ASTM D7271-24

Standard Test Method for Viscoelastic Properties of Paste Ink Vehicle Using an Oscillatory Rheometer

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method has found acceptance in the lithographic ink industry in predicting rheological behavior of a vehicle under press conditions caused by extrusion, shear-thinning rollers and dot gain recovery.  
5.2 This test method is restricted within the torque limitations and strain resolution of the rheometer used.  
5.3 Results may not be reproducible if the vehicle is not homogenous.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the procedure for determining the viscoelastic properties of printing ink vehicles by measuring the G', G”, and tan delta using a controlled strain cone and plate oscillatory rheometer.  
1.2 This test method provides the flexibility of using several different types of rheometers to determine viscoelastic properties in ink vehicles.  
1.3 This test method is not intended for systems that are volatile at procedure temperatures as evaporation may occur effectively changing the percent solids before testing is finished and significantly altering the rheology.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.5 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.  
1.6 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-Jan-2024
• ICS: 17.060 - Measurement of volume, mass, density, viscosity
• ICS: 87.080 - Inks. Printing inks
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.37 - Ink Vehicles

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D7271-06(2020) - Standard Test Method for Viscoelastic Properties of Paste Ink Vehicle Using an Oscillatory Rheometer
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024

Overview

ASTM D7271-24, titled Standard Test Method for Viscoelastic Properties of Paste Ink Vehicle Using an Oscillatory Rheometer, establishes a recognized procedure for determining the viscoelastic properties of printing ink vehicles. Utilizing a controlled strain cone and plate oscillatory rheometer, this method measures the elastic (G’), viscous (G”), and tan delta values crucial to understanding the behavior of paste ink vehicles during printing. This standard is widely accepted within the lithographic ink industry for predicting the rheological behavior under typical press conditions, such as those caused by extrusion, shear-thinning rollers, and dot gain recovery.

Key Topics

• Viscoelastic Properties: The method measures the elastic modulus (G’), viscous modulus (G”), and tan delta (ratio of G” to G’), which are essential indicators of an ink vehicle’s ability to store and dissipate energy.
• Oscillatory Rheometry: Employs a cone and plate geometry with controlled strain in a frequency sweep test, providing reliable, reproducible data on the viscoelastic performance of paste ink vehicles.
• Sample Preparation and Procedure: Emphasizes the importance of using homogenous ink samples and avoiding pre-shear steps to ensure accurate rheological measurements.
• Instrument Flexibility: Multiple types of oscillatory rheometers may be used, provided they meet the torque and strain resolution requirements.
• Limitations: The method is not suitable for ink vehicles that are volatile at test temperatures, as evaporation during testing may alter rheological properties.
• Precision and Reproducibility: Developed following international standardization principles, this method details interlaboratory studies for repeatability and reproducibility. However, results depend on sample homogeneity and instrument performance.

Applications

ASTM D7271-24 is vital for:

• Lithographic Printing Processes: Used to characterize and optimize ink vehicles for consistent print quality, controlling features such as dot gain, color strength, and ink transfer.
• Ink Formulation and Quality Control: Provides manufacturers and suppliers with a standardized approach for comparing rheological properties when developing or validating new ink vehicles.
• Supplier-Customer Agreements: Enables consistent testing criteria across different facilities and equipment, ensuring reliable quality and performance benchmarks.
• Research and Development: Useful in the development of new printing materials, especially when fine-tuning viscoelastic properties to achieve desired press performance.

Related Standards

• ASTM E691: Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method, referenced for establishing this standard’s precision and reproducibility statements.
• Rheological Testing Standards: Other ASTM test methods involving oscillatory rheometry or viscoelastic property determination for related materials, such as varnishes, resin solutions, and various coating materials.
• International Standards: Developed in accordance with principles for international standardization, aligning with guidelines from the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

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By following ASTM D7271-24, professionals in the ink and coatings industry can reliably determine the viscoelastic properties of paste ink vehicles, ensuring that products meet stringent performance criteria and quality standards. Leveraging this method leads to improved production consistency and higher-quality printing results.

