SIST EN ISO 584:1999 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 584:1997 (ISO 584:1982) specifies a conventional laboratory method for determining the reactivity of unsaturated polyester resins. Reactivity is measured by heating a resin–catalyst mixture in a thermostatted water bath at 80 °C and recording (a) the maximum temperature reached and (b) the time for the temperature to rise from 65 °C to the maximum (or to 90 °C if the maximum exceeds 90 °C). The standard defines detailed test conditions because results are highly sensitive to test geometry, temperature control and instrumentation.

Key topics and requirements

• Test principle: mix resin with catalyst and monitor temperature rise vs time in a controlled 80 °C bath to characterize polymerization rate.
• Catalyst: benzoyl peroxide (or a 50% w/w benzoyl peroxide in dibutyl phthalate mixture as supplied); safety warning about handling pure benzoyl peroxide is included.
• Test portion and proportions: typical mix described as 100 parts resin with 1 part catalyst (procedure uses 2.00 ± 0.01 g of catalyst mixture with 100 ± 1 g resin).
• Apparatus and dimensions:
  • Water bath maintained at 80 ± 0.5 °C with stirring and circulation.
  • Test-tube: borosilicate glass, internal diameter 18 ± 1 mm, length 210 ± 5 mm, wall thickness 1 ± 0.2 mm.
  • Thermocouple: iron-constantan recommended, wire diameter 1 ± 0.05 mm, welded junction ≤ 2 mm, capable of recording to 250 °C; screened thermocouples preferred.
  • Optional recorder to log temperature vs time.
• Measurement endpoints:
  • Maximum temperature reached.
  • Time from 65 °C to maximum (or 65 → 90 °C when applicable).
• Repeatability and acceptance: repeat tests until two consecutive determinations agree within ±5 °C for temperature and ±10% for time.
• Reporting: include identification of resin, thermocouple type, individual and average values, any deviations from specified conditions, and recorded graphs if used.

Applications

• Quality control and batch comparison of unsaturated polyester resins.
• Formulation and R&D to evaluate cure rate changes when modifying resin or catalyst systems.
• Comparative screening of resin suppliers or catalyst variants under standardized conditions.
• Process development where relative reactivity influences mold cycle times, heat management and safety.

Who uses this standard

• Polymer chemists and formulation scientists
• Quality assurance and laboratory technicians in composites and thermoset manufacturing
• R&D labs developing unsaturated polyester resin systems
• Suppliers and purchasers performing comparative acceptance testing

Related standards

• EN/ISO standards and CEN documents addressing plastics testing, thermosetting materials and catalyst specifications are complementary to EN ISO 584 for comprehensive resin evaluation.