ASTM D2024-09(2023)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Cloud Point of Nonionic Surfactants
Standard Test Method for Cloud Point of Nonionic Surfactants
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 The cloud point temperature is a reproducible characteristic of certain pure nonionic surfactants. It is also characteristic of certain nonionic surfactant formulated systems. This test method is appropriate for both systems.
Note 1: If the transition from a distinctly cloudy to a clear solution is not sharp, that is, if it does not take place within a range of 1 °C, this test method is not appropriate.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a procedure to determine the “cloud point” of nonionic surfactants or detergent systems. Cloud Point is the temperature at which dissolved components (solids or liquids) are no longer completely soluble, precipating as a second phase giving the fluid a cloudy appearance. It is limited to those surfactants and detergent systems for which the visible solubility change occurs over a range of 1 °C or less at concentrations of 0.5 % to 1.0 % in DI water between 30 °C and 95 °C.
1.2 Chemical Limitations—Nonionic surfactants that exhibit a characteristic cloud point in general terms consist of a water-in-soluble moiety condensed with 50 % to 75 % by weight of ethylene oxide. If the level of ethoxylation is too low the surfactant may not be water soluble at temperatures less than 30 °C, and if it is too high no cloud point may exist.
1.3 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 30-Jun-2023
- Technical Committee
- D12 - Soaps and Other Detergents
- Drafting Committee
- D12.15 - Physical Testing
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2005
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2003
- Effective Date
- 10-May-2003
- Effective Date
- 10-Oct-2001
- Effective Date
- 10-Oct-2001
- Effective Date
- 10-Oct-2001
Overview
ASTM D2024-09(2023) - Standard Test Method for Cloud Point of Nonionic Surfactants establishes an internationally recognized procedure for determining the cloud point temperature of nonionic surfactants and detergent systems. The cloud point is the temperature at which a surfactant solution transitions from clear to cloudy due to decreased solubility and the formation of a second phase. This standard is designed for pure nonionic surfactants and formulated systems exhibiting a sharp transition (within 1 °C) in dilute aqueous solutions between 30 °C and 95 °C. Developed by ASTM International, this method is critical for product quality control, formulation development, and regulatory compliance in applications involving detergents and surfactants.
Key Topics
Cloud Point Determination
Defines the temperature at which dissolved nonionic surfactants become insoluble and precipitate, causing visible cloudiness in solution.Applicability
- Suitable for nonionic surfactants and detergent mixtures whose cloud point transition is sharp (within 1 °C).
- Tested at concentrations of 0.5% to 1.0% in deionized water.
- Effective between 30 °C and 95 °C.
Chemical Limitations
- Nonionic surfactants typically must have 50% to 75% ethylene oxide by weight for a measurable cloud point.
- Insufficient ethoxylation causes water insolubility at low temperatures.
- Excessive ethoxylation may eliminate the cloud point.
Interferences
- Presence of ionic surfactants (even in small amounts) raises the observed cloud point.
- Salts and bases can lower, while acids can raise, the cloud point value.
Precision and Repeatability
- Results are reproducible, with intra-laboratory differences not exceeding 0.5 °C and inter-laboratory differences up to 1.0 °C.
Applications
The cloud point test method for nonionic surfactants has practical value in various industries:
Quality Control and Formulation
- Assists manufacturers in selecting, formulating, and validating surfactants for detergents, cleansers, and personal care products.
- Helps ensure consistent product performance and stability by monitoring solubility behavior over temperature ranges typical in consumer use.
Regulatory and Compliance
- Supports compliance with national and international standards for surfactant formulations.
- Facilitates product registration and market entry by providing standardized testing data.
Research and Development
- Enables chemists and formulators to optimize blends for performance parameters such as temperature stability and phase separation.
Environmental and Safety Assessment
- Guides the safe handling, storage, and application of surfactant systems where phase behavior is critical.
Related Standards
Industry professionals referencing ASTM D2024-09(2023) may also consult the following standards for related testing methods and guidance:
ASTM E1 - Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
(Provides thermometer specifications used in cloud point determination.)Additional related standards may include methods for physical testing of detergents and surfactants or those addressing solution behavior and temperature stability.
For more information, visit the ASTM International website to access full standard documentation and referenced materials.
