Carbon Black ASTM D1603

Scope:
Determination of carbon black content in Olefin materials like polyethylene or polypropylene that do not contain nonvolatile additives or fillers. The test is often used as a quality control measurement for black polyolefins.

Test Procedure:
A sample of known weight is placed into a weighed combustion boat. The sample is then placed into a 600°C tube furnace under a dry oxygen free Nitrogen purge. After a set time the combustion boat with the burn residue is cooled under the nitrogen purge and weighed. The combustion boat is then placed into a 600°C muffle furnace to oxidize the carbon residue. When the carbon is completely oxidized the combustion boat is cooled and weighed.

Specimen size:
One to a few grams

Data:
The percent carbon black =
(W_r - W_o) x 100
W_s

W_r = the mass of the residue from the tube furnace
W_o= the mass of the residue from the muffle furnace
W_s= the original mass of the sample

Equipment Used:
Tube furnace,   Muffle furnace, Combustion boat, Analytical balance, Oxygen free nitrogen, Flow meter

**Please note that this test description is intentionally generic in nature and aimed at providing a descriptive summary to enhance test understanding. For more information please contact an Intertek PTL Technical Representative at iptl@intertek.com. Due to copyright restrictions, we are not able to provide copies of standards. Standards can be obtained from appropriate standards authorities.