ISO 16947:2026
(Main)Natural rubber latex concentrate — Determination of zinc oxide stability time (ZST)
Natural rubber latex concentrate — Determination of zinc oxide stability time (ZST)
This document specifies a method for determining the zinc oxide stability time (ZST) of natural rubber latex concentrate.
Concentré de latex de caoutchouc naturel — Détermination du temps de stabilité de l'oxyde de zinc (ZST)
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 23-Feb-2026
- Current Stage
- 6060 - International Standard published
- Start Date
- 24-Feb-2026
- Due Date
- 20-Mar-2026
- Completion Date
- 24-Feb-2026
Overview
ISO/FDIS 16947:2025 defines the standardized method for determining the zinc oxide stability time (ZST) of natural rubber latex concentrate. Developed by ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 45/SC 3/WG 2, this standard ensures consistent measurement of the time required for visible flocculation to occur following the addition of zinc oxide to latex under controlled testing conditions. The scope covers natural rubber latex concentrates and is equally applicable to compounded latices.
Proper evaluation of ZST is essential for quality control in the rubber industry, as zinc oxide plays a critical role in latex stabilization and processing. By adhering to this internationally recognized procedure, producers and end-users can ensure latex stability, product performance, and safety.
Key Topics
Zinc Oxide Stability Time (ZST) Definition
ZST is the time, expressed in seconds, from the start of high-speed stirring of latex with zinc oxide until the first visible signs of flocculation appear.Test Principle
A specific mass of latex, adjusted to defined solid content, pH, and temperature conditions, is stirred vigorously after adding zinc oxide powder. The time to visible flocculation determines the ZST.Test Reagents and Materials
Includes potassium oleate solution, formaldehyde, zinc oxide powder (minimum 99% purity), and ammonia solutions prepared to specified concentrations.Apparatus Requirements
Essential equipment includes:- Mechanical stability measuring apparatus (ISO 35 compliant)
- Temperature-controlled water bath (30 °C ± 2 °C)
- Precise pH meter (ISO 976 compliant)
- Stainless steel wire sieve (180 µm aperture per ISO 3310-1)
- Magnetic stirrer capable of ~14,000 rpm
Sample Preparation and Testing Procedure
Latex samples are diluted and chemically conditioned to specified alkalinity and total solids content. Following zinc oxide addition and incubation, latex is stirred at high speed in a test container. Endpoint determination is by visual observation of flocculation, verified by changes such as vortex depth and stirring sound.Result Expression and Precision
ZST is reported as the mean of duplicate replicates. Repeatability and reproducibility data are based on interlaboratory testing, ensuring reliability and confidence in test outcomes.Safety and Compliance
The standard advises users to comply with normal laboratory safety and appropriate regulatory guidelines throughout testing.
Applications
The ISO/FDIS 16947 method for ZST determination is crucial in:
Quality Control of Natural Rubber Latex
Helps manufacturers monitor and control latex stability to optimize product processing and performance.Compounded Latex Product Testing
Suitable for evaluating latex compounded with additives to ensure consistent stability behavior.Rubber Industry Raw Material Certification
Provides standardized data supporting compliance with product specifications and international trade requirements.Research and Development
Enables formulation and process improvements by measuring latex stability under varying conditions.Latex Product Safety Assurance
By ensuring proper zinc oxide stability time, prevents premature coagulation and maintains product integrity during handling and transport.
Related Standards
- ISO 35 – Natural rubber latex concentrate: Determination of mechanical stability
- ISO 123 – Rubber latex: Sampling methods
- ISO 124 – Latex, rubber: Determination of total solids content
- ISO 976 – Rubber and plastics: Polymer dispersions and rubber latices: Determination of pH
- ISO 3310-1 – Test sieves: Technical requirements for metal wire cloth
These complementary standards support coherent rubber latex testing protocols for comprehensive quality assurance in raw material and product evaluation.
Keywords: ISO 16947, zinc oxide stability time, natural rubber latex, latex concentrate testing, ZST determination, rubber latex quality control, latex stability, compounded latex, ISO rubber standards, laboratory latex testing, zinc oxide in latex, rubber raw material analysis.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ISO 16947:2026 is a standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its full title is "Natural rubber latex concentrate — Determination of zinc oxide stability time (ZST)". This standard covers: This document specifies a method for determining the zinc oxide stability time (ZST) of natural rubber latex concentrate.
This document specifies a method for determining the zinc oxide stability time (ZST) of natural rubber latex concentrate.
ISO 16947:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 83.040.10 - Latex and raw rubber. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ISO 16947:2026 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)
International
Standard
ISO 16947
First edition
Natural rubber latex concentrate —
2026-02
Determination of zinc oxide
stability time (ZST)
Concentré de latex de caoutchouc naturel — Détermination du
temps de stabilité de l'oxyde de zinc (ZST)
Reference number
© ISO 2026
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
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or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
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Email: copyright@iso.org
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Published in Switzerland
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principle . 1
5 Reagents . 2
6 Apparatus . 2
7 Sampling . 2
8 Procedure . 2
9 Expression of results . 3
10 Precision . 3
11 Test report . 4
Annex A (informative) Precision . 5
Bibliography . 7
iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
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with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
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rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
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this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
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related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 45, Rubber and rubber products, Subcommittee
SC 3, Raw materials (including latex) for use in the rubber industry.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
International Standard ISO 16947:2026(en)
Natural rubber latex concentrate — Determination of zinc
oxide stability time (ZST)
WARNING — Persons using this document should be familiar with normal laboratory practice. This
document does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It
is the responsibility of the user to establish appropriate safety and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1 Scope
This document specifies a method for determining the zinc oxide stability time (ZST) of natural rubber latex
concentrate.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 35, Natural rubber latex concentrate — Determination of mechanical stability
ISO 123, Rubber latex — Sampling
ISO 124, Latex, rubber — Determination of total solids content
ISO 976, Rubber and plastics — Polymer dispersions and rubber latices — Determination of pH
ISO 3310-1, Test sieves — Technical requirements and testing — Part 1: Test sieves of metal wire cloth
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
zinc oxide stability time
ZST
time required to initiate visible flocculation after the addition of zinc oxide when the latex is stirred at high
speed
Note 1 to entry: The zinc oxide stability time is expressed in seconds.
4 Principle
A test portion, under specified alkalinity, dilution and temperature is stirred at high speed after the addition
of zinc oxide until visible flocculation is observed. The time required to initiate visible flocculation is
recorded, this
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