ASTM D3008-90 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D3008-90 — Standard Test Method for Resin Acids in Rosin by Gas Chromatography. This test method describes preparation of rosin/tall-oil samples (conversion to methyl esters or tetramethylammonium salts with subsequent pyrolysis) and quantitative determination of individual resin acids by gas–liquid chromatography with flame ionization detection.

Abstract

The method specifies sample preparation and chromatographic conditions for separating and quantifying resin acids (as methyl esters) present in tall oil, gum rosin, or wood rosin. Results are calculated from peak-area ratios of resolved resin-acid methyl-ester peaks to the total peak area; the method notes possible interference from nonvolatile or neutral components and recommends removal of neutrals for improved accuracy. The standard was published with the designation D3008-90 and later withdrawn.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (no replacement listed by ASTM).
• Publication date: 1990 (designation D3008-90).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: Chemical analysis; paints and varnishes (examples: ICS 71.040.40, 87.040).
• Edition / version: D3008-90.
• Number of pages: 4 pages (printed PDF length indicated in archival listings).

Key bibliographic and status details above are taken from ASTM archival/store records and standard catalogs.

Scope

Applies to determination of resin acids in tall oil, gum rosin, or wood rosin after conversion to their methyl esters (or prepared as tetramethylammonium salts then pyrolyzed to methyl esters). The method covers chromatographic conditions (column types/lengths, detector, carrier gases), specimen introduction, and calculation of percent composition from chromatographic peak areas. It notes limitations where nonvolatile or neutral materials do not produce peaks and where volatile neutrals may coelute with resin-acid methyl esters.

Key topics and requirements

• Sample preparation: esterification (diazomethane) or tetramethylammonium salt conversion and pyrolysis to methyl esters.
• Gas–liquid chromatography conditions: recommended column types, column temperature, carrier gas, and flame ionization detection.
• Quantitation: calculation of composition from individual peak areas as percentage of total area; guidance on accuracy limitations when neutrals are present.
• Reagents and purity requirements: reagent-grade solvents and specific reagents referenced (e.g., methanol, diethyl ether, toluene, reagent water).
• Safety and applicability notes: users must establish appropriate safety/health practices for handling reagents and sample preparation steps.

Typical use and users

Used historically by analytical chemistry laboratories, rosin/tall-oil processors, resin and pine-chemical producers, and coatings/adhesives manufacturers for compositional analysis of resin acids. Typical users include quality-control chemists, research scientists studying rosin composition or stability, and regulatory or forensic laboratories requiring rosin acid profiles.

Related standards

Referenced ASTM methods and related test methods include general reagent and chromatographic practices cited in the method (examples: ASTM D1193 for reagent water, D3257 for GC aromatics methods, and E260 practice for packed-column chromatography). Other ASTM standards for fatty and rosin acids in tall oil and capillary GC (for example ASTM D5974 and later editions related to rosin/tall-oil acid analyses) are relevant for alternative or updated procedures. Note: ASTM lists D3008-90 as withdrawn and did not list a direct replacement.

Keywords

resin acids; rosin; tall oil; gas chromatography; methyl esters; flame ionization detector; D3008-90; ASTM; pine chemicals; analytical method.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D3008-90 is a standard test method that describes gas–liquid chromatographic analysis of resin acids in rosin products after conversion to methyl esters. It provides sample-preparation and chromatographic conditions for quantitative determination.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation (esterification or tetramethylammonium salt conversion and pyrolysis), recommended GC column and detector conditions (flame ionization), procedures for injecting prepared samples, and calculation of percent composition from peak-area ratios. It also notes potential interferences from nonvolatile or neutral materials.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Analytical laboratories, rosin/tall-oil producers, pine-chemical researchers, and coatings/adhesive manufacturers historically used the method for quality control and compositional analysis.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ASTM D3008-90 has been withdrawn (withdrawal recorded in ASTM archival records) and ASTM lists no direct replacement for D3008 on the ASTM listing; users seeking current methods should consult later or related ASTM methods for rosin/tall-oil acid analysis (for example methods in the D5974 family and other chromatographic methods).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: The method was developed under ASTM Committee D01 (Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications) and is connected by subject and referenced documents to other ASTM methods for rosin, tall oil, and chromatographic analysis. It sits among other pine-chemical and hydrocarbon-resin test methods maintained by subcommittee D01.34.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Resin acids; rosin; tall oil; methyl esters; gas chromatography (GLC); flame ionization detector; sample esterification; analytical chemistry.