Overview
EN ISO 20427:2026 is an international standard developed by CEN and ISO for the preparation and dispersion of pigment or extender samples for sedimentation-based particle size analysis. The standard specifies the procedures for dispersing single pigments or extenders in a liquid medium using ultrasonic devices, shaker devices, or wet jet mills. This ensures accurate characterization of particle size distribution by liquid sedimentation methods, essential for achieving quality and consistency in pigment and extender applications.
The methods described are optimized for particle sizing techniques that depend on sedimentation-utilizing gravitational or centrifugal forces. A key requirement is a density difference between the dispersed particles and the liquid to ensure effective sedimentation and precise measurement.
Keywords: EN ISO 20427:2026, sedimentation-based particle sizing, pigment dispersion, extender dispersion, ultrasonic dispersion, shaker dispersion, wet jet milling, particle size analysis, liquid sedimentation methods.
Key Topics
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Sample Dispersion Procedures: Standardized methods for dispersing pigments and extenders using:
- Ultrasonic devices (probe and bath sonicators)
- Shaker devices with grinding beads
- Wet jet milling for high-pressure dispersion
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Particle Size Measurement: Techniques based on the sedimentation of particles in a liquid, including:
- Gravitational sedimentation (pipette, X-ray, and photosedimentation methods)
- Centrifugal sedimentation (photo-centrifuge and cuvette-centrifuge methods)
- Centrifugal Field-Flow Fractionation (CF3)
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Sample Preparation Optimization: Emphasis on maintaining consistent energy density, temperature control, and particle volume concentration during the dispersion process to ensure reliable and reproducible results.
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Instrumentation: Guidance on the appropriate equipment for sample preparation and analysis, including requirements for sonicators, mixers, analytical balances, and sedimentation-based detection systems.
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Terminology: Clear definitions for terms such as nanoscale, nanoparticle, agglomerate, aggregate, and primary particle, to facilitate consistent understanding across laboratories and industries.
Applications
EN ISO 20427:2026 is widely applicable in industries and research settings where the precise measurement of particle size distribution in pigments and extenders is critical. Key application areas include:
- Paints and Coatings: Quality control of pigment particle size, which impacts color strength, hiding power, and product stability.
- Plastics and Polymers: Ensuring even dispersion of extenders for optimal mechanical and optical properties in final products.
- Ceramics and Composites: Controlling the size of dispersed phase materials to affect mechanical strength and surface finish.
- Chemical Manufacturing: Assessment and control of raw materials to meet product specifications and regulatory standards.
- Nanomaterials Research: Preparation and measurement of nanoscale pigment or extender dispersions for advanced functional materials.
The standard’s methodologies help laboratories produce reproducible, comparable results, facilitating compliance with quality systems and regulatory requirements.
Related Standards
EN ISO 20427:2026 references and complements several international standards for particle size analysis and pigment terminology, including:
- ISO 13317 series: Gravitational liquid sedimentation methods for particle size distribution.
- ISO 13318 series: Centrifugal liquid sedimentation methods.
- ISO 18451 series: Terminology related to pigments, dyestuffs, and extenders.
- ISO 3696: Water for analytical laboratory use.
- ISO 9276-1: Graphical representation of particle size analysis results.
- ISO 15528: Sampling of paints, varnishes, and raw materials.
- ASTM D5965: Density of coating powders.
Adopting EN ISO 20427:2026 empowers laboratories and manufacturers to standardize dispersion procedures, enhance data transparency, and ensure high-quality characterization of pigment and extender particle size distributions using robust sedimentation-based methods.