ASTM D1045-19

Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Plasticizers Used in Plastics

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 These test methods shall be used in establishing and confirming quality control standards for liquid plasticizers used in the compounding of plastics.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover sampling and testing of liquid plasticizers used in compounding of plastics. Acid number, ester content, specific gravity, color, refractive index, and water content are determined.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
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. Specific hazards information is given in Section 5.
Note 1: There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.  
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-2019
• ICS: 83.040.30 - Auxiliary materials and additives for plastics
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.15 - Thermoplastic Materials

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D1045-14 - Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Plasticizers Used in Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM E203-24 - Standard Test Method for Water Using Volumetric Karl Fischer Titration
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM D883-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D883-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM D883-19c - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-18a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM D883-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM D1600-18 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM D70-17 - Standard Test Method for Density of Semi-Solid Bituminous Materials (Pycnometer Method)
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2017
• Refers: ASTM D883-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM D1600-14 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2014
• Refers: ASTM E1-13 - Standard Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013

Overview

ASTM D1045-19: Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Plasticizers Used in Plastics provides comprehensive procedures for evaluating the quality of liquid plasticizers used in the compounding of plastics. Published by ASTM International, this standard supports quality control processes by detailing how to accurately sample and test important characteristics of plasticizers, including acid number, ester content, specific gravity, color, refractive index, and water content. The test methods help manufacturers, suppliers, and quality assurance professionals ensure the performance and consistency of plasticizer products prior to their use in plastic manufacturing.

Key Topics

ASTM D1045-19 addresses several essential aspects for assessing liquid plasticizers:

• Sampling Procedures

  • Methods are provided for collecting representative samples from different storage types, including large tanks and individual drums, to ensure accurate testing.

• Critical Test Parameters

  • Acid Number - Quantifies the acidity of the plasticizer, important for identifying potential impurities.
  • Ester Content - Determines the proportion of ester compounds, crucial for functionality.
  • Specific Gravity - Measures density relative to water, aiding in quality consistency.
  • Color - Assesses the plasticizer’s visual appearance using established colorimetric methods.
  • Refractive Index - Indicates optical properties, useful for product identification and purity.
  • Water Content - Detects moisture levels which can impact plastic performance.

• Test Equipment and Reagents

  • Specifies use of ASTM-approved thermometers, hydrometers, pycnometers, and reagent-grade chemicals.
  • Provides guidance on safety and environmental considerations when handling hazardous chemicals and mercury thermometers.

• Reporting

  • Results are to be documented clearly, including all test data, plasticizer identification, and methods used.

Applications

This standard is widely utilized in various sectors of the plastics industry, ensuring that liquid plasticizers meet strict quality control specifications before they are incorporated into products. Key applications include:

• Quality Assurance in Manufacturing
  • Enables consistent assessment of raw material quality for PVC, vinyl, and other plastics.
• Supplier Evaluation
  • Provides a basis for purchasing decisions and supplier qualification by confirming product consistency.
• Regulatory and Compliance Testing
  • Assists organizations in meeting contractual, national, and international requirements for plasticizers.
• Research and Development
  • Supports formulation adjustments and innovation by offering reliable analytical methods.
• Product Certification
  • Essential for demonstrating compliance with industry standards and justifying product claims.

Related Standards

Several referenced ASTM standards support or relate to the methods outlined in ASTM D1045-19:

• ASTM D792 – Standard Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity of Plastics by Displacement
• ASTM D1209 – Test Method for Color of Clear Liquids (Platinum-Cobalt Scale)
• ASTM D1218 – Test Method for Refractive Index and Refractive Dispersion of Hydrocarbon Liquids
• ASTM D3465 – Test Method for Purity of Monomeric Plasticizers by Gas Chromatography
• ASTM E203 – Test Method for Water Using Volumetric Karl Fischer Titration
• ASTM D4052 – Test Method for Density, Relative Density, and API Gravity of Liquids by Digital Density Meter

Note: There is no known ISO equivalent to ASTM D1045-19.

