Overview
EN ISO 8780-1:1995 / ISO 8780-1:1990 is the introductory part of a multipart standard on pigments and extenders that frames agreed approaches for laboratory dispersion testing. It defines the purpose and scope of the series: to describe various methods of dispersion (Parts 2–6) used to disperse pigments and extenders in a chosen binder system, and to explain how results can be interpreted in relation to manufacturing conditions. Assessment techniques for the dispersions produced are covered in the companion standard ISO 8781.
Key topics and requirements
- Purpose: Introduces the dispersion methods that follow in later parts of ISO 8780 and the principles for meaningful comparison of pigment dispersibility.
- Definitions: Provides core definitions used throughout the series, including mill base, level of dispersion, dispersibility, ease of dispersion, aggregate, and agglomerate.
- Preliminary agreements: Requires agreement between interested parties on at least:
- the binder system to be used,
- the method(s) of dispersion,
- the method(s) of assessment (see ISO 8781).
- Methods referenced: Part 1 links to the specific dispersion methods described in other parts of ISO 8780, e.g. dispersion using an oscillatory shaking machine, high-speed impeller mill, bead mill, automatic muller, and triple-roll mill.
- Assessment linkage: Identifies ISO 8781 series as the source for assessment methods (e.g., change in tinting strength, fineness of grind, change in gloss).
- Precision: Notes that precision statements for assessment cannot be universally specified because results depend heavily on the chosen binder system and dispersion method.
Applications and users
This introductory standard is practical for professionals who need repeatable, comparable laboratory dispersion data to relate to production performance:
- Pigment and extender manufacturers conducting comparative dispersibility testing
- Paint, ink and varnish formulators and R&D teams evaluating pigment performance in specific binder systems
- Quality control laboratories establishing test protocols
- Equipment manufacturers and process engineers correlating lab-scale dispersion to mill-scale production
Related standards
- ISO 8780 Parts 2–6 - specific dispersion methods (oscillatory shaker, impeller mill, bead mill, automatic muller, triple-roll mill)
- ISO 8781 Parts 1–3 - methods for assessment of dispersion characteristics (tinting strength, fineness of grind, gloss)
Keywords: pigments, extenders, dispersion, dispersibility, binder system, ISO 8780-1, EN ISO 8780-1:1995, methods of dispersion, assessment, bead mill, impeller mill, oscillatory shaking machine.
