ASTM D4251-89 (2024) PDF
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St ASTM D4251-89 (2024)
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Ст ASTM D4251-89 (2024)
Original standard ASTM D4251-89 (2024) in PDF full version. Additional info + preview on request
Full title and description
ASTM D4251-89(2024) — Standard Test Method for Active Matter in Anionic Surfactants by Potentiometric Titration. This method specifies a potentiometric titration procedure to determine the anionic active matter content in detergent-type products (for example alkylbenzenesulfonates, α‑olefin sulfonates, alcohol sulfates, and alcohol ethosulfates) and is intended for use in quality control and laboratory analysis of anionic surfactants.
Abstract
This standard describes a potentiometric titration technique for quantifying anionic active matter in detergents and related products. The potentiometric approach described reduces reliance on two‑phase aqueous/chloroform dye methods (methylene blue or disulphine blue/dimidium bromide) by using an instrumental end‑point, which eliminates the need for chloroform and associated environmental/toxicological issues. The method reports results in SI units and is intended for detergent‑range anionic surfactants.
General information
- Status: Active — reapproved/updated in 2024 (designation D4251-89R24).
- Publication date: Reaffirmed/updated in 2024 (ASTM record shows active update November 27, 2024; published as ASTM D4251-89(2024) / D4251-89R24).
- Publisher: ASTM International.
- ICS / categories: 71.100.40 (Surface active agents).
- Edition / version: Designation D4251-89R24 (listed as ASTM D4251-89(2024)).
- Number of pages: 4.
Scope
The test method provides a potentiometric titration procedure for determining the anionic active matter in detergents. It is intended for typical detergent anionic surfactants (detergent‑range alkylbenzenesulfonates, α‑olefin sulfonates, alcohol sulfates, and alcohol ethosulfates) and has not been validated for complex surfactant formulations. Values are reported in SI units and users are responsible for observing applicable safety and regulatory requirements for reagents and samples.
Key topics and requirements
- Technique: potentiometric titration with instrumental end‑point detection for anionic active matter.
- Analytes: detergent‑range anionic surfactants (e.g., alkylbenzenesulfonates, α‑olefin sulfonates, alcohol sulfates, alcohol ethosulfates).
- Advantage: removes need for two‑phase chloroform extraction and dye indicators used in older methods, reducing environmental/toxicological concerns.
- Units and reporting: results expressed in SI units (as specified in the standard).
- Intended application: laboratory and quality control determinations of active anionic matter in detergent products; not validated for all proprietary formulations.
- Administrative details: currently active document with DOI 10.1520/D4251-89R24 and developed under ASTM subcommittee D12.12.
Typical use and users
Common users include analytical and QC laboratories in detergent and surfactant manufacturing, formulation chemists verifying active matter, contract testing laboratories, and regulatory or compliance testing groups needing a standardized measurement of anionic active content. The method is used where avoidance of chlorinated solvents is preferred and where potentiometric instrumentation is available.
Related standards
The standard complements older two‑phase dye titration methods (for example ASTM Test Method D1681 using methylene blue and D3049 using disulphine blue/dimidium bromide) and sits within the ASTM detergents/soap testing collection (Book of Standards Vol. 15.04). Users often consult related ASTM methods when selecting analytical approaches for surfactants.
Keywords
active matter; anionic surfactants; potentiometric titration; detergents; alkylbenzenesulfonates; α‑olefin sulfonates; alcohol sulfates; analytical method; ASTM D4251; surface active agents.
FAQ
Q: What is this standard?
A: It is ASTM D4251-89(2024), a standardized potentiometric titration method for determining the anionic active matter content of detergent‑range surfactants.
Q: What does it cover?
A: It covers a laboratory potentiometric titration procedure to quantify anionic active matter in detergents (examples include alkylbenzenesulfonates, α‑olefin sulfonates, alcohol sulfates, and alcohol ethosulfates), with results reported in SI units. The method is intended for typical detergent surfactants and is not validated for all complex formulations.
Q: Who typically uses it?
A: Analytical and quality control laboratories in surfactant and detergent manufacturing, formulation chemists, contract testing labs, and compliance/regulatory testing organizations.
Q: Is it current or superseded?
A: The document is recorded as active and was reapproved/updated in 2024 (listed as D4251‑89R24 / ASTM D4251‑89(2024)); it supersedes the prior (2016) listing. Users should confirm the active status in ASTM records before purchase or citation.
Q: Is it part of a series?
A: It is part of ASTM’s detergents/surface‑active agents portfolio (Book of Standards Vol. 15.04) and was developed under subcommittee D12.12; related ASTM test methods for anionic surfactants (historical dye titrations) are referenced within the document.
Q: What are the key keywords?
A: Active matter; anionic surfactants; potentiometric titration; detergents; alkylbenzenesulfonates; α‑olefin sulfonates; alcohol sulfates; surface active agents.