Standard Test Method for Saponification Number (Empirical) of Synthetic and Natural Waxes

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method is used to determine the property of ester functionality. Ester functionality determines the utility of the wax as well as being a significant quality control test.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the saponification number of synthetic waxes and natural waxes.  
1.2 This test method is applicable to Fischer Tropsche, microcrystalline, polyethylene, and Montan Ester waxes.  
1.3 Certain synthetic waxes, notably copolymers of ethylene, exhibit poor reproducibility when running saponification values. Reproducibility can be improved if cooking time in 7.2 is extended from 3 h to 18–20 h.  
1.4 Some oxidized polyethylene and other waxes with a melt temperature above 100°C may give poor reproducibility.  
1.5 Some dark-colored (Gardner Color 14) waxes may obscure the color change of the indicator, resulting in poor reproducibility.  
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.7 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.  
1.8 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
30-Jun-2019
Technical Committee
D21 - Polishes
Drafting Committee
D21.02 - Raw Materials

Relations

Effective Date
01-Jul-2019

Overview

ASTM D1387-89(2019), Standard Test Method for Saponification Number (Empirical) of Synthetic and Natural Waxes, establishes a reliable procedure for determining the saponification number of various waxes, including both synthetic and natural types. The saponification number measures the quantity of potassium hydroxide (KOH) required to hydrolyze 1 gram of wax, indicating the amount of saponifiable matter present. Knowing the ester functionality is a crucial quality control parameter, impacting the utility and performance of wax products.

Key Topics

  • Scope of Application:

    • Applicable to synthetic waxes (such as Fischer Tropsch, microcrystalline, polyethylene, and Montan ester waxes) and natural waxes.
    • Certain waxes, especially ethylene copolymers and polyethylene varieties, may require extended procedures for better reproducibility.
    • Limitations exist for some oxidized polyethylene and dark-colored waxes, as these may yield less reliable results due to melt temperature and color interference.
  • Testing Methodology:

    • Involves dissolution of wax in xylene, treatment with alcoholic KOH, refluxing, and titration with hydrochloric acid using phenolphthalein as an indicator.
    • The result is presented as the number of milligrams of KOH per gram of wax.
  • Precision & Reproducibility:

    • Validated primarily for light-colored waxes with melting points below 100°C.
    • Reproducibility may vary for darker or higher-melting waxes, highlighting the importance of adhering to method specifics for accurate results.
  • Units of Measurement:

    • All measurements are specified in SI units, ensuring international consistency and comparability.

Applications

  • Quality Control in Manufacturing:

    • Widely used in industries producing synthetic or natural waxes, polishes, coatings, and related materials.
    • Determines ester functionality, which affects melting behavior, solubility, and chemical stability.
  • Material Certification and Compliance:

    • Provides a standardized measure required for product documentation and specification sheets.
    • Supporting compliance with international and regulatory requirements related to wax materials.
  • Product Formulation Development:

    • Essential for R&D and technical teams in formulating new wax-based products.
    • Allows manufacturers to select and blend components based on saponification value to achieve desired properties.
  • Troubleshooting and Investigation:

    • Detects batch-to-batch variations or adulterations in waxes that might impact finished product quality.

Related Standards

  • ASTM E200 - Practice for Preparation, Standardization, and Storage of Standard and Reagent Solutions for Chemical Analysis: Establishes foundational procedures for reagent management used in this test method.
  • ISO Standards for Saponification Value: Internationally recognized equivalents may provide alternative protocols for specific wax types.
  • Other ASTM Wax Standards: Including standards for wax composition, performance, and additional chemical testing relevant to manufacturing and quality assurance.
  • World Trade Organization TBT Principles: This standard aligns with internationally recognized standardization principles to facilitate global trade and regulatory acceptance.

