EN ISO 277:2010 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 277:2010 (ISO 277:2002) - "Binders for paints and varnishes - Raw tung oil - Requirements and methods of test" defines quality requirements and standardized test methods for two types of raw tung oil used as binders for paints and varnishes. The standard covers Type F (Aleurites fordii) and Type M (Aleurites montana) raw tung oils and is not intended for oils that have partially or wholly solidified by polymerization.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and types: Specifies two types (Type F and Type M) of raw tung oil and their intended use in coatings.
• Physical and chemical limits:
  • Density (20 °C / 23 °C): defined ranges for each type (e.g., Type F ~0.935–0.940 g/ml at 20 °C).
  • Refractive index (20 °C / 23 °C): specified ranges (e.g., Type F ~1.517–1.521 at 20 °C).
  • Colour: measured by the Gardner scale (maximum Gardner 8).
  • Acid number and saponification number (saponification ~189–195 mg KOH/g).
  • Volatile (water) content: maximum 0.5% by mass.
  • Iodine number: specified for Type M (minimum ≈205 g I2/100 g); calculated from fatty-acid composition.
  • Gelation time: maximum limits (Type F max 15 min; Type M max 22 min).
  • Sediment and turbidity: no insoluble sediment after 24 h; oil must be clear.
  • Insoluble-bromide test: negative result required.
• Fatty-acid profile: Typical gas-chromatographic composition is given (notably α-eleostearic acid 64–80%, plus oleic, linoleic, palmitic, stearic).
• Test methods and sampling: Specifies sampling per ISO 15528 and references established test methods (e.g., ISO 2811-1 for density, ISO 5508/5509 for GC analysis of fatty acids). Detailed procedures such as the gelation-time test (heating block at 275–277 °C) are included.

Applications and users

• Who uses this standard:
  • Paint and varnish manufacturers and formulators specifying raw tung oil as a binder.
  • Raw material suppliers and quality control laboratories for batch acceptance testing.
  • Procurement, regulatory and conformity assessment teams requiring objective acceptance criteria.
• Practical value:
  • Ensures consistent performance and compatibility of tung oil in coatings (drying behavior, film formation).
  • Supports supplier specifications, incoming inspection, formulation decisions, and dispute resolution.
  • Facilitates international trade by harmonizing test methods and limits.

Related standards

Relevant normative references include ISO 150 (linseed oil), ISO 2811-1 (density), ISO 4630 (Gardner colour), ISO 5508/5509 (fatty-acid analysis), ISO 10336 (water by Karl Fischer) and ISO 15528 (sampling).

Keywords: EN ISO 277:2010, ISO 277:2002, raw tung oil, binders for paints and varnishes, gelation time, fatty-acid composition, test methods, quality control.