ISO 10076-1991 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 10076:1991 — Metallic powders — Determination of particle size distribution by gravitational sedimentation in a liquid and attenuation measurement. This International Standard specifies sedimentation and attenuation-based methods for determining particle-size distributions of metallic powders where Stokes' equation is applicable.

Abstract

Provides procedures for measuring the particle-size distribution of metallic powders by observing particles settling under gravity in a liquid and measuring the attenuation of an electromagnetic beam through the suspension. Methods are intended for powders with particle behaviour governed by Stokes' law and include practical limits, apparatus description and test conditions.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (withdrawal action recorded; standard no longer current for new developments).
• Publication date: December 1991 (Edition 1).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 77.160 (Powder metallurgy).
• Edition / version: Edition 1, 1991.
• Number of pages: 11 pages (original publication).

Scope

Specifies methods for determining particle-size distribution of metallic powders by measuring attenuation of an electromagnetic beam through a suspension of particles settling under gravity. Applicable only where Stokes' equation holds (laminar flow, Reynolds number < 0.25) and where Brownian motion does not affect settling — typically for particle sizes in the range 1 µm to 100 µm. The standard excludes powders with strongly non‑equiaxial shapes (flakes, fibres), mixtures, powders containing lubricant or binder, and powders that cannot be dispersed in a liquid.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and use of the Stokes diameter (particle diameter equivalent for settling behaviour).
• Requirements for experimental conditions ensuring Stokes' law applicability (Reynolds number limits, avoidance of Brownian effects).
• Procedure for preparing suspensions, selecting liquid viscosity, and controlling initial concentration (guidance notes on typical V/V concentrations and when validation is required).
• Measurement of beam attenuation through settling suspension and calculation methods to convert attenuation/settling data to particle-size distribution.
• Limitations and exclusions (particle shape, mixtures, presence of binders/lubricants, dispersibility).
• Informative annexes and normative references to related ISO standards for vocabulary and sampling.

Typical use and users

Used historically by powder-metallurgy laboratories, quality-control and R&D departments in manufacturers of metallic powders (including hardmetal powders), independent testing and calibration laboratories, and standards/measurement institutes conducting particle-size analysis by sedimentation techniques. Users apply the standard to define test procedures, validate instruments and compare particle-size results between laboratories (while noting the standard's withdrawn status for current regulatory reference).

Related standards

Normative references and related documents cited in the text include ISO 3252 (Powder metallurgy — Vocabulary) and ISO 3954 (Powders for powder metallurgical purposes — Sampling), among other powder‑metallurgy standards and method standards for particle‑size analysis. Users should consult current ISO lists for any replacements or newer methods.

Keywords

metallic powders; particle size distribution; sedimentation; Stokes' law; attenuation measurement; powder metallurgy; particle size analysis; gravitational sedimentation.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 10076:1991 is an International Standard that specified methods for determining the particle‑size distribution of metallic powders by gravitational sedimentation in a liquid combined with attenuation measurement.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers test procedures, required experimental conditions (Stokes' law applicability), apparatus/measurement principles (beam attenuation), calculation of Stokes diameters and practical limitations such as particle-size range (approximately 1 µm to 100 µm) and excluded powder types (flakes, fibres, mixtures, binder/lubricant containing powders, non-dispersible powders).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Powder‑metallurgy manufacturers, R&D and QA laboratories, independent test labs and metrology institutes performing particle‑size characterization of metallic powders.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 10076:1991 has been recorded as withdrawn and is not an active current ISO normative document for new work; users should check current ISO catalogues or national bodies for any replacement standards or updated methods. Withdrawal actions were recorded in ISO lifecycle information and catalogues.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It sits within ISO work on powder metallurgy and references other ISO standards (for example ISO 3252 and ISO 3954). It is not a numbered multi‑part series itself but is associated with ISO/TC 119 committee outputs on sampling and testing methods for powders.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Metallic powders, particle-size distribution, sedimentation, attenuation, Stokes diameter, powder metallurgy.