ISO 123:2001

Overview - ISO 123:2001 (Rubber latex - Sampling)

ISO 123:2001 defines standardized procedures for sampling natural rubber latex concentrates, synthetic rubber latices and artificial latices, including latex contained in drums, tank cars and tanks. The standard also states that the same procedures may be used for plastics dispersions. It emphasizes representative laboratory sampling, preparation of test samples, and documentation for quality control, acceptance testing and arbitration.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and terms: Defines lot, sample, laboratory sample, test sample and test portion to ensure consistent terminology.
• Apparatus requirements: Equipment immersed in latex must not contain copper. Typical devices include:
  • perforated plunger (≈150 mm) or motor-driven stirrer with stainless-steel propeller (≈110 mm);
  • sampling tubes (internal diameters 10–15 mm or ≈25 mm) and remote‑operated sampling vessels (≈1 dm3);
  • 2 dm3 beakers and 1 dm3 sample bottles (leave 2–5% air space);
  • filter with average aperture width 180 µm ± 10 µm complying with ISO 3310‑1.
• Homogenization procedures: For drums - manual agitation with a plunger, motor-driven stirring, or controlled rolling (including roller options for closed-head drums). Avoid excessive stirring and introduction of air.
• Sampling frequency: Every lot shall be sampled. If a lot is split among containers, sample 10% of containers (minimum one), selected at random.
• Homogeneity testing: For tanks, compare total solids of top and bottom samples (ISO 124). Re‑homogenize if results differ by more than 0.5% (mass) total solids.
• Coagulum content: Determined on the laboratory sample per ISO 706 (sieve residue/coagulum test).
• Labelling and reporting: Samples must be labelled with material description, consignment details, sample type, sampler, place/date of sampling. Sampling reports must reference ISO 123 and record sampling frequency, visual observations (creaming, coagulum, skin, foreign matter) and any unusual features.

Applications and who uses it

• Quality control laboratories in rubber manufacturing and compounding.
• Procurement and inspection teams for incoming latex consignments (drums, tank cars, tanks).
• Logistics and transport operators handling bulk latex shipments.
• Third‑party inspectors and arbitration labs for dispute resolution.
• Producers of plastics dispersions seeking consistent sampling practices.

ISO 123:2001 helps ensure representative samples, reliable test results (e.g., total solids, coagulum content), and auditable documentation for product acceptance and regulatory compliance.

Related standards

• ISO 124 - determination of total solids content (latex)
• ISO 706 - determination of coagulum content (sieve residue)
• ISO 3310‑1 - test sieve technical requirements
• ISO 15528 - sampling for paints, varnishes and raw materials

Keywords: ISO 123:2001, rubber latex sampling, natural rubber latex, synthetic latex, coagulum content, laboratory sample, sampling procedures.