The application note addresses the detailed steps involved in determining the softening point of pitch using a METTLER TOLEDO dropping point apparatus.
Softening point over melting point for pitch
Pitch is a shiny, black residual byproduct resulting from the manufacturing process of metallurgical coke. It is solid at room temperature and yields a softening point instead of a definite melting temperature because of its non-crystalline amorphous nature. It generally softens gradually over a range of temperatures, hence determining the softening point is preferred over determining the melting point.
Standard procedure
The sample is initially heated to obtain in molten condition. The melt is placed in a cup with an orifice (6.35 mm) at the bottom and a stainless-steel ball (8.7 mm in diameter) centered on top of the sample. With the rise in temperature, the sample softens and starts flowing downward into the cup and when the temperature reaches a defined distance from the cup's orifice, is recorded as the softening point of the sample.
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