Significance and Use
4.1 Pitch does not go through a solid-liquid phase change when heated and therefore does not have a true melting point. As the temperature is raised, pitch softens and becomes less viscous. The softening point is arbitrarily defined and must be determined by a closely controlled method that must be carefully followed if test results are to be reproducible.
Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the softening point above 80°C [176°F] of pitch. Test Method D3104 gives comparable results.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
