ASTM D365-23

Standard Guide for Soluble Nitrocellulose Base Solutions

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 Since the desired specifications and compositions of soluble nitrocellulose base solutions vary greatly, these methods are used to establish whether limits that shall be as agreed upon between the producer and the user have been met.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers the testing of soluble nitrocellulose base solutions that are made by dispersing various kinds and concentrations of soluble nitrocellulose (cellulose nitrate) in various solvent mixtures.  
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. For specific hazard statements see Section 11.  
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-May-2023
• ICS: 87.060.30 - Solvents
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.55 - Factory Applied Coatings on Preformed Products

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D1200-10(2014) - Standard Test Method for Viscosity by Ford Viscosity Cup
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2014
• Refers: ASTM D1200-10 - Standard Test Method for Viscosity by Ford Viscosity Cup
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2010
• Refers: ASTM D333-01(2007) - Standard Guide for Clear and Pigmented Lacquers
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2007
• Refers: ASTM D1193-06 - Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2006
• Refers: ASTM D1200-94(2005) - Standard Test Method for Viscosity by Ford Viscosity Cup
• Effective Date: 15-May-2005
• Refers: ASTM D333-96 - Standard Test Method for Clear and Pigmented Lacquers
• Effective Date: 10-May-2001
• Refers: ASTM D333-01 - Standard Guide for Clear and Pigmented Lacquers
• Effective Date: 10-May-2001
• Refers: ASTM D1200-94(1999) - Standard Test Method for Viscosity by Ford Viscosity Cup
• Effective Date: 10-May-1999
• Refers: ASTM D1193-99e1 - Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-1999
• Refers: ASTM D1193-99 - Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-1999

Overview

ASTM D365-23, Standard Guide for Soluble Nitrocellulose Base Solutions, is an essential international standard issued by ASTM for guiding the testing of soluble nitrocellulose (cellulose nitrate) base solutions. These solutions are prepared by dispersing various types and concentrations of soluble nitrocellulose in a range of solvent mixtures. The guide provides methods and procedures to determine if the agreed-upon specifications between producers and users are met. ASTM D365-23 emphasizes both quality assurance and the importance of safety, health, and environmental practices in handling and testing nitrocellulose base solutions.

Key Topics

Main considerations covered by ASTM D365-23 include:

• Consistency (Viscosity) Testing
  • Methods for assessing the viscosity of soluble nitrocellulose base solutions with varied consistencies (using falling-ball and viscosity cup methods).
• Nonvolatile Matter Content
  • Procedures for measuring nonvolatile matter as per ASTM D333.
• Appearance Evaluation
  • Comparison of the test sample with an agreed reference standard for turbidity, hair, grain, and insoluble matter.
• Depth of Color Assessment
  • Guidance on establishing color standards (platinum-cobalt and caramel) and measuring sample color against these standards.
• Sampling Methods
  • Reference to the best practices for sampling industrial chemicals (e.g., as outlined in ASTM Practice E300).
• Use of SI Units
  • Results and requirements are stated in SI units, with accompanying information in parentheses as needed.
• Safety and Compliance
  • Users must establish and adhere to relevant safety, health, and regulatory guidelines when applying this standard.

Applications

Industries and use cases where ASTM D365-23 is particularly valuable:

• Coatings and Paints Manufacturing
  • Ensuring uniformity and quality in products such as lacquers, varnishes, and specialty coatings where soluble nitrocellulose base solutions are common components.
• Chemical Production and Quality Control
  • Delivering reliable testing frameworks for evaluating nitrocellulose solutions used in industrial and laboratory settings.
• Supply Chain and Procurement
  • Establishing clear, standardized acceptance criteria for material transactions between producers and users.
• Regulatory & Compliance Assurance
  • Meeting industry-specific and international requirements for chemical solution evaluation.
• Research and Development
  • Supporting new formulations and process optimizations by providing consistent methods for solution characterization.