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: D7271 − 24
Standard Test Method for
Viscoelastic Properties of Paste Ink Vehicle Using an
Oscillatory Rheometer
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7271; 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 3. Terminology
1.1 This test method covers the procedure for determining 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
the viscoelastic properties of printing ink vehicles by measur- 3.1.1 frequency sweep test, n—most rheometers have pro-
ing the G’, G”, and tan delta using a controlled strain cone and
grams specific for their instrument.
plate oscillatory rheometer. 3.1.1.1 Discussion—The user provides a specified geometry,
frequency range, strain % or oscillatory stress and temperature
1.2 This test method provides the flexibility of using several
of the test. This test will produce the data required for this
different types of rheometers to determine viscoelastic proper-
method.
ties in ink vehicles.
3.1.2 G’, n—the elastic (storage) modulus obtained from an
1.3 This test method is not intended for systems that are
oscillatory test represents the energy stored during each fre-
volatile at procedure temperatures as evaporation may occur
quency cycle, where the stress is divided by the corresponding
effectively changing the percent solids before testing is finished
linear elastic strain.
and significantly altering the rheology.
3.1.3 G”, n—the viscous (loss) modulus obtained from an
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
oscillatory test represents the amount of energy lost during
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
each frequency cycle or the imaginary part of the complex
standard.
modulus (for shear).
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.4 geometry, n—the cone used in the test.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.5 shear strain, n—relative deformation in shear; term
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
often abbreviated to shear.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.6 shear stress, n—the component of stress parallel to
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
(tangential to) the area considered.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.7 strain, n—the measurement of deformation relative to
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
a reference configuration.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.8 tan delta(δ), n—the ratio of G” (viscous modulus) to
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
G’ (elastic modulus).
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1.9 viscoelasticity, n—the phenomena exhibited by a liq-
2. Referenced Documents uid when energy is applied and once the force is released, the
liquid recovers towards its original state by means of stored
2.1 ASTM Standards:
energy.
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Apply the ink vehicle to the plate of a rheometer.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint
4.2 Select the geometry (cone) and set to the required gap to
and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.37 on Ink Vehicles the plate.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2024. Published February 2024. Originally
4.3 Remove the excess vehicle with the ink spatula.
approved in 2006. Last previous edition approved in 2020 as D7271 – 06 (2020).
DOI: 10.1520/D7271-24.
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 Many of the definitions came wholly or in part from “An Introduction to
the ASTM website. Rheology,” H.A. Barnes, J.F. Hutton, and K. Walters, Elesevier, 1989.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7271 − 24
4.4 Set the required temperature, strain or stress and fre- 10.2 Set the cone and plate to the required gap. Many of the
quency range for the frequency sweep. (Most rheometers have rheometers will do this automatically.
a test sequence that can be pre-prepared.)
10.3 Using the spatula, carefully trim around cone any
4.5 Allow five minutes for temperature calibration and the excess vehicle that may have been pushed from under the cone.
vehicle to relax to its lowest energy state.
10.4 Allow the vehicle to equilibrate to 25 °C (or required
temperature) for five minutes. (This is the test temperature that
NOTE 1—Do not run a pre-shear sequence as this may affect results.
should be programmed into the instrument prior to starting.)
4.6 Start the frequency sweep test.
NOTE 3—This method suggests that no pre-shear sequence is run. This
5. Significance and Use
changes the rheology of the sample and though the pre-shear sequence
may be reproducible, the resulting data is tampe
...

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: D7271 − 06 (Reapproved 2020) D7271 − 24
Standard Test Method for
Viscoelastic Properties of Paste Ink Vehicle Using an
Oscillatory Rheometer
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7271; 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 procedure for determining the viscoelastic properties of printing ink vehicles by measuring the
G’, G”, and tan delta using a controlled strain cone and plate oscillatory rheometer.
1.2 This test method provides the flexibility of using several different types of rheometers to determine viscoelastic properties in
ink vehicles.
1.3 This test method is not intended for systems that are volatile at procedure temperatures as evaporation may occur effectively
changing the percent solids before testing is finished and significantly altering the rheology.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.5 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.
1.6 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:
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions: Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 frequency sweep test, n—most rheometers have programs specific for their instrument.
3.1.1.1 Discussion—
The user provides a specified geometry, frequency range, strain % or oscillatory stress and temperature of the test. This test will
produce the data required for this method.
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 D01.37 on Ink Vehicles
Current edition approved June 1, 2020Feb. 1, 2024. Published July 2020February 2024. Originally approved in 2006. Last previous edition approved in 20122020 as D7271
– 06 (2012). DOI: 10.1520/D7271-06R20.(2020). DOI: 10.1520/D7271-24.
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.
Many of the definitions came wholly or in part from “An Introduction to Rheology,” H.A. Barnes, J.F. Hutton, and K. Walters, Elesevier, 1989.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7271 − 24
3.1.2 G’, n—the elastic (storage) modulus obtained from an oscillatory test represents the energy stored during each frequency
cycle, where the stress is divided by the corresponding linear elastic strain.
3.1.3 G”, n—the viscous (loss) modulus obtained from an oscillatory test represents the amount of energy lost during each
frequency cycle or the imaginary part of the complex modulus (for shear).
3.1.4 geometry, n—the cone used in the test.
3.1.5 shear strain, n—relative deformation in shear; term often abbreviated to shear.
3.1.6 shear stress, n—the component of stress parallel to (tangential to) the area considered.
3.1.7 strain, n—the measurement of deformation relative to a reference configuration.
3.1.8 tan delta(δ), n—the ratio of G” (viscous modulus) to G’ (elastic modulus).
3.1.9 viscoelasticity, n—the phenomena exhibited by a liquid when energy is applied and once the force is released, the liquid
recovers towards its original state by means of stored energy.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Apply the ink vehicle to the plate of a rheometer.
4.2 Select the geometry (cone) and set to the required gap to the plate.
4.3 Remove the excess vehicle with the ink spatula.
4.4 Set the required temperature, strain or stress and frequency range for the frequency sweep. (Most rheometers have a test
sequence that can be pre-prepared.)
4.5 Allow five minutes for temperature calibration and the vehicle to relax to its lowest energy state.
NOTE 1—Do not run a pre-shear sequence as this may affect results.
4.6 Start the frequency sweep test.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method has found acceptance in the lithographic ink industry in predicting rheological behavior of a vehicle under
press conditions caused by extrusion, shear-thinning rollers and dot gain recovery.
5.2 This test method is restricted within the torque limitations and strain resolution of the rheometer used.
5.3 Results may not be reproducible if the vehicle is not homogenous.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Oscillatory Rheometer, capable of over 400 Newtons of force, running at the required frequency range, and controlling strain
in the 55 % to 10 % range, as well as comput
...