ASTM D2318

Determination of Quinoline-Insoluble (QI) Content in Tar & Pitch

Applicability: “This procedure applies to hard pitch, soft pitch, and tar samples received or generated by Conti Testing Laboratories, Inc. (CTL), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
1.1. Summary: The sample is digested in hot quinoline and filtered. The insoluble material is then washed, dried, and weighed. Quinoline Insoluble (QI) is reported as mass percent on a dry weight basis.
1.2. Matrix or Matrices: Coal tar and pitch.
1.3. Holding Time: 24 hrs. after crushing and sieving.
1.4. Preservation: Store samples as large lumps or as solidified melts in closed containers. Discard working samples 24 hrs. after crushing and sieving as changes in composition sometimes occur in pulverized pitch.
1.5. Interferences: None
1.6. Sample collection and shipment: sample in accordance with ASTM D4296 for the sampling of tar and pitch with care taken to ensure the sample is free from foreign substances. The sample should be thoroughly mixed prior to removing a representative aliquot.”

Purpose: This test method determines the quinoline-insoluble (QI) matter in tar and pitch. The method is useful in evaluating and characterizing tar and pitch.