ASTM D6090-23

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, 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-Jan-2023
• ICS: 87.060.20 - Binders
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.34 - Pine Chemicals and Hydrocarbon Resins

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: D6090 − 23
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 cup with a 6.35 mm hole in the bottom and with a stainless
steel ball, 8.7 mm in diameter, centered on top of the sample in
1.1 This test method covers the determination of softening
the cup, flows downward a distance of 19 mm to interrupt a
point of resins using a Mettler cup and ball apparatus, and may,
light beam, as the sample is heated at a linear rate in air.
under user-defined conditions, give results comparable to those
obtained by Test Methods E28.
4. Significance and Use
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
4.1 In general, with materials of these types, softening point
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
does not take place at a definite temperature. As the tempera-
only.
ture rises, these materials gradually change from brittle or
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
exceedingly thick and slow-flowing materials to softer and less
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
viscous liquids. For this reason, the determination of the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
softening point must be made by a fixed, arbitrary, and closely
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
defined method if the results obtained are to be comparable.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
5. Apparatus
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3
5.1 Softening Point Apparatus —This commercially avail-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
able instrument consists of a control unit with a digital
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
temperature indicator; matched measuring cell; cartridge
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
assembly, consisting of a sample cup and upper portion; and
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
accessories. The control unit automatically regulates the heat-
ing rate of the measuring cell. The softening point is indicated
2. Referenced Documents
on the readout, and the heating program stopped, when the
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
sample flow triggers a photocell detector.
E28 Test Methods for Softening Point of Resins Derived
5.2 Central Processor—This unit shall provide a
from Pine Chemicals and Hydrocarbons, by Ring-and-
continuous, linear temperature increase from 25 °C to 375 °C.
Ball Apparatus
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
5.3 Measuring Cell—This unit shall be capable of heating a
ASTM Test Methods
sample cup assembly, as described in 5.4, at a linear rate with
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
an accuracy of 60.2 °C ⁄min. It shall include a sensing system
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
capable of detecting the softening point with a precision of
0.1 °C.
3. Summary of Test Method
5.4 Sample Cup Assembly—A cup of chromium-plated brass
3.1 In this test method, the softening point is defined as the
and an upper portion, conforming to the dimensions shown in
temperature at which the sample, suspended in a cylindrical
Fig. 1.
11
5.5 Ball—A stainless steel ball, 8.7 mm ( ⁄32 in.) in
1 diameter, weighing 2.77 g 6 0.02 g.
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 Feb. 1, 2023. Published March 2023. Originally
3
approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as D6090 – 17. DOI: The sole source of supply of the apparatus FP90/FP83HT, known to the
10.1520/D6090-23. 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 t
...

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 − 17 D6090 − 23
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, 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E28 Test Methods for Softening Point of Resins Derived from Pine Chemicals and Hydrocarbons, 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-mm6.35 mm hole in the bottom and with a stainless steel ball, 88.7 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.
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 Dec. 1, 2017Feb. 1, 2023. Published December 2017March 2023. Originally approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 20122017 as
D6090 – 12.D6090 – 17. DOI: 10.1520/D6090-17.10.1520/D6090-23.
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.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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D6090 − 23
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.25 °C 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.60.2 °C ⁄min. It shall include a sensing system capable of detecting the softening point with a precision
of 0.1°C.0.1 °C.
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 stainless steel ball, 8.7 mm (
...