Keywords: ASTM D2024-09, cloud point, nonionic surfactants, detergent systems, solubility, phase separation, temperature stability, quality control, surfactant testing standard.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D2024-09(2023) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Cloud Point of Nonionic Surfactants". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 3.1 The cloud point temperature is a reproducible characteristic of certain pure nonionic surfactants. It is also characteristic of certain nonionic surfactant formulated systems. This test method is appropriate for both systems. Note 1: If the transition from a distinctly cloudy to a clear solution is not sharp, that is, if it does not take place within a range of 1 °C, this test method is not appropriate. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers a procedure to determine the “cloud point” of nonionic surfactants or detergent systems. Cloud Point is the temperature at which dissolved components (solids or liquids) are no longer completely soluble, precipating as a second phase giving the fluid a cloudy appearance. It is limited to those surfactants and detergent systems for which the visible solubility change occurs over a range of 1 °C or less at concentrations of 0.5 % to 1.0 % in DI water between 30 °C and 95 °C. 1.2 Chemical Limitations—Nonionic surfactants that exhibit a characteristic cloud point in general terms consist of a water-in-soluble moiety condensed with 50 % to 75 % by weight of ethylene oxide. If the level of ethoxylation is too low the surfactant may not be water soluble at temperatures less than 30 °C, and if it is too high no cloud point may exist. 1.3 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 3.1 The cloud point temperature is a reproducible characteristic of certain pure nonionic surfactants. It is also characteristic of certain nonionic surfactant formulated systems. This test method is appropriate for both systems. Note 1: If the transition from a distinctly cloudy to a clear solution is not sharp, that is, if it does not take place within a range of 1 °C, this test method is not appropriate. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers a procedure to determine the “cloud point” of nonionic surfactants or detergent systems. Cloud Point is the temperature at which dissolved components (solids or liquids) are no longer completely soluble, precipating as a second phase giving the fluid a cloudy appearance. It is limited to those surfactants and detergent systems for which the visible solubility change occurs over a range of 1 °C or less at concentrations of 0.5 % to 1.0 % in DI water between 30 °C and 95 °C. 1.2 Chemical Limitations—Nonionic surfactants that exhibit a characteristic cloud point in general terms consist of a water-in-soluble moiety condensed with 50 % to 75 % by weight of ethylene oxide. If the level of ethoxylation is too low the surfactant may not be water soluble at temperatures less than 30 °C, and if it is too high no cloud point may exist. 1.3 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM D2024-09(2023) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 71.100.40 - Surface active agents. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D2024-09(2023) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E1-13, ASTM E1-07, ASTM E1-05, ASTM E1-03a, ASTM E1-03, ASTM E1-01, ASTM E1-98e1, ASTM E1-98. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D2024-09(2023) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D2024 − 09 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Method for
Cloud Point of Nonionic Surfactants
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2024; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 3. Significance and Use
3.1 The cloud point temperature is a reproducible charac-
1.1 This test method covers a procedure to determine the
“cloud point” of nonionic surfactants or detergent systems. teristic of certain pure nonionic surfactants. It is also charac-
teristic of certain nonionic surfactant formulated systems. This
Cloud Point is the temperature at which dissolved components
(solids or liquids) are no longer completely soluble, precipating test method is appropriate for both systems.
as a second phase giving the fluid a cloudy appearance. It is
NOTE 1—If the transition from a distinctly cloudy to a clear solution is
limited to those surfactants and detergent systems for which the
not sharp, that is, if it does not take place within a range of 1 °C, this test
visible solubility change occurs over a range of 1 °C or less at method is not appropriate.
concentrations of 0.5 % to 1.0 % in DI water between 30 °C
4. Interferences
and 95 °C.
4.1 Ionic surfactants or detergents in concentrations down to
1.2 Chemical Limitations—Nonionic surfactants that exhibit
1 % or less of the nonionic surfactant drastically raise the
a characteristic cloud point in general terms consist of a
characteristic cloud point of the latter. The presence of salts and
water-in-soluble moiety condensed with 50 % to 75 % by
bases (that is, non-surface active materials) will lower the
weight of ethylene oxide. If the level of ethoxylation is too low
characteristic cloud point, while acids tend to raise the cloud
the surfactant may not be water soluble at temperatures less
point.
than 30 °C, and if it is too high no cloud point may exist.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5. Apparatus
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5.1 Thermometer—An ASTM Partial Immersion Thermom-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
eter having a range from −20 °C to +150 °C or 0 °F to 302 °F
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
and conforming to the requirements for Thermometer 1C or 1F
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
in accordance with Specification E1.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
6. Procedure
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
6.1 Prepare a 1.0 % test solution by weighing a 1 g 6 0.1 g
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
sample into a 150 mL beaker and add 99 g of distilled or
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
de-mineralized water which is at a temperature of less than
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
30 °C, that is, room temperature. Mix until the sample is
dissolved; initial sample should be clear and homogeneous.
2. Referenced Documents
Pour 50 mL 6 2 mL of test solution into a 25 mm by 20
...
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