Astm D 3642 – 98 pdf free download

Standard Test Method for
Softening Point of Certain Alkali-Soluble Resins1

This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3642; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of the last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the softening point of certain alkali-soluble resins having uniform
plastic flow characteristics as the melting point is approached.

1.2 The resin manufacturer should specify whether or not
this test method may be used for his product(s).

1.3 This test method is not suitable for styrene-maleic
anhydride resins.
NOTE 1—For testing rosin and other resins, see Test Method E 28.2 For
testing asphalts, tars, and pitches see Test Method D 2398.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents

2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 2398 Test Method for Softening Point of Bitumen in
Ethylene Glycol (Ring and Ball)2
E 1 Specification for ASTM Thermometers3
E 28 Test Method for Softening Point by Ring and Ball
Apparatus4

3. Terminology

3.1 Definition:

3.1.1 softening point—the temperature at which a disk of
the sample held within a horizontal ring is forced downward a
distance of 1 in. (25.4 mm) under the weight of a steel ball as
the sample is heated at a prescribed rate in a glycerin bath.

4. Significance and Use

4.1 In general, with materials of this type, softening does
not take place at a definite temperature. As the temperature
rises, these materials gradually and imperceptibly change from
brittle solids to soft, viscous liquids. For this reason, the