Related Standards

ASTM D365-23 references and aligns with several related ASTM standards, including:

• ASTM D301 - Test Methods for Soluble Cellulose Nitrate (withdrawn)
• ASTM D333 - Guide for Clear and Pigmented Lacquers
• ASTM D1193 - Specification for Reagent Water
• ASTM D1200 - Test Method for Viscosity by Ford Viscosity Cup
• ASTM E300 - Practice for Sampling Industrial Chemicals

These references enhance the effectiveness of ASTM D365-23 by providing detailed methods for specific tests and supporting standardized procedures throughout the industry.

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Keywords: ASTM D365-23, soluble nitrocellulose, cellulose nitrate, base solutions, viscosity, consistency testing, color standards, nonvolatile matter, appearance, coatings, lacquer testing, industrial chemicals, ASTM standards.

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: D365 − 23
Standard Guide for
Soluble Nitrocellulose Base Solutions
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D365; 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 D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
D1200 Test Method for Viscosity by Ford Viscosity Cup
1.1 This guide covers the testing of soluble nitrocellulose
E300 Practice for Sampling Industrial Chemicals
base solutions that are made by dispersing various kinds and
concentrations of soluble nitrocellulose (cellulose nitrate) in
3. Significance and Use
various solvent mixtures.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
3.1 Since the desired specifications and compositions of
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
soluble nitrocellulose base solutions vary greatly, these meth-
only.
ods are used to establish whether limits that shall be as agreed
upon between the producer and the user have been met.
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 appro- 4. Sampling
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4.1 Select the sampling method from those listed in Practice
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
E300.
For specific hazard statements see Section 11.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
CONSISTENCY (VISCOSITY)
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5. Consistency Tests
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.1 For Consistencies Less than 3 s—Determine the consis-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. tency by Test Method D1200 for those solutions having a
consistency of less than 3 s when tested in the falling-ball
2. Referenced Documents
apparatus referred to in Section 6.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.2 For Consistencies over 3 s—Determine the consistency
D333 Guide for Clear and Pigmented Lacquers
using the apparatus and procedure described in Sections 6 and
1 7 for those solutions having a consistency greater than 500 s
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and
Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of
when tested in the falling-ball apparatus referred to in Section
Subcommittee D01.55 on Factory Applied Coatings on Preformed Products.
6.
Current edition approved June 1, 2023. Published June 2023. Originally
approved in 1933. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as D365 – 01 (2017).
DOI: 10.1520/D0365-23.
6. Apparatus
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
6.1 The consistency test apparatus, shown in Fig. 1, shall
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
consist of the following:
the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D365 − 23
Close the bottom of the tube with a stopper covered with tin
foil. Push the aluminum guide cone slowly into the top of the
tube and insert a stopper covered with tin foil into the top of the
guide.
7.2 Bring the tube and its contents to a temperature of 25 °C
