Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
D2363-79 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📐 Test Methods for Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
ASTM D2363-79 (Reapproved 2019) provides comprehensive test methods for hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, covering a range of properties to ensure quality. The standard includes procedures for moisture, ash, chlorides, alkalinity, iron, heavy metals, methoxyl and hydroxypropoxyl content, viscosity, pH, solids, and density. Values are reported in SI units, with imperial units in parentheses for reference.
| 🟦 Section | 📏 Test | ⚡ Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 4-6 | Moisture | Determines volatile content |
| 7-10 | Ash (as Sulfate) | Measures inorganic residue |
| 11-14 | Chlorides (as NaCl) | Quantifies chloride ions |
| 15-18 | Alkalinity (as Na2CO3) | Assesses basic content |
| 19-24 | Iron | Detects iron impurities |
| 25-29 | Heavy Metals | Limits heavy metal content |
| 30-35 | Methoxyl Content | Determines substitution level |
| 36-41 | Hydroxypropoxyl Content | Determines hydroxypropoxyl substitution |
| 42-46 | Viscosity | Measures solution viscosity |
| 47 | pH | Measures acidity/alkalinity |
| 48-51 | Solids | Determines non-volatile matter |
| 52-56 | Density | Measures mass per volume |
⚙️ Procedure and Key Specifications
For moisture determination, the standard specifies drying 2 to 5 g of sample at 100 to 105°C for 2 hours. The sample must be weighed to the nearest 0.01 g and cooled in a desiccator after drying. Reagent-grade chemicals and distilled water are required for all tests.
Always cool the sample in a desiccator before weighing to prevent moisture absorption from the air.
Other procedures include ash determination as sulfate, chloride limit testing, and methoxyl content analysis. The standard references ASTM D96 and E70 for related methods.
| 🟦 Parameter | 📏 Requirement |
|---|---|
| Sample Size | 2 to 5 g |
| Weighing Precision | 0.01 g |
| Drying Temperature | 100 to 105°C |
| Drying Time | 2 hours |
📊 Quality Assurance and Compliance
The standard emphasizes the importance of reagent purity. All reagents should conform to ACS specifications unless otherwise noted. Safety concerns are addressed, with specific hazards listed in sections like 33.5.1. The test methods are designed to ensure consistency and reliability in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose testing.
Using reagent-grade chemicals minimizes interference and ensures accurate results.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What does ASTM D2363-79 cover?
It covers standard test methods for hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, including moisture, ash, viscosity, and other properties.
💡 How is moisture content determined in this standard?
A sample of 2 to 5 g is dried at 100 to 105°C for 2 hours, then weighed after cooling in a desiccator.
⚡ What are the safety considerations in these tests?
Users should refer to specific hazard statements, such as 33.5.1, and establish appropriate safety practices.
📌 Why is reagent purity important?
Reagent-grade chemicals ensure accuracy and prevent contamination in analytical determinations.