Overview
ISO 1248:2006 - Iron oxide pigments: Specifications and methods of test defines requirements and test methods for manufactured and natural dry iron oxide pigments intended for general use. The standard covers pigments identified by Colour Index Nos.: Pigment red 101/102, yellow 42/43, brown 6/7 and black 11, and includes rapid-dispersion pigments. It explicitly excludes micaceous, transparent, granular grey and most magnetic iron oxides (see ISO 10601 for micaceous types).
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and classification
- Pigments are classified by colour group (red, yellow, brown, black), category (minimum iron content expressed as Fe2O3), type (water-soluble matter and soluble chlorides/sulfates), grade (residue on 45 µm sieve) and class (manufactured, natural, mixtures, or with extenders).
- Example designation: Red iron oxide ISO 1248‑A‑I‑2‑a.
- Essential characteristics
- Minimum total iron (expressed as Fe2O3) per category (e.g., many category A pigments require high Fe2O3 content).
- Limits for volatile matter, water‑soluble matter, water‑soluble chlorides/sulfates, residue on sieve, pH of aqueous extract, presence of lead chromate and organic colouring matter.
- Maximum permitted calcium (as CaO) for classes a–c; class d limits by agreement.
- Analytical methods
- Total iron (Fe2O3): two methods provided; Method A is the reference (acid dissolution, reduction with Sn(II), titration with potassium dichromate). Method B is an alternative.
- Tests for lead chromate presence, total calcium (AAS and titrimetric methods), and organic colouring matter are specified.
- Sampling follows ISO 15528 and laboratory glassware/analysis references (ISO 1042, ISO 385‑1, ISO 648, ISO 3696).
Practical applications and users
- Who uses ISO 1248:2006:
- Pigment manufacturers and suppliers for product specification and quality control.
- Paint, varnish and coatings formulators for raw‑material acceptance.
- Laboratory analysts and QA/QC teams performing conformity testing.
- Procurement specialists and standards bodies specifying materials for construction, industrial coatings and consumer products.
- Practical benefits:
- Ensures consistent pigment quality, contaminant control (lead chromate, organics), and reliable colour and performance in coatings, plastics and inks.
- Facilitates supplier‑buyer communication through standardized designation and test data.
Related standards
- ISO 15528 - Sampling of paints, varnishes and raw materials.
- ISO 787 series - General methods of test for pigments and extenders (colour, volatile matter, oil absorption, sieve residue, pH, water‑soluble salts, tinting strength).
- ISO 10601 - Micaceous iron oxide pigments (not covered by ISO 1248).
Keywords: ISO 1248:2006, iron oxide pigments, specifications, methods of test, Colour Index, pigment testing, Fe2O3, pigment classification, paint raw materials.