6 0.1 °C by placing in a suitable bath. Allow at least 30 min
for the solution to reach temperature equilibrium. For accurate
measurements keep the tube during the determination either in
a thermostat or suspended within a considerably larger cylinder
of water at the specified temperature.
7.3 Remove the upper stopper only long enough to place the
ball in the center of the tube; this can be done conveniently
with crucible tongs. The principal value of the guide cone is to
retard the ball sufficiently at the start of its fall so that the
solution will close over the ball and not leave on the top of the
ball a large “trailer bubble.” If the guide is not used a big trailer
bubble usually accompanies the ball, retarding its fall and, if
the bubble is off center on the ball, pulling the latter away from
the center of the tube.
FIG. 1 Apparatus for Consistency (Viscosity) Test of Solutions
Having Consistencies over 500 s
7.4 Measure the time of fall in seconds from the instant the
bottom of the ball is level with the upper reference mark on the
tube until it reaches the lower mark on the tube.
6.1.1 Glass Tube (preferably heat-resistant glass), 50 mm
6 1.5 mm (2 in. 6 ⁄32 in.) in inside diameter and 255 mm
NONVOLATILE MATTER
(10 in.) in length, with marks 177 mm 6 1 mm (5 in. 6 ⁄16 in.)
apart, the upper one being 75 mm (3 in.) from the top of the
8. Procedure
tube.
8.1 Determine the percent of nonvolatile matter in accor-
NOTE 1—The steel ball can be removed (in order to leave the same
dance with the procedure described in the Nonvolatile Matter
material in the tube for a check run) by removing the lower stopper.
section of Test Methods D333.
However, a small air bubble is usually introduced in this way. It is
preferable to invert the tube, removing the guide to get the ball out. It is
APPEARANCE OF SOLUTION
often necessary to put a few drops of solvent in the guide lip to loosen it
from the tube on account of the solution drying at the edge of the tube.
When the latter method is used for removing the ball, a larger bubble
9. Procedure
traverses the tube than when the former method is used, but a large bubble
moves sufficiently fast, even in a very viscous solution, to escape at the top 9.1 Compare the appearance of the soluble nitrocellulose
in a few minutes, whereas small bubbles take hours to escape.
base solution with a reference standard agreed upon between
the purchaser and the seller (both the reference standard and
6.1.2 Steel Ball, 15.88 mm 6 0.02 mm (0.625 in. 6 0.001
sample solutions shall be thoroughly agitated before making
in.) in diameter, and weighing 16.536 g 6 0.10 g.
observations) in similar bottles for turbidity, hair, grain, and
6.1.3 Aluminum Guide Cone of light gauge aluminum
insoluble matter.
(approximately 0.5 mm (0.02 in.) in thickness) as shown in Fig.
1. The orifice of the guide cone shall be 22 mm ( ⁄8 in.) in
DEPTH OF COLOR
diameter, the conical portion 25 mm (1 in.) in height, the
cylindrical portion 12.7 mm ( ⁄2 in.) in height, and the outside
10. Apparatus
diameter shall be slightly under 50 mm (2 in.) so as to fit
snugly into the viscosity tube.
10.1 The apparatus used for the preparation of the color
6.1.4 Stoppers, made preferably of rubber and covered with
standards and for the depth of color determinations shall
tin foil.
consist of the following:
10.1.1 Light—Source of transmitted light.
7. Procedure
NOTE 2—Not absolutely necessary but will increase accuracy and be
7.1 Fill the tube in any convenient manner whereby bubbles
more convenient.
do not form and no appreciable amount of solvent is lost. One
method is to immerse the lower end of the open tube in the
10.1.2 Bottles, three dozen 60 m (2 oz L) screw-cap, square,
solution and to apply suction at the upper end of the tube. In
glass.
this manner the tube can b
...