Practical Value

By following ASTM D1045-19, organizations involved in the production, supply, or use of liquid plasticizers benefit from:

• Objective validation of raw material quality
• Increased product consistency and customer confidence
• Improved compliance with safety, health, and regulatory standards
• Enhanced ability to detect and correct quality deviations early in the supply chain

Keywords: ASTM D1045, plasticizer testing, sampling, acid number, ester content, specific gravity, refractive index, water content, quality control, plastics industry.

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: D1045 − 19
Standard Test Methods for
Sampling and Testing Plasticizers Used in Plastics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1045; 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* D1209 Test Method for Color of Clear Liquids (Platinum-
Cobalt Scale)
1.1 These test methods cover sampling and testing of liquid
D1218 Test Method for Refractive Index and Refractive
plasticizers used in compounding of plastics. Acid number,
Dispersion of Hydrocarbon Liquids
estercontent,specificgravity,color,refractiveindex,andwater
D1544 Test Method for Color of Transparent Liquids (Gard-
content are determined.
ner Color Scale)
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
D1600 Terminology forAbbreviatedTerms Relating to Plas-
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
tics
only.
D3465 Test Method for Purity of Monomeric Plasticizers by
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the Gas Chromatography
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
D4052 Test Method for Density, Relative Density, and API
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- Gravity of Liquids by Digital Density Meter
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
D5386 Test Method for Color of Liquids Using Tristimulus
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Colorimetry
Specific hazards information is given in Section 5.
E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
E203 Test Method for Water Using Volumetric Karl Fischer
NOTE 1—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
Titration
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
E2251 Specification for Liquid-in-Glass ASTM Thermom-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
eters with Low-Hazard Precision Liquids
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3. Terminology
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1 Definitions—Definitions are in accordance with Termi-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
nology D883 and Terminology D1600, unless otherwise indi-
cated.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4. Significance and Use
D70 Test Method for Density of Semi-Solid Asphalt Binder
4.1 These test methods shall be used in establishing and
(Pycnometer Method)
confirmingqualitycontrolstandardsforliquidplasticizersused
D287 Test Method for API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and
in the compounding of plastics.
Petroleum Products (Hydrometer Method)
D792 Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Rela-
5. Hazards
tive Density) of Plastics by Displacement
5.1 Chemical Hazard of Reagents—It is possible that some
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
of the chemicals used in this test method are hazardous.
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
Accepted laboratory safety procedures must be followed. See
suppliers’ material safety data sheets for further information.
5.2 Hazards with Mercury Thermometers—Hazards associ-
These methods are under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D20 on Plastics
ated with mercury thermometers are discussed in 8.2.
and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.15 on Thermoplastic
Materials (Section D20.15.07 on Vinyl Chloride Polymers).
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2019. Published August 2019. Originally 6. Sampling
