ASTM D1387-89(2019)

Standard Test Method for Saponification Number (Empirical) of Synthetic and Natural Waxes

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method is used to determine the property of ester functionality. Ester functionality determines the utility of the wax as well as being a significant quality control test.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the saponification number of synthetic waxes and natural waxes.  
1.2 This test method is applicable to Fischer Tropsche, microcrystalline, polyethylene, and Montan Ester waxes.  
1.3 Certain synthetic waxes, notably copolymers of ethylene, exhibit poor reproducibility when running saponification values. Reproducibility can be improved if cooking time in 7.2 is extended from 3 h to 18–20 h.  
1.4 Some oxidized polyethylene and other waxes with a melt temperature above 100°C may give poor reproducibility.  
1.5 Some dark-colored (Gardner Color 14) waxes may obscure the color change of the indicator, resulting in poor reproducibility.  
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.7 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.  
1.8 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-Jun-2019
• ICS: 75.140 - Waxes, bituminous materials and other petroleum products
• Technical Committee: D21 - Polishes
• Drafting Committee: D21.02 - Raw Materials

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D1387-89(2012) - Standard Test Method for Saponification Number (Empirical) of Synthetic and Natural Waxes
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019

Overview

ASTM D1387-89(2019), Standard Test Method for Saponification Number (Empirical) of Synthetic and Natural Waxes, is a key international standard developed by ASTM International. This standard specifies a method for determining the saponification number of natural and synthetic waxes. The saponification number reflects the ester functionality of waxes and is a crucial property impacting the utility and quality control of wax products. The method is applicable across a range of wax types, including Fischer Tropsche, microcrystalline, polyethylene, and Montan ester waxes.

Key Topics

• Saponification Number Definition: The saponification number is the amount (in milligrams) of potassium hydroxide required to saponify one gram of wax sample. This quantifies the saponifiable matter present.
• Test Applicability: The test method is suitable for various waxes, including synthetic and natural types commonly used in industry.
• Quality Control: The saponification value is a significant indicator of ester content, which is critical for quality assurance in wax production and formulation.
• Reproducibility Considerations: The method highlights challenges in testing certain wax types, such as copolymers of ethylene and high-melt oxidized waxes, where specified procedures improve consistency.
• Health and Safety: Users must ensure compliance with safety and environmental practices appropriate for chemical testing and laboratory work, as the standard does not address these aspects directly.
• Units: All results are expressed in SI units, ensuring global applicability and consistency in reporting.

Applications

ASTM D1387-89(2019) is widely implemented in industries where wax quality and functional performance are critical. Key practical applications include:

• Quality Assurance in Wax Manufacturing: Ensures consistent ester content for production batches of natural and synthetic waxes.
• Formulation Development: Helps in customizing wax blends for use in polishes, coatings, adhesives, and other products where ester functionality influences performance characteristics.
• Supplier and Buyer Specifications: Provides a standardized reference for contractual agreements regarding wax properties, fostering clear communication throughout the supply chain.
• Materials Research: Used in R&D laboratories to characterize new or modified waxes, particularly when comparing the effects of different feedstocks or processing methods.
• Regulatory Compliance: Supports alignment with international standardization principles, contributing to conformity with technical regulations and reducing trade barriers.

Related Standards

For comprehensive quality and process control when working with waxes and similar chemical materials, consider referencing these related ASTM standards:

• ASTM E200 - Practice for Preparation, Standardization, and Storage of Standard and Reagent Solutions for Chemical Analysis, referenced in the preparation of reagents.
• ASTM D721 - Test Method for Oil Content of Petroleum Waxes.
• ASTM D127 - Test Method for Drop Melting Point of Petroleum Waxes.
• ASTM D87 - Test Method for Melting Point of Petrolatum (Cooling Curve).
• ASTM D1832 - Test Method for Water in Petroleum Products and Bituminous Materials by Distillation.

Keywords: saponification number, synthetic wax, natural wax, ASTM D1387, ester functionality, wax testing, quality control, polyethylene wax, Montan wax, titration, wax quality standards

By implementing ASTM D1387-89(2019), organizations enhance product quality, optimize formulations, and support compliance with international trade and regulatory requirements.

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:D1387 −89(Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Saponification Number (Empirical) of Synthetic and Natural
Waxes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1387; 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 E200 Practice for Preparation, Standardization, and Storage
of Standard and Reagent Solutions for ChemicalAnalysis
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the saponi-
fication number of synthetic waxes and natural waxes.
3. Terminology
1.2 This test method is applicable to Fischer Tropsche,
3.1 Definitions:
microcrystalline, polyethylene, and Montan Ester waxes.
3.1.1 saponification number—the number of milligrams of
1.3 Certain synthetic waxes, notably copolymers of
potassium hydroxide required to hydrolyze1gofthe sample
ethylene, exhibit poor reproducibility when running saponifi-
and is a measure of the amount of saponifiable matter present.
cation values. Reproducibility can be improved if cooking time
4. Significance and Use
in 7.2 is extended from3hto 18–20 h.
4.1 This test method is used to determine the property of
1.4 Some oxidized polyethylene and other waxes with a
ester functionality. Ester functionality determines the utility of
melt temperature above 100°C may give poor reproducibility.
the wax as well as being a significant quality control test.
1.5 Some dark-colored (Gardner Color 14) waxes may
obscure the color change of the indicator, resulting in poor
5. Apparatus
reproducibility.
5.1 Analytical Balance.
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
5.2 Boiling Chips, chemically resistant glass.
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard. 5.3 Burets, two 50-mL capacity with 0.1-mL graduations.
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5.4 Erlenmeyer Flasks, 250-mL, alkali-resistant.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5.5 Hot Plate.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
5.6 Reflux Condenser.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
6. Reagents and Materials
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 6.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent-grade chemicals or
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
equivalent as specified in Practice E200 shall be used in all
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- tests.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
6.2 Hydrochloric Acid Standard (0.5 N).
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
6.3 Phenolphthalein Indicator Solution (10 g/litre)—
Dissolve1gof phenolphthalein in 100 mL of USSD3A
2. Referenced Documents
denatured ethanol or 95 % ethanol.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
6.4 Potassium Hydroxide, Alcoholic Solution (6.6 g/litre)—
Dissolve 6.6 g of potassium hydroxide (KOH) in USSD3A
denatured ethanol or 95 % ethanol. Dilute to 1 L with the
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD21onPolishes
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D21.02 on Raw Materials. ethanol.
Current edition approved July 1, 2019. Published July 2019. Originally approved
6.5 Xylene.
in 1955. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D1387 – 89(2012). DOI:
10.1520/D1387-89R19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 7. Procedure
cont
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