ASTM D1208-96(2019)

Standard Test Methods for Common Properties of Certain Pigments

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 This collection of test methods is used by pigment producers and paint manufacturers for process control, for product acceptance, and for research and development.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover procedures for determining certain properties of pigments. The procedures appear in the following order:    
Dry Pigments  
Sections  
Loss on Ignition and Ash  
4  
Matter Soluble in Water  
5  
Hydrogen Ion Concentration (pH Value)  
6  
Alkalinity or Acidity by Titration  
7 and 8  
Water Content (Distillation Method)  
9 and 10  
Pigment Pastes in Oil  
Water Content (Distillation Method)  
9 and 10  
Pigment Content of Paste in Oil  
11  
Total Volatile Matter in Paste in Oil  
12  
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, 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-May-2019
• ICS: 87.060.10 - Pigments and extenders
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.31 - Pigment Specifications

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D1208-96(2012) - Standard Test Methods for Common Properties of Certain Pigments
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2019
• Refers: ASTM E70-24 - Standard Test Method for pH of Aqueous Solutions With the Glass Electrode
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM D95-23 - Standard Test Method for Water in Petroleum Products and Bituminous Materials by Distillation
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM E70-07(2015) - Standard Test Method for pH of Aqueous Solutions With the Glass Electrode
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM D1135-86(2014) - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Blue Pigments
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2014
• Refers: ASTM D280-01(2012) - Standard Test Methods for Hygroscopic Moisture (and Other Matter Volatile Under the Test Conditions) in Pigments
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM D95-05(2010) - Standard Test Method for Water in Petroleum Products and Bituminous Materials by Distillation
• Effective Date: 01-May-2010
• Refers: ASTM D1135-86(2009) - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Blue Pigments
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2009
• Refers: ASTM D280-01(2007) - Standard Test Methods for Hygroscopic Moisture (and Other Matter Volatile Under the Test Conditions) in Pigments
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2007
• Refers: ASTM D95-05 - Standard Test Method for Water in Petroleum Products and Bituminous Materials by Distillation
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2005
• Refers: ASTM D95-05e1 - Standard Test Method for Water in Petroleum Products and Bituminous Materials by Distillation
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2005
• Refers: ASTM D1135-86(2004) - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Blue Pigments
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2004
• Refers: ASTM D280-01 - Standard Test Methods for Hygroscopic Moisture (and Other Matter Volatile Under the Test Conditions) in Pigments
• Effective Date: 10-May-2001
• Refers: ASTM D280-81(1995) - Standard Test Methods for Hygroscopic Moisture (and Other Matter Volatile Under the Test Conditions) in Pigments
• Effective Date: 10-May-2001
• Refers: ASTM D1135-86(1999) - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Blue Pigments
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-1999

Overview

ASTM D1208-96(2019): Standard Test Methods for Common Properties of Certain Pigments, developed by ASTM International, provides a comprehensive set of procedures for determining key physical and chemical properties of pigments. Widely adopted by pigment producers and paint manufacturers, these standardized test methods play a critical role in process control, product acceptance, and research and development. Ensuring consistency and reliability in pigment analysis supports quality and performance in downstream applications such as coatings, plastics, and inks.

Key Topics

This standard encompasses several fundamental test methods for both dry pigments and pigment pastes in oil. The covered methods include:

• Loss on Ignition and Ash: Determines the total volatile content and inorganic residue present by heating the pigment and measuring the weight change.
• Matter Soluble in Water: Assesses the amount of water-soluble materials in the pigment, which can affect dispersion and stability.
• Hydrogen Ion Concentration (pH value): Measures the acidity or alkalinity of pigment suspensions, providing insight into chemical compatibility and end-use performance.
• Alkalinity or Acidity by Titration: Determines precise levels of acidic or alkaline constituents, which is essential for pigment performance in various binder systems.
• Water Content (Distillation Method): Quantifies free water in both dry pigments and pastes, important for storage and application properties.
• Pigment Content of Paste in Oil: Evaluates the actual pigment concentration in prepared pastes, aiding in quality control and formulation accuracy.
• Total Volatile Matter in Paste in Oil: Measures the sum of all volatile constituents, which can impact drying rates and film properties.

All values are reported in SI (International System of Units) to ensure global consistency.

Applications

ASTM D1208 is utilized throughout the pigment supply chain, with significant impact in the following areas:

• Production Quality Control: Manufacturers implement these standardized tests to monitor batch-to-batch consistency and ensure pigments meet specified criteria before shipment.
• Product Acceptance: Receiving laboratories and quality assurance teams use these methods to verify pigment properties align with contract specifications or regulatory requirements.
• Research and Development: R&D professionals apply these test methods to screen raw materials, optimize pigment processing, and develop new pigment grades with improved properties.
• Formulation of Paints and Coatings: Knowledge of properties such as water content, pH, and ash is vital for formulating paints, coatings, and artist colors that achieve optimal performance and shelf life.
• Regulatory and Environmental Compliance: Reliable testing supports compliance with international regulations related to chemical content and environmental safety.

Understanding parameters like water solubility, pH, ash content, and volatility helps ensure pigments are suitable for demanding industrial, automotive, architectural, and specialty coating applications.

