ASTM D5523-04

This test method can be used for research or for quality control to characterize TDI and MDI.

This test method was developed to overcome problems with low-level acidity determinations that use glass electrodes in the presence of reagent alcohol solvents. Reagent alcohols contain acidic and basic species, which complicate the glass electrode methods at low levels of acidity.

1.1 This test method measures the hydrolyzable chlorine content of monomeric, aromatic isocyanates used as polyurethane raw materials and expresses it as HCl acidity. The test method is applicable to toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and monomeric methylene-bis-(4-phenylisocyanate), known as MDI. The main sources of hydrolyzable chlorine and, therefore, acidity in monomeric aromatic isocyanates are carbamyl chlorides, acid chlorides, and dissolved phosgene. All of these compounds react with alcohols and water to form hydrochloric acid.

1.2 This test method applies only to monomeric isocyanates in which all of the acidity is derived from species that generate HCl on solvolysis.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

Note 1—There is no equivalent ISO standard.