ASTM D281-12(2021)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Oil Absorption of Pigments by Spatula Rub-out
Standard Test Method for Oil Absorption of Pigments by Spatula Rub-out
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The oil absorption value obtained by this test method gives information about the vehicle demand of the pigment when it is used in a pigment paste. Oil absorption values can be used to characterize pigments or batches of a given pigment.
4.2 This test method differs from Test Method D1483 in that D1483 involves only a gentle stirring and folding of the pigment, whereas this test method requires a thorough rubbing action. Because the end points are different, the values obtained from the two test methods generally differ.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the oil absorption of pigments by the spatula rub-out technique.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as 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-May-2021
- Technical Committee
- D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
- Drafting Committee
- D01.24 - Physical Properties of Liquid Paints & Paint Materials
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2012
- Refers
ASTM D1483-95(2007) - Standard Test Method for Oil Absorption of Pigments by Gardner-Coleman Method - Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2007
- Refers
ASTM D1483-95(2002) - Standard Test Method for Oil Absorption of Pigments by Gardner-Coleman Method - Effective Date
- 15-Feb-1995
- Effective Date
- 15-Feb-1995
Overview
ASTM D281-12(2021), titled "Standard Test Method for Oil Absorption of Pigments by Spatula Rub-out," is an internationally recognized standard developed by ASTM International. This test method provides a precise means of determining the oil absorption value of various pigments utilized in coatings, paints, and related materials. The method specifically uses the spatula rub-out technique, which measures the quantity of oil necessary to achieve a stiff, putty-like mass when thoroughly mixed with a pigment. This value reflects the vehicle demand of pigments and offers critical data for formulation, quality control, and batch characterization in industrial and laboratory settings.
Key Topics
- Oil Absorption Value: Indicates how much oil is needed to thoroughly wet the pigment and form a cohesive paste, a property significant for evaluating pigment performance in paint and coating systems.
- Spatula Rub-out Technique: Unlike gentler methods, this standard involves rigorous rubbing with a spatula, ensuring a consistent and reproducible end point.
- Calculation of Results: Results are expressed as grams (or pounds) of oil required per 100 grams (or pounds) of pigment, enabling meaningful comparison between pigment batches or types.
- Repeatability and Reproducibility: The method includes guidance on minimizing operator variation and inter-laboratory differences, supporting reliable quality assurance.
- Comparison to Other Methods: Differs from ASTM D1483, which uses less rigorous mixing, resulting in different oil absorption values for the same pigment.
Applications
The oil absorption value obtained via the ASTM D281 spatula rub-out method is essential in several fields:
- Paint and Coating Formulation: Helps formulators adjust the proportion of binders to pigments for optimal consistency, flow, and application properties.
- Raw Material Quality Control: Batch-to-batch characterization of pigment oil absorption ensures compliance with technical specifications and consistency in end products.
- Pigment Selection: Manufacturers and formulators can use oil absorption values to select pigments suited to specific vehicle systems and application requirements.
- Research and Development: Enables chemists and technicians to evaluate the impact of new pigment types or surface treatments on oil demand and performance.
- Compliance with Regulations: Adherence to this standard supports product claims and may be required for regulatory submissions or supply agreements.
Related Standards
- ASTM D1483: Test Method for Oil Absorption of Pigments by Gardner-Coleman Method. This method involves gentle stirring rather than spatula rub-out, yielding different results and is best compared alongside D281 for comprehensive pigment evaluation.
- ASTM Standards on Paints and Coatings: ASTM D281 is among key referenced standards for the paint, pigment, and coatings industries, ensuring standardization of physical testing methods.
- International Standardization Practices: This document aligns with principles established by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee, facilitating international acceptance and trade.
Keywords: ASTM D281, oil absorption, pigments, spatula rub-out, pigment paste, paint formulation, coatings, quality control, standard test method.
