ASTM ITRB2 Industrial Tint Reference Black
| Brand | B&E / Balentine Enterprises |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | ITRB2 |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
ASTM ITRB2 (Industrial Tint Reference Black) is a certified reference material (CRM) specifically engineered for the quantitative calibration and validation of carbon black tinting strength measurements in rubber, plastics, inks, and pigment dispersion applications. Unlike general-purpose carbon blacks, ITRB2 is manufactured under strict statistical process control to ensure batch-to-batch homogeneity, long-term stability, and traceability to NIST-traceable measurement protocols. It operates on the principle of relative reflectance comparison—where the optical density (or ΔE in CIELAB space) of a standardized polymer or ink dispersion containing ITRB2 is measured against a defined reference scale per ASTM D3265 and ISO 6504-3. This enables laboratories to verify instrument linearity, operator technique reproducibility, and inter-laboratory data comparability—critical requirements for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing facilities and rubber compound development labs.
Key Features
- Formally designated under ASTM D3265 as an Industrial Tint Reference Black, with documented certification of conformity to ASTM E2554 statistical confidence criteria;
- Supplied with full Certificate of Analysis (CoA), including certified mean values, standard deviation (σ), and 95% confidence intervals for iodine adsorption number (IAN) and oil absorption number (OAN);
- Batch-specific characterization data traceable to primary reference methods: ASTM D1510 (iodine adsorption) and ASTM D2414 (oil absorption);
- Stabilized surface chemistry and aggregate structure optimized for consistent dispersion behavior in SBR/NR masterbatches and PVC plastisols;
- Hermetically sealed in inert-gas-purged aluminum laminate pouches to prevent oxidative aging and moisture uptake during storage;
- Compliant with ISO Guide 35:2017 for reference material production and certification, supporting GLP and GMP audit readiness.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
ITRB2 is validated for use in standardized tint strength test protocols across multiple matrix systems, including natural rubber (NR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and acrylic-based dispersions. Its particle size distribution (PSD) and surface area profile are aligned with the N234/N330 classification range, ensuring compatibility with standard mill dispersion procedures (e.g., ASTM D3182) and roller-mill or internal mixer protocols. The material meets ASTM D8191 requirements for reference black stability over 24 months when stored at ≤25 °C and <50% RH. All batches undergo third-party verification against SRB8 benchmark materials per ASTM D3265 Annex A1, confirming metrological equivalence within ±0.8% relative for ΔL* in tint paste evaluations.
Software & Data Management
While ITRB2 itself is a physical reference standard, its integration into laboratory quality systems is supported through digital documentation workflows compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11. CoAs are issued in PDF/A-1b format with embedded digital signatures and time-stamped audit trails. Laboratories utilizing LIMS platforms (e.g., LabWare, Thermo Fisher SampleManager) may import ITRB2 lot metadata—including certified values, uncertainty budgets, and expiration dates—directly via CSV or ASTM E1384-compliant XML feeds. Traceability records include full chain-of-custody logs from manufacturing to final dispatch, satisfying ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.6.2 and EU Annex 15 requirements for reference material management.
Applications
- Calibration verification of colorimeters, spectrophotometers, and reflectance meters used in carbon black quality control labs;
- Reproducibility assessment of tint strength testing across shifts, operators, and instruments per ASTM D3265 Section 9;
- Benchmarking of new carbon black grades during R&D screening for automotive tread compounds and high-performance elastomers;
- Proficiency testing program material for inter-laboratory round robins organized under ASTM D5603 and ISO/IEC 17043;
- Validation of dispersion equipment performance (e.g., three-roll mills, ultrasonic probes) using standardized ΔE drift analysis;
- Supporting regulatory submissions requiring documented metrological traceability, including FDA premarket notifications for medical-grade elastomers.
FAQ
What distinguishes ITRB2 from SRB8 or IRB8 series reference blacks?
ITRB2 is exclusively intended for tint strength evaluation (optical performance), whereas SRB8 serves as a primary standard for physical property validation (e.g., particle size, surface area), and IRB8 focuses on reinforcing performance in vulcanizates (e.g., tensile strength, abrasion resistance). Their certification matrices and target measurement domains are non-interchangeable.
Is ITRB2 suitable for use in aqueous pigment dispersions?
Yes—ITRB2 has been verified for stable dispersion in water-based acrylic and PVA systems when processed with standard non-ionic surfactants (e.g., Triton X-405) per ASTM D3265 Annex B. However, pH adjustment outside 6.5–8.2 is not recommended due to potential surface oxidation effects.
How frequently should ITRB2 be re-certified after opening the package?
Once opened, ITRB2 must be used within 72 hours under controlled humidity (<30% RH) and nitrogen blanket conditions. Re-certification is not permitted; users must discard opened material and initiate a new certified lot.
Does the CoA include measurement uncertainty for tint strength results?
No—the CoA reports certified values for IAN and OAN only. Tint strength uncertainty is method-dependent and must be established by the end user per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 7.6.2 using ITRB2 as a control standard within their validated procedure.
