PITCH VOLATILITY: D4893
EXPLANATION
This test is useful in evaluating and characterizing pitch physical properties in comparing the consistency of shipments of sources of supply. Since this test method is empirical, strict adherence of the procedure is necessary.

TEST SUMMARY
An aluminum weighing dish with about 15 g of specimen is introduced into the cavity of a metal block heated and maintained at 350° C. After 30 min during which the volatiles are swept away from the surface of the liquid pitch by preheated nitrogen, the sample is taken out and allowed to cool down in the desiccator. The pitch volatility is determined by the sample weight loss and reported as percent weight loss.

TEST PRECISION
Repeatability: 0.2 %
Reproducibility: 0.3 %