ASTM D3954-94(2010)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Dropping Point of Waxes
Standard Test Method for Dropping Point of Waxes
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Waxes do not go through a sharp solid-liquid phase change when heated and therefore do not have a true melting point. As the temperature rises, waxes gradually soften or become less viscous. For this reason, the determination of the softening point must be made by an arbitrary but closely defined method if test values are to be reproducible.
This test is useful in determining the consistency of waxes, and as one element in establishing the uniformity of shipments or source of supply.
This test method has been found suitable for all types of waxes including paraffin, microcrystalline polyethylene, and natural waxes.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the ASTM dropping point for waxes.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D3954 − 94(Reapproved 2010)
Standard Test Method for
Dropping Point of Waxes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3954; 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 4.3 This test method has been found suitable for all types of
waxes including paraffin, microcrystalline polyethylene, and
1.1 This test method covers the determination of theASTM
natural waxes.
dropping point for waxes.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
5. Apparatus
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
5.1 Suitable apparatus that meets the requirements of 5.1.1,
standard.
5.1.2, and 5.1.3 can be used to determine dropping points by
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
this test method. Instruments are available commercially
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
consisting of a control unit with a digital temperature recorder,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
matched furnace, sample cartridges, and accessories. The
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
control unit automatically maintains the furnace temperature
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
and controls the heating rate with a precision of 0.1°C. The
dropping point is automatically recorded, and the furnace
2. Referenced Documents
heating program is turned off when the sample interrupts the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
light beam and triggers the photocell detector.
D566 TestMethodforDroppingPointofLubricatingGrease
5.1.1 Control Unit—This unit shall provide a continuous
linear temperature control from 25 to 250°C at a 2°C/min rate.
3. Summary of Test Method
A digital readout shall record the softening point with an
3.1 In this test method, the dropping point is defined as the
accuracy of 0.1°C.
temperature at which the wax suspended in a cylindrical cup,
5.1.2 Furnace Unit—This unit shall be capable of heating a
with a 2.8-mm diameter hole in the bottom, flows downward a
sample cup assembly as described in 5.1.3 at 2°C 6 0.3°C/min
distance of 19 mm to interrupt a light beam as the sample is
linear rate from 25 to 250°C. It shall include a sensing system
heated at a constant rate in air.
capable of detecting the softening point with an accuracy of
0.1°C.
4. Significance and Use
5.1.3 Sample Cup Assembly—Achromium-plated brass cup
4.1 Waxes do not go through a sharp solid-liquid phase
conforming to the dimensions shown in Test Method D566.It
change when heated and therefore do not have a true melting
shall be placed in an assembly so that the sample flows down
point. As the temperature rises, waxes gradually soften or
a distance of 19 mm to interrupt a light beam to cause digital
become less viscous. For this reason, the determination of the
display of the softening point.
softening point must be made by an arbitrary but closely
defined method if test values are to be reproducible.
6. Preparation of Sample
4.2 This test is useful in determining the consistency of
6.1 For waxes heat the sample to 15 to 20°C above its
waxes, and as one element in establishing the uniformity of
melting point to form a pourable liquid. Place the sample cups
shipments or source of supply.
on glass slides and pour the melted sample into the cup to a
level even with the upper rim of the cup. Allow the sample to
stand at room temperature for 2 h before running.
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD21onPolishes
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D21.02 on Raw Materials
Current edition approved May 1, 2010. Published May 2010. Originally
approved in 1980. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as D3954 – 94 (2004).
DOI: 10.1520/D3954-94R10. The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or is Mettler Instrument Corp., Princeton-Hightstown Road, Hightstown, NJ 08520. If
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the stan
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