Ignition Materials Loss
Understanding the composition of materials is critical for quality, performance, and compliance. Whether you are working with reinforced plastics, coatings, or composite systems, knowing the organic and inorganic content can directly impact product behaviour.
Without accurate testing, manufacturers risk inconsistent formulations, poor performance, and failure to meet specifications or customer requirements.
Loss on Ignition testing using ASTM D2584 and ASTM D5630 provides a reliable way to determine material composition by measuring the amount of material lost when exposed to high temperatures.
What Loss on Ignition Testing Involves
Loss on Ignition testing determines the percentage of material that is volatilised or burned off when a sample is heated under controlled conditions.
- ASTM D2584 focuses on reinforced thermosetting plastics and measures ignition loss to determine resin, filler, and fibre content
- ASTM D5630 is used for paints and coatings to determine volatile and non-volatile content through ignition
The test provides insight into material composition, including:
- Organic content
- Inorganic filler or ash content
- Fibre or reinforcement levels
Methodology
A typical testing programme includes:
- Preparation of representative samples to defined mass and form.
- Initial weighing of the sample.
- Heating at specified temperatures for a defined period.
- Controlled cooling to prevent moisture interference.
- Final weighing to determine mass loss.
- Calculation of ignition loss percentage.
- Detailed reporting including interpretation of composition.
Test conditions are selected based on the material type and relevant ASTM standard.
Relevant Industry Applications
Loss on Ignition testing is widely used for:
- Composite and reinforced plastics manufacturing
- Paints and coatings production
- Construction and building materials
- Adhesives and sealants
- Quality control and batch verification
- Failure analysis and material investigation
Benefits of Loss on Ignition Testing
- Provides clear insight into material composition
- Supports quality control and formulation consistency
- Helps verify fibre, filler, or resin content
- Enables comparison between batches or suppliers
- Supports compliance with industry standards
- Delivers simple and reliable analytical data
Need accurate data on your material composition?
Contact Impact Solutions to discuss Loss on Ignition testing using ASTM D2584 and ASTM D5630 and ensure your materials meet performance and specification requirements.
FAQ
Q: What does Loss on Ignition measure?
It measures the percentage of material lost during heating, which typically represents organic content or volatile components.
Q: How do ASTM D2584 and ASTM D5630 differ?
ASTM D2584 is commonly used for reinforced plastics to determine resin and fibre content, while ASTM D5630 is used for paints and coatings to assess volatile and non-volatile content.
Q: Can this test be used for quality control?
Yes. It is widely used as a routine QC method to ensure consistency in material composition.
