ASTM D6090-12

Standard Test Method for Softening Point Resins (Mettler Cup and Ball Method)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 In general, with materials of these types, softening point does not take place at a definite temperature. As the temperature rises, these materials gradually change from brittle or exceedingly thick and slow-flowing materials to softer and less viscous liquids. For this reason, the determination of the softening point must be made by a fixed, arbitrary, and closely defined method if the results obtained are to be comparable.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of softening point of resins using a Mettler cup and ball apparatus, and may, under user-defined conditions, give results comparable to those obtained by Test Methods E28.  
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 health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2012
• ICS: 87.060.20 - Binders
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.34 - Pine Chemicals and Hydrocarbon Resins

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D6090-99(2008) - Standard Test Method for Softening Point Resins (Mettler Cup and Ball Method)
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Referred By: ASTM D509-20 - Standard Test Methods of Sampling and Grading Rosin
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Referred By: ASTM D804-12(2022) - Standard Terminology Relating to Pine Chemicals, Including Tall Oil and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012

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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.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: D6090 − 12
Standard Test Method for
1
Softening Point Resins (Mettler Cup and Ball Method)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6090; 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 ture rises, these materials gradually change from brittle or
exceedingly thick and slow-flowing materials to softer and less
1.1 This test method covers the determination of softening
viscous liquids. For this reason, the determination of the
point of resins using a Mettler cup and ball apparatus, and may,
softening point must be made by a fixed, arbitrary, and closely
under user-defined conditions, give results comparable to those
defined method if the results obtained are to be comparable.
obtained by Test Methods E28.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
5. Apparatus
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
3
5.1 Softening Point Apparatus —This commercially avail-
only.
able instrument consists of a control unit with a digital
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
temperature indicator; matched measuring cell; cartridge
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
assembly, consisting of a sample cup and upper portion; and
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
accessories. The control unit automatically regulates the heat-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
ing rate of the measuring cell. The softening point is indicated
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
on the readout, and the heating program stopped, when the
sample flow triggers a photocell detector.
2. Referenced Documents
2
5.2 Central Processor—This unit shall provide a
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E28 Test Methods for Softening Point of Resins Derived continuous, linear temperature increase from 25 to 375°C.
from Pine Chemicals and Hydrocarbons, by Ring-and-
5.3 Measuring Cell—This unit shall be capable of heating a
Ball Apparatus
sample cup assembly, as described in 5.4, at a linear rate with
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
an accuracy of 60.2°C/min. It shall include a sensing system
ASTM Test Methods
capable of detecting the softening point with a precision of
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
0.1°C.
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
5.4 SampleCupAssembly—Acupofchromium-platedbrass
3. Summary of Test Method
and an upper portion, conforming to the dimensions shown in
Fig. 1.
3.1 In this test method, the softening point is defined as the
11
temperature at which the sample, suspended in a cylindrical
5.5 Ball—A stainless steel ball, 8.7 mm ( ⁄32 in.) in
cup with a 6.35-mm hole in the bottom and with a stainless
diameter, weighing 2.77 6 0.02 g.
steel ball, 8 mm in diameter, centered on top of the sample in
the cup, flows downward a distance of 19 mm to interrupt a
6. Calibration of Apparatus Using a Primary Standard
light beam, as the sample is heated at a linear rate in air.
6.1 This step, required only occasionally, is designed to
establish that the temperature indicated by the instrument is in
4. Significance and Use
agreement with a known standard.Aspecial cup with a bottom
4.1 In general, with materials of these types, softening point
orificeof2.8mmisusedinsteadoftheonespecifiedfortesting
does not take place at a definite temperature. As the tempera-
the resin.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint
NOTE 1—The stainless steel ball is not used during calibration.
and Related Coatings, Materials, andApplications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.34 on Pine Chemicals and Hydrocarbon Resins.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2012. Published December 2012. Originally
3
approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D6090 – 99 (2008). The sole source of supply of the apparatus FP90/FP83HT, known to the
DOI: 10.1520/D6090-12. committee at this time is the Mettler-Toledo, Inc., Princeton-Hightstown Rd.,
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Hightstown, NJ 08520. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM information to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive
1
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee, which
the ASTM website. you may attend.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken,
...

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: D6090 − 99 (Reapproved 2008) D6090 − 12
Standard Test Method for
1
Softening Point Resins (Mettler Cup and Ball Method)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6090; 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 test method covers the determination of softening point of resins using a Mettler cup and ball apparatus, and may, under
user-defined conditions, give results comparable to those obtained by Test Methods E28.
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 health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E28 Test Methods for Softening Point of Resins Derived from Naval Stores by Ring-and-Ball Apparatus
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
3. Summary of Test Method
3.1 In this test method, the softening point is defined as the temperature at which the sample, suspended in a cylindrical cup
with a 6.35-mm hole in the bottom and with a stainless steel ball, 8 mm in diameter, centered on top of the sample in the cup, flows
downward a distance of 19 mm to interrupt a light beam, as the sample is heated at a linear rate in air.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 In general, with materials of these types, softening point does not take place at a definite temperature. As the temperature
rises, these materials gradually change from brittle or exceedingly thick and slow-flowing materials to softer and less viscous
liquids. For this reason, the determination of the softening point must be made by a fixed, arbitrary, and closely defined method
if the results obtained are to be comparable.
5. Apparatus
3
5.1 Softening Point Apparatus —This commercially available instrument consists of a control unit with a digital temperature
indicator; matched measuring cell; cartridge assembly, consisting of a sample cup and upper portion; and accessories. The control
unit automatically regulates the heating rate of the measuring cell. The softening point is indicated on the readout, and the heating
program stopped, when the sample flow triggers a photocell detector.
5.2 Central Processor—This unit shall provide a continuous, linear temperature increase from 25 to 375°C.
5.3 Measuring Cell—This unit shall be capable of heating a sample cup assembly, as described in 5.4, at a linear rate with an
accuracy of 60.2°C/min. It shall include a sensing system capable of detecting the softening point with a precision of 0.1°C.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.34 on Pine Chemicals and Hydrocarbon Resins.
Current edition approved June 1, 2008Nov. 1, 2012. Published June 2008December 2012. Originally approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 20042008 as
D6090 – 99 (2004).(2008). DOI: 10.1520/D6090-99R08.10.1520/D6090-12.
2
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.
3
The sole source of supply of the apparatus FP90/FP83HT, known to the committee at this time is the Mettler-Toledo, Inc., Princeton-Hightstown Rd., Hightstown, NJ
08520. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at
1
a meeting of the responsible technical committee, which you may attend.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D6090 − 12
5.4 Sample Cup Assembly—A cup of chromium-plated brass and an upper portion, conforming to the dimensions shown in Fig.
1.
11
5.5 Ball—A stai
...