ASTM International

Standard Test Methods for Determining the Compatibility of Resin/Solvent Mixtures by Precipitation Temperature (Cloud Point)
 N D6038

Annotation

These test methods cover the manual and automatic procedures for testing the compatibility of lithographic ink resins in high boiling ink solvents by precipitation temperature (cloud point) in a range from 35 to 210°C.

The manual procedure in this test method uses laboratory equipment generally available in a normal, well-equipped laboratory. The automated procedure uses a programmable cloudpoint tester.

This test method is for use with ink resins intended mainly for oil-based offset and letterpress inks. The type of resins are typically, but not limited to C9 aromatic hydrocarbon resins, modified dicyclopentadiene resins, rosin pentaerythritol or glycerol esters, phenolic modified rosin esters, maleic anhydride modified-rosin esters, and naturally occurring resins such as gilsonite.

A resin solution or ink vehicle could also be used in this test instead of the resin.

The typical high boiling solvents to be used are C12 to C16 petroleum distillates.

To avoid fire or injury, or both, to the operator, this test method should not be used with low flash point solvents such as toluene or xylene. The minimum flash point of the solvents used should be 60°C as determined by Test Method D56.

NOTE 1—Users of this test method should be aware that the flash point of many solvents used for this test (as defined in Test Methods D56 and D1310) is exceeded in the heating cycle of this test method. Safety precautions should be taken since there is the potential for vapor ignition. The method outlined should be done in a shielded exhaust hood, where there is access to a fire extinguisher if needed.