ISO 11126-5:2018

Overview

ISO 11126-5:2018 specifies requirements for nickel slag non‑metallic abrasives supplied for abrasive blast‑cleaning, primarily to prepare steel substrates before painting. The standard covers new nickel and ferronickel slag abrasives (granulated or atomized), defining acceptable particle‑size ranges, physical properties and contamination limits. It is focused on ensuring abrasive quality and consistency for effective and safe surface preparation.

Key topics and requirements

• Abrasive designation and marking: Product IDs follow the format “Abrasive ISO 11126 N/Nl1 (or N/Nl2)/G or S [size range]” to indicate non‑metallic nickel or ferronickel slag, grit (G) or shot (S), and particle size (example: Abrasive ISO 11126 N/Nl1/G 0,2-1).
• Particle size and distribution: Defined size ranges and limits for oversize/undersize fractions (see Table 1 in the standard). Maximum particle size shall not exceed 3.15 mm; particles <0.2 mm limited to 5% mass unless agreed otherwise.
• Physical properties:
  • Apparent density: typically 2.8 to 3.9 kg/dm3 (≈2 800–3 900 kg/m3).
  • Mohs hardness: minimum 6.
  • Moisture content: maximum 0.2% (mass fraction).
• Contaminant limits:
  • Conductivity of aqueous extract: max 250 µS/cm.
  • Water‑soluble chlorides: max 0.002% (mass fraction).
  • Free crystalline silica: ≤ 1% mass fraction (by X‑ray diffraction).
• Material characteristics: Nickel slag abrasives are vitreous amorphous iron or magnesium silicate materials that absorb no bulk water and must be free from corrosive or adhesion‑impairing contaminants.
• Sampling and testing: Sampling as per ISO 11127‑1; test methods for particle size, density, hardness, moisture, conductivity and chlorides are referenced in ISO 11127 parts 2–7.
• Scope limitation: Requirements apply only to abrasives in the “new” condition, not during or after use. Safety note: blast equipment and abrasives can be hazardous - follow appropriate precautions.

Applications and who uses it

ISO 11126‑5 is used by:

• Coating specifiers and engineers who write surface preparation requirements for steelwork.
• Blast‑cleaning contractors and inspection teams to verify abrasive quality and ensure coating adhesion.
• Abrasive manufacturers and suppliers for product specification, marking and test reporting.
• Quality managers and purchasers who require documented compliance and test certificates.

Typical applications include shipyards, structural steel fabrication, offshore platforms and any project requiring abrasive blast‑cleaning prior to protective coatings.

Related standards

• ISO 11127 series (test methods for non‑metallic blast‑cleaning abrasives)
• ISO 8504‑2 (abrasive blast‑cleaning methods)

Keywords: ISO 11126-5:2018, nickel slag, blast-cleaning abrasives, particle size, apparent density, Mohs hardness, moisture content, water-soluble chlorides, conductivity, surface preparation, abrasive blast-cleaning.