial, municipal, and laboratory settings.

These test methods are specifically intended for powdered ion exchange resins that have been processed to particle sizes less than 30 micrometres. The standard details best practices for preparing samples, selecting appropriate instrumentation, and reporting results using SI units. Adhering to these methods can help organizations monitor batch-to-batch variations and optimize product performance.

Key Topics

• Particle Size Distribution:

  • Instrumental analysis of the distribution of particle sizes in powdered resins.
  • Measurement of mean particle diameter, as well as the proportion of material above and below specified size thresholds.
  • Assessment of batch consistency and potential performance attributes.
  • Use of optical, electrical resistance, and light-scattering instruments as described in the standard.

• Solids Content Determination:

  • Measurement of the percent solids in new powdered ion exchange resins as received.
  • Heating samples to 104 ± 2°C for a specified duration and recording weight loss.
  • Applicability for both anion and cation exchange resins in the ionic form received.

• Sample Preparation and Reagents:

  • Use of reagent-grade chemicals and Type III reagent water.
  • Importance of proper sample dispersion, use of nonionic wetting agents, and maintaining cleanliness to avoid contamination.

• Reporting and Quality Control:

  • Detailed guidance on data calculation and result reporting.
  • Emphasis on repeated measurements and the necessity for consistent, reproducible procedures.
  • Statements regarding the limitations of precision, bias, and lack of standard reference materials in this field.

Applications

ASTM D4456-17 is widely used in industries and research areas that rely on ion exchange resins for water treatment, chemical processing, biotechnology, and laboratory analysis. Key applications include:

• Quality Assurance for Manufacturers:

  • Routine batch testing to ensure consistent product properties.
  • Monitoring process changes to maintain or improve resin performance.

• Research and Development:

  • Evaluating new formulations or process modifications.
  • Providing reproducible data for benchmarking against established performance parameters.

• Process Control in Water Treatment and Chemical Plants:

  • Ensuring that resin particles meet specification requirements.
  • Reducing variability in system performance linked to changes in resin physical or chemical characteristics.

• Laboratory Analysis:

  • Supporting internal and third-party resin testing programs.
  • Providing standardized data for regulatory or certification purposes.

Related Standards

For comprehensive quality control and compatibility, the following ASTM standards are often referenced or used alongside ASTM D4456-17:

• ASTM D1129: Terminology Relating to Water.
• ASTM D1193: Specification for Reagent Water.
• ASTM D2687: Practices for Sampling Particulate Ion-Exchange Materials.
• ASTM D2777: Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of Applicable Test Methods of Committee D19 on Water.

Note: Withdrawn standards such as ASTM F322, F651, and F658 may still offer reference value for historical calibration and particle counting practices.

By adhering to ASTM D4456-17, organizations can achieve robust quality controls, improved resin performance, and greater confidence in the physical and chemical characterization of powdered ion exchange resins. This supports operational efficiency and regulatory compliance across multiple industries.