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ASTM D281-12(2021) - Standard Test Method for Oil Absorption of Pigments by Spatula Rub-out
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D281-12(2021) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Oil Absorption of Pigments by Spatula Rub-out". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 The oil absorption value obtained by this test method gives information about the vehicle demand of the pigment when it is used in a pigment paste. Oil absorption values can be used to characterize pigments or batches of a given pigment. 4.2 This test method differs from Test Method D1483 in that D1483 involves only a gentle stirring and folding of the pigment, whereas this test method requires a thorough rubbing action. Because the end points are different, the values obtained from the two test methods generally differ. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers the determination of the oil absorption of pigments by the spatula rub-out technique. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 The oil absorption value obtained by this test method gives information about the vehicle demand of the pigment when it is used in a pigment paste. Oil absorption values can be used to characterize pigments or batches of a given pigment. 4.2 This test method differs from Test Method D1483 in that D1483 involves only a gentle stirring and folding of the pigment, whereas this test method requires a thorough rubbing action. Because the end points are different, the values obtained from the two test methods generally differ. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers the determination of the oil absorption of pigments by the spatula rub-out technique. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as 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.
ASTM D281-12(2021) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 87.060.10 - Pigments and extenders. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D281-12(2021) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D1483-12, ASTM D1483-95(2007), ASTM D1483-95(2002), ASTM D1483-95. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D281-12(2021) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
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: D281 − 12 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Test Method for
Oil Absorption of Pigments by Spatula Rub-out
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D281; 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 whenitisusedinapigmentpaste.Oilabsorptionvaluescanbe
used to characterize pigments or batches of a given pigment.
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the oil
absorption of pigments by the spatula rub-out technique. 4.2 ThistestmethoddiffersfromTestMethodD1483inthat
D1483 involves only a gentle stirring and folding of the
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
pigment, whereas this test method requires a thorough rubbing
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
action.Becausetheendpointsaredifferent,thevaluesobtained
only.
from the two test methods generally differ.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5. Apparatus and Materials
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
5.1 Balance, capable of weighing to 0.001 g.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
5.2 Dropping Bottle, fitted with ground-in pipet and rubber
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
bulb or buret, graduated in 0.1-mL divisions.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5.3 Smooth Glass Rub-up Plate or Marble Slab (glass
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
should have a surface similar to Hoover Muller Plates).
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.4 Spatula, sharp-edged, steel, having a blade of 15 or 20
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1 3
mm by 100 mm ( ⁄2 or ⁄4 by 4 in.).
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.5 Oil, linseed, raw, conforming to the following specifi-
2. Referenced Documents
cation:
Specific Gravity 0.926–0.931
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Boiling Point >149°C
D1483 Test Method for Oil Absorption of Pigments by
Acid Number 3 ± 1
Gardner-Coleman Method
Saponification Value 185–196
Iodine Value 170 minimum
Gardner Color 13 maximum
3. Summary of Test Method
5.5.1 Linseed oil used in comparative tests must have the
3.1 A stiff, putty-like paste is formed by the dropwise
sameacidvalue.Otherliquids,suchasrefinedoil,maybeused
addition of linseed oil to pigment that is being thoroughly
by mutual agreement.
rubbed with a spatula. The amount of oil required to produce
the end point is used to calculate an oil absorption value.
6. Procedure
4. Significance and Use 6.1 Procedure A (Weighing Bottle)—Weigh exactly 1 g, or
any multiple thereof (Note 1), of the thoroughly mixed and air
4.1 The oil absorption value obtained by this test method
dried pigment and place upon a glass plate or marble slab.
gives information about the vehicle demand of the pigment
Weigh to 0.01 g a dropping bottle containing raw linseed oil
along with the pipet and rubber bulb. Add the linseed oil
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint
gradually,dropbydrop(bymeansofthepipet),tothepigment.
and Related Coatings, Materials, andApplications and is the direct responsibility of
After the addition of each drop, thoroughly incorporate the oil
Subcommittee D01.24 on Physical Properties of Liquid Paints & Paint Materials.
by rubbing up with the spatula. The test is complete when
Current edition approved June 1, 2021. Published June 2021. Originally
exactly enough oil has been incorporated with the pigment to
approved in 1928. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D281 – 12 (2016).
DOI: 10.1520/D0281-12R21.
produce a very stiff, putty-like paste, that does not break or
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
separate. Weigh the bottl
...




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