approved in 1949. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D1045 - 14. DOI:
6.1 The method of sampling specified in 6.2 or 6.3 shall be
10.1520/D1045-19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or used, according to the special conditions that exist.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
6.2 From Loaded Tank Car or Other Large Vessel—The
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. composite sample taken shall be not less than 2 L( ⁄2 gal). It is
*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
D1045 − 19
important that the composite sample consists of small samples should be aware that selling mercury and/or mercury-
of not more than 1 L (1 qt) each, taken from near the top and containing products in your state may be prohibited by state
bottom by means of a metal or glass container with removable law.)
stopper or top. This device, attached to a suitable pole, shall be
lowered to the desired depth, when the stopper or top shall be
9. Acid Number
removed and the container allowed to fill. A bomb sampler
9.1 Reagents:
attached to a chain is convenient to use; adjust the opening so
9.1.1 Alcohol—Denatured alcohol, Formula No. 3A of the
that the bomb will fill on the way down.
U. S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.
6.3 From Barrels and Drums—At least 5 % of the packages
9.1.2 Alkali, Standard Solution (0.01 N)—Prepare and stan-
in any shipment shall be represented in the sample. It is
dardize a 0.01 N aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide
permissible for the purchaser to increase the percentage of
(NaOH) or a 0.01 N alcoholic solution of potassium hydroxide
packages to be sampled at his discretion; in the case of
(KOH).
plasticizers that are purchased in small quantity, it is permis-
9.1.3 Alkali, Standard Solution (0.1 N)—Prepare and stan-
sible to sample and analyze each package, if desired.Aportion
dardize a 0.1 N aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
shall be withdrawn from near the center of each package
or a 0.1 N alcoholic solution of potassium hydroxide (KOH).
sampled by means of a “thief” or other sampling device and
9.1.4 Acetone.
composited. The composite sample thus obtained shall be not
9.1.5 Bromthymol Blue Indicator Solution.
less than 1 L (1 qt) and shall consist of equal portions of not
less than 250 mL ( ⁄2 pt) from each package sampled.
10. Procedure
7. Purity of Reagents
10.1 Weigh 25 g of the sample into a 125-mL Erlenmeyer
flask and dissolve in 50 mL of alcohol. If the sample is not
7.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent-grade chemicals shall be
completely soluble in alcohol, use 50 mLof a mixture of equal
used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that
parts of alcohol and acetone. With certain samples it will
all reagents shall conform to the specifications of the Commit-
potentially be necessary first to add 25 mLof acetone, warm to
tee onAnalytical Reagents of theAmerican Chemical Society,
effect solution, and then add 25 mL of alcohol.
where such specifications are available.
10.2 Addafewdropsofbromthymolblueindicatorsolution
7.2 Unless otherwise indicated, references to water shall be
and titrate with 0.01 N NaOH or KOH solution. If the titration
understood to mean reagent water conforming to Specification
exceeds 10 mL, repeat the determination using 0.1 N NaOH or
D1193.
KOH solution.
8. Thermometers
10.3 Blank—Make a blank titration on 50 mLof the solvent
8.1 Make all temperature measurements with ASTM ther-
used to dissolve the sample.
mometers of suitable range, accurate to within 0.1°C and
conforming to the requirements prescribed in Specifications
11. Calculation
E2251 or E1. Only use thermometers conforming to Specifi-
11.1 Calculate the acid number, expressed as milligrams of
cation E1 if a suitable thermometer conforming to Specifica-
KOH per gram of sample, as follows:
tion E2251 cannot be found. Thermometric devices such as
Acid number 5 A 2 B N
...