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: D4456 − 17
Standard Test Methods for
Physical and Chemical Properties of Powdered Ion
Exchange Resins
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4456; 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 F322 Test Method for Determining the Quality of Calibra-
tion Particles forAutomatic Particle Counters (Withdrawn
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the
1990)
physical and chemical properties of powdered ion exchange
F651 Method for Particle Counter Single-Point Calibration
resins and are intended for use in testing new materials. The
by the Median Method (Withdrawn 1987)
following test methods are included:
F658 Practice for Calibration of a Liquid-Borne Particle
Sections
Counter Using an Optical System Based Upon Light
Test Method A—Particle Size Distribution 5 to 15
Test Method B—Solids Content 16 to 23 Extinction (Withdrawn 2007)
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
3. Terminology
standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for informa-
3.1 Definitions:
tion only and are not considered standard.
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in these standards, refer
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
to Terminology D1129.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2.1 Certain terms that relate specifically to these standards
priate safety, health and environmental practices and deter-
are described as follows:
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.2.2 powdered ion exchange resin—an ion exchange resin
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
that has undergone post-manufacturing size reduction to less
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
than 30 µm.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.2.3 resin floc—that voluminous aggregate formed when
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
powdered anion exchange resin and powdered cation exchange
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
resin are slurried together in an aqueous suspension.
2. Referenced Documents
4. Purity of Reagents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.1 Reagent grade chemicals shall be used in all tests.
D1129 Terminology Relating to Water
Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that all reagents shall
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
conform to the specifications of the Committee on Analytical
D2687 PracticesforSamplingParticulateIon-ExchangeMa-
Reagents of the American Chemical Society, where such
terials
specifications are available. Other grades may be used, pro-
D2777 Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of
vided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of sufficiently
Applicable Test Methods of Committee D19 on Water
high purity to permit its use without lessening the accuracy of
the determination.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D19 on
Water and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D19.08 on Membranes and
Ion Exchange Materials. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2017. Published August 2017. Originally www.astm.org.
ɛ1
approved in 1985. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as D4456 – 99 (2009) . Reagent Chemicals, American Chemical Society Specifications, American
DOI: 10.1520/D4456-17. Chemical Society, Washington, DC. For Suggestions on the testing of reagents not
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or listed by the American Chemical Society, see Annual Standards for Laboratory
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Chemicals, BDH Ltd., Poole, Dorset, U.K., and the United States Pharmacopeia
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on and National Formulary, U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc. (USPC), Rockville,
the ASTM website. MD.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4456 − 17
4.2 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, references 9.1.2 Electrical Resistance Particle Counters, that set up a
to water shall be understood to mean Type III reagent water, voltage difference across an aperture through which a conduc-
Specification D1193. tive liquid flows to measure and count each particle in the
liquid by the change in conductivity or resistance as it passes
TEST METHOD A—PARTICLE SIZE
through the aperture.
DISTRIBUTION
9.1.3 Light-Scattering Instruments, that view a flowing
streamofparticleswithalaserbeamandproduceaFraunhoffer
5. Scope
diffraction pattern from which a thirteen-segment histogram of
5.1 This test method covers the instrumental determination volume size distribution is obtained.
of the particle-size distribution of powdered ion exchange
9.2 Sample Handling System, compatible with the particle-
resins.
sizing instrument being used.
9.3 Auxiliary Equipment, as specified by the manufacturer
6. Summary of Test Method
of the instrument being used.
6.1 A sample of powdered ion exchange resin is dispersed
uniformly in a suitable aqueous liquid. The resulting suspen-
10. Material
sionispassedthroughaninstrumentformeasuringparticlesize
10.1 Nonionic Wetting Agent, to assist in the dispersion of
distribution by weight, number, or volume. Determinations are
the particles in the liquid. The volume to be added will be
made of mean particle size, percent below a specified smaller
small, but its cleanliness should be such that the total count in
size limit, and percent above a specified larger size limit.
thesuspendingliquid(withwettingagent)doesnotexceed1 %
6.2 The analyst should be aware that adequate collaborative
of the total count during analysis of the resin sample.
data for precision and bias statements as required by Practice
D2777 are not provided. See Section 15 for details.
11. Calibration and Standardization
11.1 Calibrate the instrument over the size range to be
7. Significance and Use
measured following either the manufacturer’s instructions or
7.1 The particle size distribution of powdered ion exchange
Method F651, Practice F658, or Test Method F322.
resins and, more importantly, the derived parameters of mean
particle size and percent above and below specified size limits
12. Procedure
are useful for determining batch to batch variations and, in
12.1 Into a clean sample container, add measured quantities
some cases, can be related to certain aspects of product
of clean liquid, clean wetting agent, and a sample of powdered
performance.
ion exchange resin. The size of the sample container and the
7.2 Although automatic multichannel particle size
quantitiesofeachmaterialtobeaddedwillbedeterminedfrom
analyzers, of the type described in Section 9, yield information
the operating instructions for the instrument being used for the
on the entire distribution of sizes present in a given sample, it
size range to be measured.
hasbeenfoundthat,forthisapplication,thenumericalvalueof
12.2 Agitate the resulting suspension to break up aglomer-
three derived parameters may adequately describe the particle
ates and create a uniform dispersion of particles using the
size characteristics of the samples: the mean particle diame
...

