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D1836-07 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📝 Scope and Application
ASTM D1836-07 (Reapproved 2021) provides the definitive standard specification for Commercial Hexanes. Issued under the fixed designation D1836, this standard is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications, specifically Subcommittee D01.35 on Solvents, Plasticizers, and Chemical Intermediates. The specification defines the requirements for hexane solvents used extensively in the preparation of adhesives, coatings, and printing inks, as well as raw materials for chemical synthesis and extraction solvents.
Conformance to the standard is determined in SI units, which are regarded as standard. The user of this standard bears the responsibility for establishing appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices prior to use, and should consult the supplier’s Material Safety Data Sheet for specific hazard information.
⚠️ Rounding for Compliance: Per §1.2, all observed or calculated values must be accurately rounded “to the nearest unit” in the last right-hand digit of the specification limit, strictly following the procedure outlined in Practice E29.
⚙️ Specified Properties and Limits
The standard mandates that Commercial Hexanes meet strict physical and chemical requirements to ensure consistent performance across critical industrial applications. The core specification limits are detailed in the table below.
| 🟦 Property | 📏 Specification Limit | 🎯 Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Aniline Point, min | 57 °C | Test Methods D611 |
| Apparent Specific Gravity (15.6/15.6 °C) | 0.660 – 0.686 | Guide D268 |
| Bromine Index, max | 100 | Test Method D2710 |
💡 Understanding the Aniline Point: The minimum aniline point of 57 °C acts as a critical indicator of the solvent’s aromatic content and overall solvency power. This property is essential for predicting performance in coatings and adhesive formulations where consistent solvency is required.
🧪 Referenced Test Methods and Quality Protocols
In addition to the primary property limits, the standard integrates a comprehensive suite of referenced test methods for complete quality assurance. Sampling must be conducted in accordance with Practice E300 or Guide D268. The table below summarizes the key referenced documents essential for evaluating the full range of hexane properties.
| 📐 Standard | 📝 Title / Application |
|---|---|
| D1078 | Distillation Range of Volatile Organic Liquids |
| D1133 | Kauri-Butanol Value of Hydrocarbon Solvents |
| D1209 / D5386 | Color of Clear Liquids (Platinum-Cobalt / Tristimulus) |
| D1353 | Nonvolatile Matter in Volatile Solvents |
| D3120 | Trace Quantities of Sulfur in Hydrocarbons |
| D4367 | Benzene Content by Gas Chromatography |
| D156 | Saybolt Color of Petroleum Products |
The Bromine Index is specifically measured using electrometric titration (D2710), providing a definitive measure of unsaturated hydrocarbons. The maximum limit of 100 ensures minimal reactive olefins, which is critical for chemical stability in demanding industrial processes. All reported values must adhere strictly to the rounding rules of Practice E29 for proper conformance evaluation.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What are the primary applications for Commercial Hexanes as defined by this standard?
Per §1.1, the specification covers hexanes used in the preparation of adhesives, coatings, and printing inks, as well as raw materials in chemical synthesis and solvents in extraction operations.
💡 What is the importance of the Apparent Specific Gravity requirement?
The specified range of 0.660 to 0.686 at 15.6/15.6 °C provides a critical check on product density and batch consistency. Conformance is evaluated using the procedures detailed in Guide D268.
⚡ How is the Bromine Index used to evaluate product quality?
The Bromine Index, measured via Test Method D2710, quantifies the unsaturated hydrocarbon content. The maximum limit of 100 ensures the solvent has minimal olefins, preventing unwanted side reactions in sensitive chemical processes.
📌 Which rounding procedure must be used for determining conformance?
Section 1.2 explicitly requires the use of the rounding-off method from Practice E29, where values are rounded “to the nearest unit” in the last digit of the expressed specification limit.