5.1 Melting point is a wax property that is of interest to most wax consumers. It can be an indication of the performance properties of the wax. Drop melting point, Test Method D127, is often used to measure the melting characteristics of petrolatums and other high viscosity petroleum waxes.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the drop melting point of petroleum wax. It is used primarily for petrolatums and other microcrystalline wax.

Note 1: Additional methods used for petroleum waxes are Test Method D87 and Test Method D938. Results obtained may differ, depending on the method used. For pharmaceutical petrolatum, Test Method D127 usually is used.

1.1.1 Test Method A—The dropping point of wax is determined with a mercury in glass thermometer, as stated below in6.3. (Warning—Mercury has been designated by many regulatory agencies as a hazardous substance that can cause serious medical issues. Mercury, or its vapor, has been demonstrated to be hazardous to health and corrosive to materials. Use Caution when handling mercury and mercury-containing products. See the applicable product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for additional information. The potential exists that selling mercury or mercury-containing products, or both, is prohibited by local or national law. Users must determine legality of sales in their location.)

1.1.2 Test Method B—The dropping point of wax determined in a dropping point cup in an instrument which detects the drop and measures the temperature electronically, with a platinum thermometer instead of with mercury. Mercury has been recognized as a poison and a health hazard. Removing mercury from laboratories is a way of making the measuring process more inherently safe. The instrumental dropping point method has shown to produce results that are close to those determined by the original Test Method D127, Method A.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

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.