ASTM D8474-23 PDF

Overview

ASTM D8474-23, titled Standard Test Method for Recovered Carbon Black (rCB)–Compositional Analysis by Thermogravimetry (TGA), is a key international standard developed by ASTM. This test method outlines procedures for determining the organic residue, overall carbon content, and ash content in recovered carbon black (rCB) using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Primarily intended for quality control, research, and development, this standard supports reliable compositional analysis-critical for ensuring consistent rCB material quality across the rubber, plastics, and related industries.

Key Topics

• Purpose and Significance

  • Enables precise identification and quantification of organic residue, total carbon, and inorganic ash content in rCB.
  • Widely applicable for quality assurance and material comparison in production and R&D environments.
  • Supports the growing circular economy by verifying properties of recycled materials like rCB.

• Scope of Applicability

  • Suited for rCB samples that do not contain organic substances decomposing above 550°C, or inorganic substances decomposing below this threshold.
  • Uses both manual and automated TGA equipment, after proper calibration.
  • SI units are the default system of measurement.

• Test Method Summary

  • A specified mass of the rCB sample is heated at a controlled rate, and the mass loss is measured at key temperature ranges.
  • Results provide a breakdown of organic residue, carbon, and ash content by mass percentage.
  • Involves use of inert (argon or nitrogen) and reactive (air or oxygen) gases of high purity for the TGA procedure.

• Sample Handling and Reporting

  • Samples are to be prepared and sampled based on referenced ASTM practices to ensure repeatability.
  • Reports must include sample identification and results for organic residue, carbon content, and ash-each measured to the nearest 0.1%.

Applications

Adoption of ASTM D8474-23 delivers practical benefits to several sectors, especially as recovered carbon black gains prominence in sustainable material sourcing:

• Quality Control in Manufacturing Routine compositional analysis verifies that rCB feedstock meets specified performance and safety parameters, reducing batch variability and optimizing rubber and plastic compounding.

• Research and Development This TGA method helps researchers develop and compare new rCB materials, improving product consistency and adherence to environmental standards.

• Material Certification Compliance with ASTM D8474-23 is often required for internal or third-party certifications related to the use of recycled raw materials.

• Circular Economy Initiatives By enabling accurate characterization of rCB, this standard supports sustainability initiatives and regulatory compliance in industries seeking to reduce reliance on virgin resources.

Related Standards

The standardized approach for recovered carbon black analysis draws upon and complements a range of supporting ASTM standards:

• ASTM D1799 – Practice for Carbon Black-Sampling Packaged Shipments
• ASTM D1900 – Practice for Carbon Black-Sampling Bulk Shipments
• ASTM D4483 – Practice for Evaluating Precision for Test Method Standards in the Rubber and Carbon Black Manufacturing Industries
• ASTM D8178 – Terminology Relating to Recovered Carbon Black (rCB)
• ASTM E473 – Terminology Relating to Thermal Analysis and Rheology
• ASTM E1953 – Practice for Description of Thermal Analysis and Rheology Apparatus

Leveraging these related documents alongside ASTM D8474-23 fosters a comprehensive and harmonized approach to rCB compositional analysis.

Keywords: recovered carbon black, rCB, thermogravimetric analysis, TGA, compositional analysis, ash content, carbon content, organic residue, ASTM standard, quality control, sustainable materials, recycled materials.