Overview
ISO 6842:1989 specifies a standardized method for determining the total active matter content in commercial surface active agents, specifically sulfated ethoxylated alcohols and alkylphenols. These compounds are widely used in detergents, cleaning agents, and industrial processes. The standard outlines detailed procedures for sample preparation, chemical analysis, and calculation to achieve accurate and repeatable results across laboratories.
This international standard, developed by ISO’s Technical Committee for Surface Active Agents (ISO/TC 91), ensures consistency in measuring the total content of organic material soluble in ethanol - including both anionic and non-ionic fractions - within these surfactants.
Key Topics
- Scope of Application: Applies to neutralized products resulting from the sulfation of ethoxylated alcohols and alkylphenols, such as alkyl oxyethylene sulfates and alkylphenol oxyethylene sulfates.
- Analytical Principle:
- Test portion is boiled under reflux with ethanol and sodium sulfate.
- The solution is filtered, filtrate evaporated, and residue weighed.
- Any sodium chloride in the residue is determined via titration with silver nitrate after dissolving in aqueous acetone.
- The final result corrects the residue mass for sodium chloride content, yielding the total active matter.
- Reagents and Apparatus: Detailed list of necessary chemicals (ethanol, sodium sulfate, acetone, silver nitrate) and specialized lab equipment (conical flask, rotary evaporator, condenser).
- Sample Preparation & Procedure: Emphasizes standardized sample handling, stepwise chemical operations, and precise measurement to ensure accurate active matter determination.
- Calculation and Precision: Final results are expressed as a percentage by mass, with formulas and repeatability data provided to ensure reliability.
Applications
The standardized method in ISO 6842:1989 is vital for:
- Quality Control: Enables manufacturers and laboratories to reliably determine the total active matter content in raw materials and finished products, ensuring consistency and compliance with industry specifications.
- Research and Development: Provides a reference procedure for formulation and comparative studies involving surfactants in cosmetics, cleaning, and industrial applications.
- Regulatory Compliance: Assists organizations in meeting local and international regulations concerning chemical analysis and product labelling of detergents and surface active agents.
- Trade and Procurement: Establishes a uniform basis for technical specifications and supplier agreements regarding surfactant material quality.
Related Standards
Organizations using ISO 6842:1989 can benefit from familiarity with these related standards:
- ISO 607:1980
- Surface active agents and detergents - Methods of sample division
- Specifies procedures for the collection, handling, and storage of laboratory samples for accurate analysis.
- ISO/TC 91 Standards
- Covers additional test methods, terminology, and specification criteria relevant to surface active agents and detergents.
- Other Analytical Standards
- Standards addressing the determination of specific active matter types (anionic, non-ionic) or alternative methods for different surfactant classes.
By adhering to ISO 6842:1989, laboratories and manufacturers can ensure high-quality, comparable results in the determination of total active matter content in sulfated ethoxylated alcohols and alkylphenols across various sectors.