Active Standard ASTM D61 | Developed by Subcommittee: D02.05
Book of Standards Volume: 05.01
Historical (view previous versions of standard)
Significance and Use
Pitch does not go through a solid-liquid phase change when heated, and therefore it does not have a true melting point. As the temperature rises, pitch softens and becomes less viscous. The softening point is arbitrarily defined and shall be established by a closely controlled method which shall be carefully followed if test results are to be reproducible.
This test is useful in determining the consistency of pitch as one element in establishing the uniformity of shipments or sources of supply.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.
D140 Practice for Sampling Bituminous Materials
D2319 Test Method for Softening Point of Pitch (Cube-in-Air Method)
D3104 Test Method for Softening Point of Pitches (Mettler Softening Point Method)
E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
ICS Number Code 75.140 (Waxes, bituminous materials and other petroleum products)
UNSPSC Code 30121602(Pitch)