Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
D5958-99 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📜 Scope and Overview of D5958-99
ASTM D5958-99 (Reapproved 2020) defines standardized laboratory practices for preparing oil-based ink resin solutions using high-boiling solvents. Issued under the fixed designation D5958, the standard outlines four distinct procedures utilizing commonly available lab equipment:
- A hot oil bath (Sections 4 to 11)
- A stirrer/hot plate (Sections 12 to 16)
- An industrial blender (Sections 17 to 22)
- A hot air gun (Sections 23 to 27)
The standard specifically notes that ASTM Subcommittee D01.37 recommends using the hot oil bath procedure (Practice D5597) where possible, as it provides the most consistent control over critical parameters. The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.
🧪 Resin Solutions: Materials and Specifications
The practices in this standard are designed for a wide range of resins and solvents used primarily in oil-based offset and letterpress inks. The material specifications are strictly defined to ensure safety and efficacy.
| 📏 Parameter | ⚡ Specification / Requirement | 📌 Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Solvent Flash Point | 60°C (140°F) | Determined by Test Method D56. Do not use low-flash solvents like toluene or xylene. |
| Typical Preparation Time | Under 30 minutes | One or several of these practices allows for rapid resin solution preparation. |
| Temperature Control | Maximum temperature regulated | Practices allow for regulation of peak cycle temperature to prevent degradation. |
| Inert Atmosphere Capability | Available (Hot Oil Bath) | Recommended by D01.37 to prevent oxidation and increase repeatability. |
| 🟦 Resin Category | 💧 Suitable Solvent Types | 🎯 Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| C9 Aromatic Hydrocarbon Resins | C12 to C16 Petroleum Distillates | Offset and Letterpress Inks |
| Phenolic Modified Rosin Esters | 2,2,4 Trimethyl 1,3-pentanediol di-isobutyrate | High-Gloss Heat-Set Inks |
| Maleic Anhydride Modified Rosin Esters | Alkali Refined Linseed Oil | Sheet-Fed Inks |
| Natural Resins (e.g., Gilsonite) | Tridecyl Alcohol / Petroleum Distillates | Newsinks / Black Inks |
🔥 Critical Fire Hazard Warning: Users of this practice 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. Take safety precautions since there is a serious potential for vapor ignition. Do the methods outlined in a shielded exhaust hood, where there is access to a fire extinguisher if needed.
💡 Best Practice Recommendation: ASTM Subcommittee D01.37 recommends employing the hot oil bath procedure (Sections 4-11) whenever possible. This method is strongly favored because it can effectively regulate the maximum temperature, operate under an inert atmosphere, and prevent random solvent loss during the preparation cycle.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What specific laboratory equipment is covered by ASTM D5958-99?
The standard describes procedures for four equipment setups: a hot oil bath (Sections 4-11), a stirrer/hot plate (Sections 12-16), an industrial blender (Sections 17-22), and a hot air gun (Sections 23-27).
💡 Why is the hot oil bath method the recommended practice?
The hot oil bath procedure is recommended by Subcommittee D01.37 because it allows for regulation of the maximum temperature, the ability to perform the procedure under an inert atmosphere, and it effectively prevents random solvent loss during the heating process, leading to more consistent resin solutions.
⚡ What are the critical safety restrictions regarding solvent flash point?
To avoid fire or injury, these practices must not be used with low flash point solvents such as toluene or xylene. The minimum flash point for any solvent used should be 60°C (140°F) as determined by Test Method D56.
📌 What types of resins are these practices designed for?
These procedures are intended for ink resins used in oil-based offset and letterpress inks. Typical resins include C9 aromatic hydrocarbon resins, modified dicyclopentadiene resins, rosin pentaerythritol or glycerine esters, phenolic modified rosin esters, maleic anhydride modified rosin esters, and naturally occurring resins such as gilsonite.