ASTM ITRB2 Standard Tint Reference Carbon Black – Import from USA
| Brand | B&E / Balentine Enterprises |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Type | Imported Standard Reference Material |
| Model | ITRB2 |
| Price | Upon Request |
Overview
ASTM ITRB2 is a certified Standard Tint Reference Carbon Black, manufactured in the United States and distributed internationally by Balentine Enterprises (B&E), a recognized supplier of reference materials for rubber and polymer testing laboratories. Designed specifically for color strength (tinting strength) evaluation of carbon black pigments in rubber compounds and masterbatches, ITRB2 serves as a metrologically traceable benchmark in accordance with ASTM D3265 and related test protocols. Unlike general-purpose carbon blacks, ITRB2 is produced under strict process control to ensure batch-to-batch homogeneity, long-term stability, and certified uncertainty values for key physicochemical properties—primarily iodine adsorption number (IAN) and oil absorption number (OAN). Its use enables laboratories to validate instrument calibration, verify method reproducibility across shifts or operators, and support GLP-compliant quality assurance workflows in R&D, QC, and regulatory submission environments.
Key Features
- Certified reference material compliant with ASTM D3265–23 (Standard Test Method for Tinting Strength of Carbon Black)
- Traceable to NIST-traceable measurement standards for iodine adsorption (ASTM D1510) and oil absorption (ASTM D2414)
- Batch-certified uncertainty values provided per certificate of analysis (CoA), including target value ± 3σ limits for IAN and OAN
- Stabilized surface chemistry and particle size distribution optimized for consistent dispersion in elastomer matrices
- Supplied in sealed, moisture-resistant aluminum-laminated packaging to preserve surface activity and prevent agglomeration during storage
- Each lot undergoes independent third-party verification for compliance with ASTM SRB/IRB/ITRB classification criteria
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
ITRB2 is formulated for use in standardized tinting strength assessments using roller-milled or two-roll mill compounded rubber sheets (typically SBR or natural rubber base), followed by reflectance spectrophotometry (e.g., ASTM D3265, ISO 6504-2). It is fully compatible with common laboratory instrumentation including HunterLab UltraScan PRO, Konica Minolta CM-700d, and Datacolor 600 spectrophotometers when operated in d/8° geometry with UV exclusion. The material meets requirements for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing laboratories and supports audit readiness for FDA 21 CFR Part 11, USP , and ICH Q5E analytical method validation frameworks. Documentation includes full CoA, stability data (≥24 months unopened at 15–25°C), and conformance statements to ASTM E691 interlaboratory precision guidelines.
Software & Data Management
While ITRB2 itself is a physical reference standard, its integration into digital QA/QC systems is supported through structured metadata exchange. Balentine Enterprises provides machine-readable CoA files in PDF/A-2b and CSV formats, containing lot-specific certified values, uncertainty budgets, and expiration dates. These files are compatible with LIMS platforms (e.g., Thermo Fisher SampleManager, LabVantage) and electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) such as Benchling and LabArchives. For laboratories operating under 21 CFR Part 11, the CoA includes digitally signed audit trails and timestamped release records. Optional integration packages include Excel-based uncertainty propagation calculators aligned with GUM (JCGM 100:2008) for internal method validation reporting.
Applications
- Calibration and performance verification of spectrophotometric tint strength measurement systems
- Inter-laboratory comparison studies for ASTM D3265 method transfer and ruggedness testing
- Establishment of internal control charts (e.g., X-bar & R charts) for routine carbon black acceptance testing
- Supporting technical documentation for ISO 9001:2015 Clause 7.1.5 (monitoring and measuring resources)
- Reference anchor in DOE-based optimization of carbon black dispersion protocols for tire tread compounds
- Validation of accelerated aging protocols where tint shift correlates with surface oxidation kinetics
FAQ
What distinguishes ITRB2 from SRB8 or IRB8 series carbon blacks?
ITRB2 is purpose-engineered for tinting strength assessment only, whereas SRB8 serves broader characterization (e.g., reinforcement, dispersion, conductivity), and IRB8 focuses on rubber compound performance prediction (e.g., tensile, abrasion resistance). Their certified property sets and target specifications differ accordingly.
Is ITRB2 suitable for use in non-rubber applications such as plastics or inks?
While not prohibited, ASTM D3265 explicitly defines rubber matrix conditions; users applying ITRB2 outside this scope must perform method suitability verification per ICH Q2(R2) and document dispersion protocol equivalence.
How often should ITRB2 be re-certified or replaced?
Balentine Enterprises certifies shelf life at 24 months from date of manufacture when stored unopened under recommended conditions; no in-house re-certification is permitted—only authorized distributors may issue valid CoAs.
Does the CoA include measurement uncertainty for both IAN and OAN?
Yes—each CoA reports expanded uncertainty (k=2) derived from within-lot repeatability, between-lot reproducibility, and reference method bias components per ISO/IEC Guide 98-3.
Can ITRB2 be used for ISO 6504-2 compliance testing?
Yes—ITRB2 meets all material and metrological requirements specified in ISO 6504-2:2021 for industrial reference carbon blacks used in tint strength determination of rubber-grade carbon blacks.
