Overview
EN ISO 1248:2008 - Iron oxide pigments: specifications and methods of test (ISO 1248:2006 including Technical Corrigendum 1:2007) is a CEN-adopted international standard that defines requirements and laboratory test methods for dry iron oxide pigments intended for general use. The standard covers manufactured and natural pigments identified by Colour Index Nos.: red 101, red 102, yellow 42, yellow 43, brown 6, brown 7, and black 11, and includes rapid‑dispersion pigments. It excludes micaceous, transparent, granular grey and most magnetic iron oxides (except Pigment Black 11).
Key topics
- Scope & identification
- Applies to dry iron oxide pigments used in paints, coatings and related industries.
- Identifies pigments by Colour Index numbers and notes excluded types.
- Classification
- By group (red, yellow, brown, black).
- By category according to minimum total iron content, expressed as Fe2O3 (e.g., red A = min. 95% Fe2O3; other category thresholds specified).
- By type based on water‑soluble matter and combined water‑soluble chlorides/sulfates (Type I, II, III; Type I used in anticorrosive paints).
- By grade according to residue on 45 µm sieve (Grade 1, 2, 3 with defined % limits).
- By class depending on origin and presence of extenders (a = manufactured without extenders, b = natural, c = mixtures, d = with extenders).
- Required characteristics & tests
- Total iron as Fe2O3 (methods provided).
- Matter volatile at 105 °C, water‑soluble matter (hot extraction), water‑soluble chlorides/sulfates, pH/acidity of aqueous extract.
- Residue on sieve (45 µm) for grading.
- Tests for lead chromate, total calcium (AAS and titrimetric), and organic colouring matter.
- Sampling requirements reference ISO 15528; many test methods reference ISO 787 series.
Applications and users
- Useful for pigment manufacturers, paint and coatings producers, ink and plastics formulators, QC laboratories, procurement/specification teams and regulatory bodies.
- Helps ensure consistent pigment quality, compliance with customer specifications, safe formulation (lead chromate check), and suitability for applications such as anticorrosive paints, architectural coatings and industrial finishes.
- Enables standardized quality control, acceptance testing and supplier certification in supply chains using iron oxide pigments.
Related standards
- ISO 787 series (general pigment test methods: volatile matter, water solubles, pH, sieve residue, etc.)
- ISO 15528 (sampling)
- ISO 10601 (micaceous iron oxide pigments - excluded from ISO 1248)
Keywords: EN ISO 1248:2008, iron oxide pigments, specifications, methods of test, Colour Index, Fe2O3, pigment testing, paint industry, quality control, sampling, residue on sieve.
