Overview
EN ISO 9455-2:1995 – titled Soft soldering fluxes – Test methods – Part 2: Determination of non-volatile matter, ebulliometric method (ISO 9455-2:1993) – is an internationally recognized standard developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) based on ISO guidelines. This document specifies a precise ebulliometric method to determine the non-volatile content in soft soldering fluxes. It is intended for use with liquid fluxes containing at least 10% non-volatile matter, where the primary solvents are of relatively high volatility. The accurate measurement of non-volatile content is essential for quality control and assures compliance with manufacturing and performance requirements in soldering applications.
Key Topics
- Ebulliometric Method: The standard describes the use of an ebulliometer to heat and evaporate a precisely weighed flux sample. By monitoring the distillation temperature over time, all volatile components are driven off, and the residue is measured as the non-volatile content.
- Scope and Applicability: This method is suitable for fluxes with high-volatility solvents (e.g., propan-2-ol) and is specifically applicable to those with ≥10% non-volatile content by mass.
- Precision and Repeatability: The standard provides guidelines for repeatability and reproducibility, ensuring reliable interlaboratory comparability. Duplicate determinations should not vary by more than 0.2%.
- Test Procedure: Detailed steps include sample preparation, controlled heating, mass determination before and after evaporation, and calculation of percentage non-volatile matter.
- Reporting Requirements: Includes information on result documentation and any deviations from standard procedures.
Applications
The ebulliometric measurement of non-volatile matter as defined in EN ISO 9455-2:1995 is integral in several practical contexts for the electronics and assembly industries, including:
- Flux Quality Control: Manufacturers and quality inspectors use this method to confirm the composition and performance of soft soldering fluxes, ensuring suitability for high-reliability soldering operations.
- Process Optimization: Understanding the non-volatile content helps process engineers adjust flux formulations for optimal soldering performance and residue control.
- Product Compliance: The standard assures that fluxes meet international and cross-industry requirements, facilitating market access and regulatory adherence.
- Research and Development: R&D laboratories utilize this test method to evaluate the impact of different raw materials and process changes on flux performance.
- Verification of Supplier Materials: Purchasing departments and contract manufacturers rely on standardized test results to verify supplier claims and maintain consistent product quality.
Related Standards
This standard is part of a broader series focused on the testing and classification of soft soldering fluxes:
- ISO 9455-1: Determination of non-volatile matter, gravimetric method
- ISO 9454-1: Classification and requirements for soft soldering fluxes
- ISO 9455-3: Determination of acid value
- ISO 9455-5 to ISO 9455-18: Various tests covering halide content, flux efficacy, copper corrosion, surface insulation resistance, and other flux properties
- IEC 68-2-20: Environmental testing - soldering
These related documents provide a complete framework for flux analysis, enabling harmonized quality assessment in the soldering and electronics sectors.
Keywords: EN ISO 9455-2:1995, soft soldering fluxes, ebulliometric method, non-volatile matter, flux test methods, solder flux quality, electronics soldering standards, CEN, ISO 9455 series, soldering process control.