Overview
ISO 19984-3:2017 - "Rubber and rubber products - Determination of biobased content - Part 3: Biobased mass content" specifies analytical procedures to determine the biobased mass content of rubber materials and finished rubber products. The standard requires separation of a vulcanized rubber sample into three fractions - rubber, inorganic ingredients (including carbon black) and solvent extract - measurement of each fraction’s 14C content, and conversion of those results into an overall biobased mass content. ISO 19984-3:2017 mandates the use of accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) for 14C analysis and applies to NR, IR, BR, SBR, IIR, BIIR, CIIR and their modified rubbers and mixtures.
Key technical topics and requirements
- Principle: Combine fraction separation with 14C radiocarbon analysis to compute biobased mass content of the whole sample.
- Fractionation: Separate vulcanized rubber into solvent extract, organic rubber matrix and inorganic fillers (including carbon black); remove carbonates with dilute HCl if present.
- Analytical methods:
- Solvent extraction (e.g., acetone) per ISO 1407: crush sample (~0.1–0.15 mm) and extract on 1 g for >8 h.
- Thermal decomposition / thermogravimetry to isolate inorganic fillers (ISO 9924-3).
- 14C determination by AMS for each fraction (biobased carbon content).
- Apparatus & conditions: freezer mill (liquid N2), extraction apparatus, heater (180 °C ± 5 °C), centrifuge (up to 15 000 rpm), thermogravimetric balance, vacuum oven (≈0.1 kPa), rotary evaporator, balance (0.1 mg resolution).
- Calculations: Convert biobased carbon measurements to biobased mass content for each fraction and sum to obtain the sample result; includes reporting, precision data and worked examples (annexes).
- Safety & environmental notes: Normal lab safety and proper waste handling emphasized.
Practical applications and users
Who benefits:
- Rubber manufacturers and compounders assessing biobased content of formulations and finished goods.
- Testing laboratories and AMS facilities conducting accredited determinations.
- Sustainability managers, OEMs and procurement teams validating supplier claims for biobased content.
- Regulatory bodies and eco‑label programs requiring quantitative biobased mass data for compliance or labeling.
Use cases:
- Verification of biobased product claims and environmental communications.
- Material selection and R&D for replacing fossil-derived ingredients with biomass‑derived alternatives.
- Supply‑chain auditing, certification and reporting for circularity and carbon accounting.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 19984-3:2017, biobased mass content, rubber and rubber products, accelerator mass spectrometry, AMS, 14C, solvent extraction, thermogravimetry, carbon black.