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.
´1
Designation: D4456 − 99 (Reapproved 2009) D4456 − 17
Standard Test Methods for
Physical and Chemical Properties of Powdered Ion
Exchange Resins
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4456; 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.
ε NOTE—Updated 4.2 editorially in June 2009.
1. Scope
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the physical and chemical properties of powdered ion exchange resins and
are intended for use in testing new materials. The following test methods are included:
Sections
Test Method A—Particle Size Distribution 5 to 15
Test Method B—Solids Content 16 to 23
Sections
Test Method A—Particle Size Distribution 5 to 15
Test Method B—Solids Content 16 to 23
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this The values
given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not
considered standard.
1.3 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 consult and establish appropriate safety safety, health and healthenvironmental practices and
determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 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:
D1129 Terminology Relating to Water
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
D2687 Practices for Sampling Particulate Ion-Exchange Materials
D2777 Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of Applicable Test Methods of Committee D19 on Water
F322 Test Method for Determining the Quality of Calibration Particles for Automatic Particle Counters (Withdrawn 1990)
F651 Method for Particle Counter Single-Point Calibration by the Median Method (Withdrawn 1987)
F658 Practice for Calibration of a Liquid-Borne Particle Counter Using an Optical System Based Upon Light Extinction
(Withdrawn 2007)
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Definitions: For definitions of terms used in this practice, refer to Terminology D1129
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in these standards, refer to Terminology D1129.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 Certain terms that relate specifically to these test methods standards are described as follows:
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D19 on Water and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D19.08 on Membranes and Ion
Exchange Materials.
Current edition approved May 1, 2009Aug. 1, 2017. Published June 2009August 2017. Originally approved in 1985. Last previous edition approved in 20052009 as
ɛ1
D4456 – 99 (2005).(2009) . DOI: 10.1520/D4456-99R09E01.10.1520/D4456-17.
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.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4456 − 17
3.2.2 powdered ion exchange resin—an ion exchange resin that has undergone post-manufacturing size reduction to less than
30 μm.
3.2.3 resin floc—that voluminous aggregate formed when powdered anion exchange resin and powdered cation exchange resin
are slurried together in an aqueous suspension.
4. Purity of Reagents
4.1 Reagent grade chemicals shall be used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that all reagents shall conform
to the specifications of the Committee on Analytical Reagents of the American Chemical Society, where such specifications are
available. Other grades may be used, provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of sufficiently high purity to permit its use
without lessening the accuracy of the determination.
4.2 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, references to water shall be understood to mean Type III reagent water,
Specification D1193.
TEST METHOD A—PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION
5. Scope
5.1 This test method covers the instrumental determination of the particle-size distribution of powdered ion exchange resins.
5. Scope
5.1 This test method covers the instrumental determination of the particle-size distribution of powdered ion exchange resins.
6. Summary of Test Method
6.1 A sample of powdered ion exchange resin is dispersed uniformly in a suitable aqueous liquid. The resulting suspension is
passed through an instrument for measuring particle size distribution by weight, number, or volume. Determinations are made of
mean particle size, percent below a specified smaller size limit, and percent above a specified larger size limit.
6.2 The analyst should be aware that adequate collaborative data for precision and bias statements as required by Practice D2777
are not provided. See Section 15 for details.
7. Significance and Use
7.1 The particle size distribution of powdered ion exchange resins and, more importantly, the derived parameters of mean
particle size and percent above and below specified size limits are useful for determining batch to batch variations and, in some
cases, can be related to certain aspects of product performance.
7.2 Although automatic multichannel particle size analyzers, of the type described in Section 9, yield information on the entire
distribution of sizes present in a given sample, it has been found that, for this application, the numerical value of three derived
parameters may adequately describe the particle size characteristics of the samples: the mean particle diameter (in micrometres),
the percent of the sample that falls below some size limit, and the percent of the sample that falls above some size limit.
8. Interferences
8.1 Instruments requiring the use of an aqueous electrolyte for sample suspension, such as described in 9.1.2, may give results
different than those instruments not requiring an electrolyte.
9. Apparatus
9.1 Instruments for Measuring Particle Size Distribution, from 2 to 300 μm in size, although it may not be necessary to cover
this entire range for any one sample. Satisfactory results have been obtained from instruments with three different principles of
operation. Instruments from other manufacturers may be suitable but have not been evaluated.
9.1.1 Optical Particle Counters, that pass a collimated light beam through a flowing stream of particles to measure and count
each individual particle according to the reduction in light intensity created as it passes through the sensing zone.
9.1.2 Electrical Resistance Particle Counters, that set up a voltage difference across an aperture through which a conductive
liquid flows to measure and count each particle in the liquid by the change in conductivity or resistance as it passes through the
aperture.
9.1.3 Light-Scattering Instruments, that view a flowing stream of particles with a laser beam and produce a Fraunhoffer
diffraction pattern from which a thirteen-segment histogram of volume size distribution is obtained.
9.2 Sample Handling System, compatible with the particle-sizing instrument being used.
Reagent Chemicals, American Chemical Society Specifications, American Chemical Society, Washington, DC. For Suggestions on the testing of reagents not listed by
the American Chemical Society, see Annual Standards for Laboratory Chemicals, BDH Ltd., Poole, Dorset, U.K., and the United States Pharmacopeia and National
Formulary, U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc. (USPC), Rockville, MD.
D4456 − 17
9.3 Auxiliary Equipment, as specified by the manufacturer of the instrument being used.
10. Material
10.1 Nonionic Wetting Agent, to assist in the dispersion of the particles in the liquid. The volume to be added will be small, but
its cleanliness should be such that the total count
...