ISO 3262-12:2023

Overview

ISO 3262-12:2023 - "Extenders - Specifications and methods of test - Part 12: Muscovite-type mica" specifies the requirements and test methods for muscovite-type mica used as an extender. Published as the second edition (2023), it updates the 2001 version, aligns terminology with ISO 18451-1, and harmonizes test methods with other ISO standards. The document is intended for manufacturers, quality laboratories, purchasers and specifiers of extenders and pigment-grade micas.

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard defines essential and conditional requirements together with the designated test methods:

• Scope: Requirements and corresponding methods of test for muscovite-type mica.
• Composition limits (mass fraction ranges):
  • K2O: 9 to 12 %
  • Al2O3: 30 to 40 %
  • SiO2: 43 to 49 %
  • Fe2O3: max. 3.5 %
  • MgO: max. 1 %
• Physical and chemical limits:
  • Matter volatile at 105 °C: max 1 % (ISO 787-2)
  • Loss on ignition: max 6.5 % (ISO 3262-1)
  • Matter soluble in water (hot extraction): max 0.5 % (ISO 787-3)
  • pH of aqueous suspension: 6 to 9 (ISO 787-9)
• Conditional characteristics (to be agreed by parties):
  • Residue on sieve (ISO 787-7 or ISO 787-18)
  • Particle size distribution (instrumental method - ISO 8130-13)
  • Colour and lightness
  • Resistivity of aqueous extract (ISO 787-14)
• Test report requirements: identification of product, reference to ISO 3262-12:2023, test results and methods, compliance status, deviations, anomalies, and test dates.

Applications and users

ISO 3262-12:2023 is relevant to organizations that produce, test, specify or buy muscovite-type mica as an extender in pigment and formulation industries. Typical users include:

• Quality control and R&D laboratories in pigment and extender manufacturing
• Suppliers and purchasers of muscovite mica for coatings, plastics, adhesives, rubbers and related formulations
• Standards and compliance teams ensuring materials meet agreed specification limits

Using this standard helps ensure consistent product quality, reproducible test results and clear contractual specifications between suppliers and customers.

Related standards

Relevant normative references cited in ISO 3262-12:2023 include:

• ISO 3262-1 (general test methods for extenders)
• ISO 787 series (parts 2, 3, 7, 9, 14, 18) - general methods of test for pigments and extenders
• ISO 8130-13 (particle size distribution)
• ISO 18451-1 (terminology)

Keywords: ISO 3262-12:2023, muscovite-type mica, muscovite mica, extenders, specifications, test methods, particle size, pH, loss on ignition, pigments and extenders.