Related Standards

For comprehensive pigment and coating evaluation, ASTM D1208 is frequently referenced alongside these related standards:

• ASTM D95: Test Method for Water in Petroleum Products and Bituminous Materials by Distillation
• ASTM D280: Test Methods for Hygroscopic Moisture and Other Volatile Components in Pigments
• ASTM D1135: Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Blue Pigments
• ASTM E70: Test Method for pH of Aqueous Solutions with the Glass Electrode

Following harmonized standards such as ASTM D1208 assures data integrity, comparability, and regulatory acceptance in global markets.

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Keywords: pigment analysis, ASTM pigment standard, loss on ignition, pigment ash, water content, pH measurement, pigment paste, volatile matter, paint quality control, pigment testing methods, pigment properties, ASTM D1208, standard test methods for pigments

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: D1208 − 96 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Methods for
Common Properties of Certain Pigments
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1208; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope D95 Test Method for Water in Petroleum Products and
Bituminous Materials by Distillation
1.1 These test methods cover procedures for determining
D280 Test Methods for Hygroscopic Moisture (and Other
certain properties of pigments. The procedures appear in the
Matter Volatile Under the Test Conditions) in Pigments
following order:
D1135 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Blue Pig-
Dry Pigments Sections
ments
Loss on Ignition and Ash 4 E70 Test Method for pH of Aqueous Solutions With the
Matter Soluble in Water 5
Glass Electrode
Hydrogen Ion Concentration (pH 6
Value)
Alkalinity or Acidity by Titration 7 and 8 3. Significance and Use
Water Content (Distillation Method) 9 and 10
3.1 This collection of test methods is used by pigment
Pigment Pastes in Oil
producers and paint manufacturers for process control, for
product acceptance, and for research and development.
Water Content (Distillation Method) 9 and 10
Pigment Content of Paste in Oil 11
LOSS ON IGNITION AND ASH
Total Volatile Matter in Paste in Oil 12
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
4. Procedure
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
4.1 Dry about5gofthe sample at 105 6 2°C for 2 h.
standard.
Transfer about1gofthe dried pigment, weighed to 0.1 mg, to
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
a previously ignited, weighed porcelain crucible, and ignite at
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
900to1000°Cfor20min.Coolinadesiccatorandweigh.Heat
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
again for 10 min at 900 to 1000°C to check the loss in weight.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.2 Calculation—Calculate the percent of loss on ignition,
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- L, and of ash, A, as follows:
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
L
w
L 5 3100 (1)
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
S
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
W
a
A 5 3100
S D
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
S
where:
2. Referenced Documents
L = loss in weight on ignition, g,
w
2.1 ASTM Standards:
A = ash, %,
W = weight of ash, g, and
a
S = specimen weight, g.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on
Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and are the direct
MATTER SOLUBLE IN WATER
responsibility of Subcommittee D01.31 on Pigment Specifications.
Current edition approved June 1, 2019. Published June 2019. Originally
5. Procedure (Note 1)
approved in 1952. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D1208 – 96 (2012).
DOI: 10.1520/D1208-96R19.
5.1 Weigh about 10 g of the sample to 1 mg, and place in a
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
400-mL beaker.Add 100 mL of water (Note 2), boil for 5 min
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
cool, and transfer quantitatively to a 250-mL volumetric flask.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. Dilutewithwaterto250mL,mix,andallowtosettle.Filterthe
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D1208 − 96 (2019)
supernatant liquid through a dry paper (Note 3) and discard the with 0.02 N sulfuric acid (H SO ), if alkaline, or 0.02 N
2 4
first 25 mL. Evaporate 100 mL of the clear filtrate to dryness sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution, if acid.
in a weighed flatbottom dish, preferably in an oven at 105 6
8.2 Calculation—Calculate the acidity or alkalinity, ex-
2°C. Cool and weigh.
pressedasmilligramsofNaOHequivalentto1gofthesample,
asfollows(1mLof0.020NNaOHsolutionisequivalentto0.8
NOTE 1—This test method is not suitable for use with iron blue
pigment. Use the conductivity method given in Test Methods D1135.
mg of NaOH):
NOTE 2—If the pigment is found to be strongly water-repellent, wet the
Alkalinity or acidity 5 mL of NaOH or H SO 30.8 (3)
2 4
sample with a small amount of alcohol or carry out a preliminary washing
with chloroform.
WATER CONTENT
NOTE 3—Water-dispersible pigments must be filtered with a suitable
filter pad or the method may not be applicable.
9. Apparatus
5.2 Calculation—Calculate the percent of matter soluble in
9.1 Distillation Apparatus—A water distillation apparatus
water, M, as follows:
consisting of a 250-mL roundbottom flask, a straight-tube
R 32.5
reflux condenser, and a graduated receiving trap similar to Fig.
M 5 3100 (2)
S
1 of Test Method D95.
where:
9.2 Heat Source consisting of a gas burner and oil bath, or
R = residue weight, g, and
an electric heater of the enclosed element type.
S = specimen weight, g.
10. Procedure (Note 5 and Note 6)
HYDROGEN ION CONCENTRATION (pH VALUE)
10.1 Place 50 g of the sample in the flask and add 100 mL
of toluene or of petroleum solvent having a boiling point
6. Procedure
between 110 and 120°C. Mix well. Add more solvent, if
6.1 Determine hydrogen ion concentration in accor
...