Keywords: saponification number, wax testing, synthetic wax, natural wax, quality control, ASTM D1387, ester functionality, wax analysis, potassium hydroxide, titration, wax manufacturing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM D1387-89(2019) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Saponification Number (Empirical) of Synthetic and Natural Waxes". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This test method is used to determine the property of ester functionality. Ester functionality determines the utility of the wax as well as being a significant quality control test. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers the determination of the saponification number of synthetic waxes and natural waxes. 1.2 This test method is applicable to Fischer Tropsche, microcrystalline, polyethylene, and Montan Ester waxes. 1.3 Certain synthetic waxes, notably copolymers of ethylene, exhibit poor reproducibility when running saponification values. Reproducibility can be improved if cooking time in 7.2 is extended from 3 h to 18–20 h. 1.4 Some oxidized polyethylene and other waxes with a melt temperature above 100°C may give poor reproducibility. 1.5 Some dark-colored (Gardner Color 14) waxes may obscure the color change of the indicator, resulting in poor reproducibility. 1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.7 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. 1.8 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 This test method is used to determine the property of ester functionality. Ester functionality determines the utility of the wax as well as being a significant quality control test. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers the determination of the saponification number of synthetic waxes and natural waxes. 1.2 This test method is applicable to Fischer Tropsche, microcrystalline, polyethylene, and Montan Ester waxes. 1.3 Certain synthetic waxes, notably copolymers of ethylene, exhibit poor reproducibility when running saponification values. Reproducibility can be improved if cooking time in 7.2 is extended from 3 h to 18–20 h. 1.4 Some oxidized polyethylene and other waxes with a melt temperature above 100°C may give poor reproducibility. 1.5 Some dark-colored (Gardner Color 14) waxes may obscure the color change of the indicator, resulting in poor reproducibility. 1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.7 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. 1.8 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 D1387-89(2019) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 75.140 - Waxes, bituminous materials and other petroleum products. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM D1387-89(2019) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D1387-89(2012). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM D1387-89(2019) 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:D1387 −89(Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Saponification Number (Empirical) of Synthetic and Natural
Waxes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1387; 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 E200 Practice for Preparation, Standardization, and Storage
of Standard and Reagent Solutions for ChemicalAnalysis
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the saponi-
fication number of synthetic waxes and natural waxes.
3. Terminology
1.2 This test method is applicable to Fischer Tropsche,
3.1 Definitions:
microcrystalline, polyethylene, and Montan Ester waxes.
3.1.1 saponification number—the number of milligrams of
1.3 Certain synthetic waxes, notably copolymers of
potassium hydroxide required to hydrolyze1gofthe sample
ethylene, exhibit poor reproducibility when running saponifi-
and is a measure of the amount of saponifiable matter present.
cation values. Reproducibility can be improved if cooking time
4. Significance and Use
in 7.2 is extended from3hto 18–20 h.
4.1 This test method is used to determine the property of
1.4 Some oxidized polyethylene and other waxes with a
ester functionality. Ester functionality determines the utility of
melt temperature above 100°C may give poor reproducibility.
the wax as well as being a significant quality control test.
1.5 Some dark-colored (Gardner Color 14) waxes may
obscure the color change of the indicator, resulting in poor
5. Apparatus
reproducibility.
5.1 Analytical Balance.
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
5.2 Boiling Chips, chemically resistant glass.
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard. 5.3 Burets, two 50-mL capacity with 0.1-mL graduations.
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5.4 Erlenmeyer Flasks, 250-mL, alkali-resistant.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5.5 Hot Plate.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
5.6 Reflux Condenser.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
6. Reagents and Materials
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 6.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent-grade chemicals or
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
equivalent as specified in Practice E200 shall be used in all
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- tests.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
6.2 Hydrochloric Acid Standard (0.5 N).
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
6.3 Phenolphthalein Indicator Solution (10 g/litre)—
Dissolve1gof phenolphthalein in 100 mL of USSD3A
2. Referenced Documents
denatured ethanol or 95 % ethanol.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
6.4 Potassium Hydroxide, Alcoholic Solution (6.6 g/litre)—
Dissolve 6.6 g of potassium hydroxide (KOH) in USSD3A
denatured ethanol or 95 % ethanol. Dilute to 1 L with the
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD21onPolishes
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D21.02 on Raw Materials. ethanol.
Current edition approved July 1, 2019. Published July 2019. Originally approved
6.5 Xylene.
in 1955. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D1387 – 89(2012). DOI:
10.1520/D1387-89R19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 7. Procedure
cont
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