Overview
EN ISO 23900-3:2018 sets out standardized methods for evaluating the dispersion and colouristic properties of pigments and extenders in polyethylene (PE) plastics using a two-roll milling process. Developed by CEN and identical to ISO 23900-3:2015, this standard is essential for manufacturers, formulators, and testing laboratories dealing with colored PE materials. It provides clear procedures to determine both the strength and the ease of dispersing black and colored pigments, ensuring consistent quality and performance in pigmented polyethylene products.
Key Topics
- Determination of Colouristic Properties: The standard outlines methods to compare the color performance (colouristic properties) of test pigments against reference standards in polyethylene matrices.
- Assessment of Dispersibility: It introduces a quantifiable way to determine the ease of dispersion (DHPE) of pigments under defined processing conditions, critical for product development and quality control.
- Two Methods for Dispersion Testing:
- Method A: Suitable for organic pigment powders, carbon black in powder form, inorganic pigment powders, and pigment preparations in powder or flake form. Especially useful when reagglomeration under pressure may occur.
- Method B: Designed for pigments and pigment preparations in granular form and inorganic pigments in any form, supporting broader material compatibility.
- Test Procedures and Equipment: The standard specifies the types of polyethylene to use, preparation steps, two-roll mill parameters, pressing protocols, and photometric measurement techniques.
Applications
- Quality Control in Plastics Manufacturing: Ensures that colorants are evenly dispersed in polyethylene, leading to uniform color and optimal product performance.
- Product Development: Assists formulators in screening and selecting pigments or pigment preparations by objectively comparing dispersibility and colouristic strength.
- Raw Material Evaluation: Enables pigment manufacturers and suppliers to demonstrate compliance with internationally recognized dispersion standards, strengthening product confidence among customers.
- Research and Technical Documentation: Serves as a reference for comparative studies on pigment behavior in polyolefin applications, supporting innovation in the plastics and pigment industries.
Related Standards
- EN 13900-3:2003: Superseded by EN ISO 23900-3:2018, formerly used for similar assessments in plastics.
- ISO 23900-1: General introduction to dispersion and assessment methods for pigments and extenders in plastics.
- ISO 23900-2: Determination of pigment properties and dispersion in plasticized PVC by two-roll milling.
- ISO 23900-4: Focuses on dispersion and color properties of white pigments in polyethylene.
- ISO 787-24: Standard for determining the relative tinting strength of colored pigments and scattering power of white pigments.
- ISO 18314-1: Practical color measurement techniques, referenced for photometric procedures.
- EN 12877-1: General guidance on color stability to heat during processing of coloring materials in plastics.
By following EN ISO 23900-3:2018, users can ensure reliable, reproducible assessment of pigment performance in PE plastics, supporting product consistency and compliance with internationally recognized quality benchmarks across the pigment and plastics industry.
Keywords: EN ISO 23900-3:2018, colouristic properties, pigment dispersibility, polyethylene, two-roll milling, pigment testing, plastic color evaluation, CEN standard, pigment and extender assessment, polymer quality control.
