Overview
EN ISO 787-5:2026 specifies standardized general methods for determining the oil absorption value of pigments and extenders. This value indicates the amount of oil a pigment or extender absorbs under defined conditions and is critical for assessing suitability in paint, coating, and ink formulations. The standard provides two primary test methods to ensure reliable, reproducible results for quality control and product comparison.
Key Topics
- Oil Absorption Value Definition: Describes the measure of how much refined linseed oil (by mass or volume) is absorbed by a pigment or extender under set conditions, a key property for end-use performance.
- Test Methods: Details both the burette and dropping bottle procedures, offering flexibility for laboratory equipment and workflows.
- Burette Method: Involves precise dropwise addition of oil measured by burette until a definable paste consistency is achieved.
- Dropping Bottle Method: Oil is added via a dropping bottle with mass recorded before and after, allowing calculation by weight.
- Test Conditions: Specifies sample conditioning (23 ± 2 °C, 50 ± 5% RH) to standardize results and minimize variability due to environmental factors.
- Reporting Requirements: Outlines the necessary information in the test report for traceability and compliance, including environmental conditions, method used, results, any deviations or anomalies, and the product identification.
- Comparative Analysis: Enables direct comparison with agreed sample values to ensure batch consistency or validate supplier quality.
Applications
EN ISO 787-5:2026 has wide-ranging applications across industries that use pigments and extenders, such as:
- Paints and Coatings: Oil absorption value informs formulators about pigment binder requirements, influencing flow, spreading, and final film properties.
- Printing Inks: Helps determine pigment and extender compatibility for optimal processing and print quality.
- Plastics: Used for quality assurance of color masterbatches and polymer blends.
- Quality Control and R&D: Establishes benchmarks for raw material performance, ensuring batch-to-batch consistency and supporting material comparisons in research and development.
- Supplier Assessment: Provides a basis for validating pigment or extender conformance to customer or regulatory requirements.
Understanding and controlling oil absorption is essential in optimizing formulations for performance attributes like viscosity, gloss, opacity, and durability.
Related Standards
For comprehensive pigment and extender quality testing, the following standards are commonly referenced alongside EN ISO 787-5:2026:
- ISO 150 – Raw, refined, and boiled linseed oil for paints and varnishes - Specifications and methods of test.
- ISO 385 – Laboratory glassware - Burettes.
- ISO 15528 – Paints, varnishes, and raw materials for paints and varnishes - Sampling.
- ISO 2811-1 – Paints and varnishes - Determination of density - Pycnometer method.
- ISO 2811-3 – Paints and varnishes - Determination of density - Oscillation method.
- ISO 18451-1 – Pigments, dyestuffs, and extenders - General terminology.
Practical Value
Adopting EN ISO 787-5:2026 ensures consistent and internationally recognized testing for oil absorption in pigments and extenders. By standardizing measurement and reporting, it supports:
- Reliable formulation development.
- Enhanced product quality and performance.
- Regulatory compliance.
- Improved supplier communication.
This standard is essential for manufacturers, formulators, suppliers, and laboratories focused on achieving optimal pigment and extender performance in their applications.
