ISO 10716:2022

Overview

ISO 10716:2022 establishes a standardized method for the determination of the alkali reserve in paper and board materials. The alkali reserve is crucial for evaluating the resistance of papers and boards to acid attack, which can cause degradation and reduce long-term stability. This international standard is particularly relevant for paper products containing alkaline pigments or materials designed to enhance their durability in various environmental conditions.

The method defined by ISO 10716:2022 is applicable to papers and boards intended to resist acid degradation, commonly used in archival, library, or permanent document applications. However, it does not apply to laminated, printed, or otherwise processed grades that cannot be fully disintegrated by the prescribed procedure.

Key Topics

• Alkali Reserve Definition
  Alkali reserve refers to compounds (such as calcium carbonate) present in the paper that neutralize acids generated either by natural aging or through exposure to atmospheric pollutants.

• Scope of Application
  The standard applies to papers and boards with alkaline additives but excludes materials that cannot undergo complete disintegration via the procedure, such as certain processed or laminated grades.

• Test Methodology
  The core of the method involves:

  • Digestion of a representative sample in water with hydrochloric acid.
  • Titration of the remaining acid with sodium hydroxide to determine acid neutralization.
  • Calculation of alkali reserve in moles per kilogram, ensuring results account for all alkaline substances present, not just calcium carbonate.

• Sample Requirements
  Careful sampling and preparation are essential to ensure representative and accurate results for determining the alkali reserve.

• Reporting and Precision
  Results must be reported with reference to ISO 10716:2022, including all critical details on test conditions, method deviations, and findings. The standard prescribes a precision criterion for duplicate determinations.

Applications

Implementing ISO 10716:2022 adds practical value to several sectors:

• Preservation and Archival Industry
  Libraries, archives, and institutions handling permanent records need to ensure paper longevity. Papers with a verified alkali reserve, as measured by this standard, are preferred for long-term storage and protection against acid degradation.

• Paper Manufacturing
  Producers of paper and board can certify their products' resistance to acid attack, enhancing marketability for applications requiring durability and permanence.

• Quality Assurance
  Paper converters and end-users can use the standard to verify compliance with permanence specifications and industry requirements.

• Regulatory Compliance
  Ensures that papers meet international standards for durability, particularly where legal or historical documents are concerned.

Related Standards

For effective implementation and broader quality assurance, ISO 10716:2022 should be used alongside related standards, including:

• ISO 186: Paper and board - Sampling to determine average quality
  Provides guidelines for sampling, an essential step for consistent alkali reserve determination.

• ISO 287: Paper and board - Determination of moisture content of a lot - Oven-drying method
  Used to determine the dry matter content, a prerequisite for accurate alkali reserve calculations.

• ISO 638-1: Paper, board, pulps and cellulosic nanomaterials - Determination of dry matter content by oven-drying method - Part 1: Materials in solid form
  Supports precise measurement of sample mass and content crucial to the calculation of alkali reserve.

By adhering to ISO 10716:2022, industries reinforce the reliability and durability of paper products for archival, legal, and high-durability uses, supporting the preservation of vital documents and compliance with international quality standards.