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D2916-09 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📐 Specification Scope and Referenced Documents
ASTM D2916-09 (Reapproved 2023) is a standard specification covering isophorone (98 % grade), chemically known as 3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexene-1-one. This material is intended for use as a solvent in paint, varnish, lacquer, and related coating products. The standard mandates that all specified limits conform to the rounding-off method of Practice E29, rounding values “to the nearest unit” in the last right-hand digit of the specification limit. Values are exclusively stated in SI units.
To ensure rigorous and repeatable testing, the standard invokes a comprehensive set of referenced documents. Key test methods include D1078 (Distillation Range), D1209 and D5386 (Color), D1364 (Water by Karl Fischer), D1613 (Acidity), D4052 (Density), and D2192 (Purity of Aldehydes and Ketones). Sampling must follow Practice E300 and Guide D268, while packaging should conform to U.S. Federal Specification PPP-C-2020.
⚠️ Rounding Requirement: For conformance determination, observed or calculated values must be rounded “to the nearest unit” in the last right-hand digit used in expressing the specification limit. This must be done in strict accordance with the rounding-off method defined in Practice E29.
⚙️ Required Physical and Chemical Properties
Section 3 of the standard defines the specific property limits that the isophorone must meet to be considered compliant. These requirements ensure the solvent delivers the correct solvency, volatility, and purity profile for high-performance coatings applications.
| 🏷️ Property | 📏 Specification Limit | 🔬 Standard Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Apparent Specific Gravity (20/20 °C) | 0.921 to 0.923 | D4052 |
| Apparent Specific Gravity (25/25 °C) | 0.918 to 0.920 | D4052 |
| Color, Pt-Co scale, max | 100 | D1209 or D5386 |
| Distillation: Initial Boiling Point, min | 210 °C | D1078 |
| Distillation: 95 % Point, max | 218 °C | D1078 |
| Purity, weight %, min | 98 | D2192 |
| Acidity (as Acetic Acid), weight %, max | 0.02 | D1613 |
| Water, weight %, max | 0.1 | D1364 |
💡 Color Measurement Note: Instrumental color determination by Test Method D5386 has shown no statistically significant difference from the visual Pt-Co scale of Test Method D1209. However, the standard notes that it is not known whether isophorone was part of the sample set included in the interlaboratory study.
📊 Sampling, Packaging, and Safety Compliance
Proper sampling procedures are critical for accurate specification conformance. The standard mandates the use of Practice E300 and Guide D268 for the representative sampling of industrial chemicals. Compliance with packaging and marking requirements is governed by U.S. Federal Specification PPP-C-2020, ensuring the material is safely contained and identified for transport and storage.
The specification does not purport to address all safety concerns associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user to consult the supplier’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for specific hazard information and to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices in compliance with applicable regulatory limitations.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What is the primary application for this grade of isophorone?
This specification covers isophorone (98 % grade) intended for use as a high-boiling solvent in paint, varnish, lacquer, and related coating products.
💡 What are the specific purity and acidity limits?
The standard mandates a minimum purity of 98 % by weight. The maximum allowable acidity, calculated as acetic acid, is strictly limited to 0.02 % by weight.
⚡ What is the required distillation range for compliance?
The material must have an initial boiling point of at least 210 °C. The 95 % distillation point must not exceed 218 °C, ensuring tight control over the solvent’s volatility profile.
📌 How is the specific gravity requirement applied?
Two temperature conditions are accepted. The apparent specific gravity must be between 0.921 and 0.923 at 20/20 °C, or alternatively between 0.918 and 0.920 at 25/25 °C, when tested by Test Method D4052.