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: D365 − 01 (Reapproved 2017) D365 − 23
Standard Guide for
Soluble Nitrocellulose Base Solutions
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D365; 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 guide covers the testing of soluble nitrocellulose base solutions that are made by dispersing various kinds and
concentrations of soluble nitrocellulose (cellulose nitrate) in various solvent mixtures.
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 and healthsafety, health, and environmental practices and determine
the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements see Section 11.
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:
D301 Test Methods for Soluble Cellulose Nitrate (Withdrawn 2011)
D333 Guide for Clear and Pigmented Lacquers
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
D1200 Test Method for Viscosity by Ford Viscosity Cup
E300 Practice for Sampling Industrial Chemicals
3. Significance and Use
3.1 Since the desired specifications and compositions of soluble nitrocellulose base solutions vary greatly, these methods are used
to establish whether limits that shall be as agreed upon between the producer and the user have been met.
4. Sampling
4.1 Select the sampling method from those listed in Practice E300.
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
D01.55 on Factory Applied Coatings on Preformed Products.
Current edition approved June 1, 2017June 1, 2023. Published June 2017June 2023. Originally approved in 1933. Last previous edition approved in 20112017 as D365 –
01 (2011). DOI: 10.1520/D0365-01R17.01 (2017). DOI: 10.1520/D0365-23.
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
D365 − 23
CONSISTENCY (VISCOSITY)
5. Consistency Tests
5.1 For Consistencies from 3 to 500 s—Determine the consistency by falling-ball consistency test described in Test Methods D301
for those solutions having a consistency from 3 to 500 s when tested in that apparatus.
5.1 For Consistencies Less than 3 s—Determine the consistency by Test Method D1200 for those solutions having a consistency
of less than 3 s when tested in the falling-ball apparatus referred to in Section 5.16.
5.2 For Consistencies over 500 s—3 s—Determine the consistency using the apparatus and procedure described in Sections 6 and
7 for those solutions having a consistency greater than 500 s when tested in the falling-ball apparatus referred to in Section 5.16.
6. Apparatus
6.1 The consistency test apparatus, shown in Fig. 1, shall consist of the following:
FIG. 1 Apparatus for Consistency (Viscosity) Test of Solutions Having Consistencies over 500 s
D365 − 23
6.1.1 Glass Tube (preferably heat-resistant glass), 5050 mm 6 1.5 mm (2(2 in. 6 ⁄32 in.) in inside diameter and 255 mm (10 in.)
(10 in.) in length, with marks 177177 mm 6 1 mm (5(5 in. 6 ⁄16 in.) apart, the upper one being 75 mm (3 in.) from the top of
the tube.
NOTE 1—The steel ball can be removed (in order to leave the same material in the tube for a check run) by removing the lower stopper. However, a small
air bubble is usually introduced in this way. It is preferable to invert the tube, removing the guide to get the ball out. It is often necessary to put a few
drops of solvent in the guide lip to loosen it from the tube on account of the solution drying at the edge of the tube. When the latter method is used for
removing the ball, a larger bubble traverses the tube than when the former method is used, but a large bubble moves sufficiently fast, even in a very viscous
solution, to escape at the top in a few minutes, whereas small bubbles take hours to escape.
6.1.2 Steel Ball, 15.8815.88 mm 6 0.02 mm (0.625(0.625 in. 6 0.001 in.) in diameter, and weighing 16.53616.536 g 6 0.10 g.
6.1.3 Aluminum Guide Cone of light gagegauge aluminum (approximately 0.5 mm (0.02 in.) in thickness) as shown in Fig. 1. The
orifice of the guide cone shall be 22 mm ( ⁄8 in.) in diameter, the conical portion 25 mm (1 in.) in height, the cylindrical portion
12.7 mm ( ⁄2 in.) in height, and the outside diameter shall be slightly under 50 mm (2 in.) so as to fit snugly into the viscosity tube.
6.1.4 Stoppers, made preferably of rubber and covered with tin foil.
7. Procedure
7.1 Fill the tube in any convenient manner whereby bubbles do not form and no appreciable amount of solvent is lost. One method
is to immerse the lower end of the open tube in the solution and to apply suction at the upper end of the tube. In this manner the
tube can be filled in from 55 s to 10 s without the introduction of air bubbles or an appreciable loss of solvent. Close the bottom
of the tube with a stopper covered with tin foil. Push the aluminum guide cone slowly into the top of the tube and insert a stopper
covered with tin foil into the top of the guide.
7.2 Bring the tube and its contents to a temperature of 25 6 0.1°C25 °C 6 0.1 °C by placing in a suitable bath. Allow at least
30 min for the solution to reach temperature equilibrium. For accurate measurements keep the tube during the determination either
in a thermostat or suspended within a considerably larger cylinder of water at the specified temperature.
7.3 Remove the upper stopper only long enough to place the ball in the center of the tube; this can be done conveniently with
crucible tongs. The principal value of the guide cone is to retard the ball sufficiently at the start of its fall so that the solution will
close over the ball and not leave on the top of the ball a large “trailer bubble.” If the guide is not used a big trailer bubble usually
accompanies the ball, retarding its fall and, if the bubble is off center on the ball, pulling the latter away from the center of the
tube.
7.4 Measure the time of fall in seconds from the instant the bottom of the ball is level with the upper reference mark on the tube
until it reaches the lower mark on the tube.
NONVOLATILE MATTER
8. Procedure
8.1 Determine the percent of nonvolatile matter in accordance with the procedure described in the Nonvolatile Matter section of
Test Methods D333.
APPEARANCE OF SOLUTION
9. Procedure
9.1 Compare the appearance of the soluble nitrocellulose base solution with a reference standard agreed upon between the
purchaser and the seller (both the reference standard and sample solutions shall be thoroughly agitated before making observations)
in similar bottles for turbidity, hair, grain, and insoluble matter.
Borosilicate glass is satisfactory for this purpose.
D365 − 23
DEPTH OF COLOR
10. Apparatus
10.1 The app
...