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D1135-86 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📐 Scope and Standard Classification
ASTM D1135-86 (Reapproved 2020), under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee D01.31 on Pigment Specifications, defines the chemical analysis procedures for three distinct classes of blue pigments: Iron Blue, Copper Phthalocyanine Blue, and Ultramarine Blue. The standard is organized sequentially by pigment type, providing a systematic framework for identification, purity assessment, and contaminant detection. All values are expressed in SI units to maintain international consistency.
| 🟦 Pigment Type | 📐 Relevant Sections | 🎯 Primary Analytical Targets |
|---|---|---|
| Iron Blue | 6–18 | Moisture (Brabender/Toluene), Water-Soluble Matter, Acid-Insoluble Extenders (Sect. 12–13), Acid-Soluble Extenders (Sect. 14–17), Organic Colors |
| Copper Phthalocyanine Blue | 19–24 | Volatile Matter (D280), Basic Dye Derivatives (Sect. 21), Other Organic Colors (Sect. 22), Ultramarine (Sect. 23), Iron Blue (Sect. 24) |
| Ultramarine Blue | 25–29 | Volatile Matter, Water-Soluble Matter, Basic Dye Derivatives, Other Organic Coloring Matter |
⚙️ Analytical Test Procedures and Reagent Specifications
The significance of these test methods (Section 3.1) lies directly in their applicability to manufacturing quality control. A primary function is verifying the required pigment is present and confirming that prohibited impurities or adulterants fall within acceptable limits. Strict purity of reagents is mandated: Section 4.1 requires all reagents conform to the specifications of the Committee on Analytical Reagents of the American Chemical Society (ACS). Reagent water must comply with ASTM D1193, and sieves must adhere to ASTM E11.
| 📏 Requirement | ⚡ Specification / Method | 🔍 Reference Section |
|---|---|---|
| Reagent Chemicals | ACS Reagent Grade | 4.1 |
| Reagent Water | ASTM D1193 | 2.1 |
| Moisture Test (Iron Blue) | Brabender Moisture Tester | 7–8 |
| Moisture Test (Iron Blue) | Toluene Distillation | 9 |
| Water-Soluble Salts | Specific Resistance (D2448) | 11 |
| Test Sieves | Woven Wire Cloth (E11) | 2.1 |
⚡ Critical Safety Precaution: Per Section 1.4, this standard does not purport to address all safety concerns associated with its use. The user bears sole responsibility for establishing appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determining the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to any analytical work.
📊 Key Measured Properties and Contaminant Detection
For Iron Blue pigments (Sections 6–18), the tests rigorously check for moisture content via two distinct methods and probe for specific adulterants such as barium sulfate or calcium carbonate (acid-insoluble and acid-soluble extenders). Sections dedicated to Copper Phthalocyanine (19–24) and Ultramarine Blue (25–29) emphasize the detection of cross-contamination from other blue pigments and the presence of Basic Dye Derivatives. Water-soluble salt content is quantitatively assessed by measuring the electrical conductivity of the leachate according to ASTM D2448.
💡 Technical Note for Quality Control: These test methods are strategically designed to provide definitive go/no-go criteria. A successful Identification test coupled with a negative result for extender detection (Sections 12–17) strongly validates the purity of an Iron Blue batch. For Copper Phthalocyanine Blue, the absence of Basic Dye Derivatives (Section 21) and zero cross-contamination from Ultramarine or Iron Blue (Sections 23–24) are essential benchmarks for high-quality material.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What is the scope of ASTM D1135-86?
The standard covers test methods for the chemical analysis of three specific types of blue pigments: Iron Blue (often called Prussian or Milori blue), Copper Phthalocyanine Blue, and Ultramarine Blue. It does not apply to other pigment families.
💡 How is moisture determined for Iron Blue under this standard?
Moisture content is determined using either a Brabender Moisture Tester (Sections 7 and 8) or the Toluene Distillation method (Section 9). These methods are cross-referenced with ASTM D280 for handling volatile matter.
⚡ What are the purity requirements for reagents and water in D1135?
Section 4.1 mandates that all reagents conform to the ACS specifications where available. Reagent water must meet the requirements of ASTM D1193, Specification for Reagent Water.
📌 Can D1135 detect extenders and cross-contamination in blue pigments?
Yes. Sections 12 through 17 specifically target Acid-Insoluble and Acid-Soluble Extenders in Iron Blue. For Copper Phthalocyanine Blue, Sections 21-24 are explicitly designed to detect Basic Dye Derivatives, other organic coloring matter, Ultramarine Blue, and Iron Blue contamination.