CONE PENETRATION OF PETROLATUM: ASTM D937
(Equivalent Tests: IP 179, DIN 51580, and AFNOR T60-119)
EXPLANATION
Petrolatum is a purified mixture of semi-solid hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum and is often described as an unctuous mass. Cone penetration is a means of measuring the firmness of consistency of petrolatum. Such measurements are used in selecting or specifying a petrolatum, or both, of a particular consistency or firmness. Cone penetration values may or may not correlate with end-use functional properties.
TEST SUMMARY
The sample is melted, heated to 82° C, and then cooled under controlled conditions to 25° C. The penetration is measured with the cone and the sample at this temperature using a penetrometer by means of which a standard cone is applied to the sample for 5 s under a load of 150 g.
TEST PRECISION
Repeatability: 2 + 5 % penetration value
Reproducibility: 9 + 12 % penetration value
This test method has no bias.