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: D1045 − 14 D1045 − 19
Standard Test Methods for
Sampling and Testing Plasticizers Used in Plastics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1045; 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 These test methods cover sampling and testing of liquid plasticizers used in compounding of plastics. Acid number, ester
content, specific gravity, color, refractive index, and water content are determined.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific hazards information is given in Section 5.
NOTE 1—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
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:
D70 Test Method for Density of Semi-Solid Asphalt Binder (Pycnometer Method)
D287 Test Method for API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Petroleum Products (Hydrometer Method)
D792 Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Relative Density) of Plastics by Displacement
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
D1209 Test Method for Color of Clear Liquids (Platinum-Cobalt Scale)
D1218 Test Method for Refractive Index and Refractive Dispersion of Hydrocarbon Liquids
D1544 Test Method for Color of Transparent Liquids (Gardner Color Scale)
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
D3465 Test Method for Purity of Monomeric Plasticizers by Gas Chromatography
D4052 Test Method for Density, Relative Density, and API Gravity of Liquids by Digital Density Meter
D5386 Test Method for Color of Liquids Using Tristimulus Colorimetry
E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
E203 Test Method for Water Using Volumetric Karl Fischer Titration
E2251 Specification for Liquid-in-Glass ASTM Thermometers with Low-Hazard Precision Liquids
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Definitions are in accordance with Terminology D883 and Terminology D1600, unless otherwise indicated.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 These test methods shall be used in establishing and confirming quality control standards for liquid plasticizers used in the
compounding of plastics.
These methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.15 on Thermoplastic Materials
(Section D20.15.07 on Vinyl Chloride Polymers).
Current edition approved March 1, 2014Aug. 1, 2019. Published March 2014August 2019. Originally approved in 1949. Last previous edition approved in 20082014 as
D1045 - 08.D1045 - 14. DOI: 10.1520/D1045-14.10.1520/D1045-19.
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.
*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
D1045 − 19
5. Hazards
5.1 Chemical Hazard of Reagents—It is possible that some of the chemicals used in this test method are hazardous. Accepted
laboratory safety procedures must be followed. See suppliers’ material safety data sheets for further information.
5.2 Hazards with Mercury Thermometers—Hazards associated with mercury thermometers are discussed in 8.2.
6. Sampling
6.1 The method of sampling specified in 6.2 or 6.3 shall be used, according to the special conditions that exist.
6.2 From Loaded Tank Car or Other Large Vessel—The composite sample taken shall be not less than 2 L ( ⁄2 gal). It is
important that the composite sample consists of small samples of not more than 1 L (1 qt) each, taken from near the top and bottom
by means of a metal or glass container with removable stopper or top. This device, attached to a suitable pole, shall be lowered
to the desired depth, when the stopper or top shall be removed and the container allowed to fill. A bomb sampler attached to a chain
is convenient to use; adjust the opening so that the bomb will fill on the way down.
6.3 From Barrels and Drums—At least 5 % of the packages in any shipment shall be represented in the sample. It is permissible
for the purchaser to increase the percentage of packages to be sampled at his discretion; in the case of plasticizers that are purchased
in small quantity, it is permissible to sample and analyze each package, if desired. A portion shall be withdrawn from near the
center of each package sampled by means of a “thief” or other sampling device and composited. The composite sample thus
obtained shall be not less than 1 L (1 qt) and shall consist of equal portions of not less than 250 mL ( ⁄2 pt) from each package
sampled.
7. Purity of Reagents
7.1 Purity of Reagents—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.
7.2 Unless otherwise indicated, references to water shall be understood to mean reagent water conforming to Specification
D1193.
8. Thermometers
8.1 All Make all temperature measurements shall be made with ASTM thermometers of suitable range, accurate to within 0.1°C
and conforming to the requirements prescribed in SpecificationSpecifications E2251 or E1. Only use thermometers conforming to
Specification E1 if a suitable thermometer conforming to Specification E2251 cannot be found. Thermometric devices such as
RTDs, thermistors, thermocouples, and liquid-in-glass thermometers (as in Specification and thermocouples E2251), with
appropriate temperature range and equal or better accuracy as the selected thermometer, are acceptable for use.
8.2 The thermometers referenced in Specification E1 contain mercury, a mercury thallium eutectic alloy, toluene or other
suitable liquid colored with a permanent red dye. (Warning—Mercury has been designated by EPA and many state agencies as
a hazardous material that can cause central nervous system, kidney, and liver damage. Mercury or its vapor may be hazardous to
health and corrosive to materials. Cautions shall be taken when handling mercury and mercury-containing products. See the
applicable product Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for details and EPA’s website – http://www.epa.gov/mercury – for additional
information. Users should be aware that selling mercury and/or mercury-containing products in your state may be prohibited by
state law.)
9. Acid Number
9.1 Reagents:
9.1.1 Alcohol—Denatured alcohol, Formula No. 3A of the U. S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.
9.1.2 Alkali, Standard Solution (0.01 N)—Prepare and standardize a 0.01 N aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or
a 0.01 N alcoholic solution of potassium hydroxide (KOH).
9.1.3 Alkali, Standard Solution (0.1 N)—Prepare and standardize a 0.1 N aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or a
0.1 N alcoholic solution of potassium hydroxide (KOH).
9.1.4 Acetone.
9.1.5 Bromthymol Blue Indicator Solution.
Reagent Chemicals, American Chemical Society Specifications, Ameri
...