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UNIN1287800_2001_EEN.pdf
UNIN1287800

UNI EN 12878:2001 - 28-02-2001 - Pigmenti per la colorazione di materiali da costruzione a base di cemento e/o calce - Specifiche e metodi di prova

UNICHIM

NORMA TECNICA
DATA

UNI EN 12878:2001
28/02/2001

AUTORI

UNICHIM

TITOLO

Pigmenti per la colorazione di materiali da costruzione a base di cemento e/o calce Specifiche e metodi di prova
Pigments for the colouring of building materials based on cement and/or lime Specifications and methods of test

SOMMARIO

La presente norma la versione ufficiale in lingua inglese della norma europea EN

12878 (edizione giugno 1999). La norma specifica i requisiti ed i metodi di prova per
pigmenti da impiegare nella colorazione di materiali da costruzione a base di cemento
e/o di calce.

TESTO DELLA NORMA

CLASSIFICAZIONE ICS
CLASSIFICAZIONE ARGOMENTO

87.060.10 91.100.10
AA10D08

PARZIALMENTE SOSTITUITA
GRADO DI COGENZA

Raccomandata

STATO DI VALIDITA' In vigore

RIFERIMENTI NAZIONALI
LINGUA

Inglese

PAGINE

13

PREZZO EURO

Non Soci 32,00 Euro - Soci 16,00 Euro

NORMA ITALIANA

Pigmenti per la colorazione di materiali da costruzione

a base di cemento e/o calce

UNI EN 12878

Specifiche e metodi di prova

FEBBRAIO 2001

Pigments for the colouring of building materials based on cement

and/or lime

DESCRITTORI

Pigmento, riempitivo, materiale da costruzione, cemento, calce, specifica,

requisito, metodo di prova

CLASSIFICAZIONE ICS

87.060.10; 91.100.10

SOMMARIO

La norma specifica i requisiti ed i metodi di prova per pigmenti da impiegare nella colorazione di materiali da costruzione a base di cemento e/o di
calce.

RELAZIONI NAZIONALI
RELAZIONI INTERNAZIONALI

= EN 12878:1999
La presente norma la versione ufficiale in lingua inglese della norma
europea EN 12878 (edizione giugno 1999).

ORGANO COMPETENTE

UNICHIM - Associazione per lUnificazione nel settore dellIndustria Chimica

RATIFICA

Presidente dellUNI, delibera del 14 febbraio 2001

NORMA EUROPEA

Specifications and methods of test

RICONFERMA

UNI
Ente Nazionale Italiano
di Unificazione
Via Battistotti Sassi, 11B
20133 Milano, Italia
Gr. 5

UNI - Milano 2001

Riproduzione vietata. Tutti i diritti sono riservati. Nessuna parte del presente documento
pu essere riprodotta o diffusa con un mezzo qualsiasi, fotocopie, microfilm o altro, senza
il consenso scritto dellUNI.

N di riferimento UNI EN 12878:2001

Pagina I di II

PREMESSA NAZIONALE
La presente norma costituisce il recepimento, in lingua inglese, della norma europea EN 12878 (edizione giugno 1999), che assume
cos lo status di norma nazionale italiana.
LUNICHIM (Associazione per lUnificazione nel settore dellIndustria Chimica - piazzale R. Morandi 2, 20121 Milano), ente federato allUNI, che segue i lavori europei sullargomento, per delega
della Commissione Centrale Tecnica, ha approvato il progetto europeo l8 febbraio 1999.
Per agevolare gli utenti, viene di seguito indicata la corrispondenza
tra le norme citate al punto "Normative references" e le norme italiane vigenti:
EN 196-1:1994
= UNI EN 196-1:1996
EN 196-3
= UNI EN 196-3
ENV 459-1
= UNI ENV 459-1
EN 459-2
= UNI EN 459-2
EN 934-2
= UNI EN 934-2
EN 10204
= UNI EN 10204
EN ISO 787-3
= UNI EN ISO 787-3
EN ISO 787-9
= UNI EN ISO 787-9
ISO 1158
= UNI EN ISO 1158

Le norme UNI sono revisionate, quando necessario, con la pubblicazione di nuove

edizioni o di aggiornamenti.
importante pertanto che gli utenti delle stesse si accertino di essere in possesso
dellultima edizione e degli eventuali aggiornamenti.
Le norme UNI sono elaborate cercando di tenere conto dei punti di vista di tutte le parti
interessate e di conciliare ogni aspetto conflittuale, per rappresentare il reale stato
dellarte della materia ed il necessario grado di consenso.
Chiunque ritenesse, a seguito dellapplicazione di questa norma, di poter fornire suggerimenti per un suo miglioramento o per un suo adeguamento ad uno stato dellarte
in evoluzione pregato di inviare i propri contributi allUNI, Ente Nazionale Italiano di
Unificazione, che li terr in considerazione, per leventuale revisione della norma stessa.

UNI EN 12878:2001

Pagina II di II

EUROPEAN STANDARD

EN 12878

NORME EUROPENNE
EUROPISCHE NORM

June 1999

ICS 87.060.10; 91.100.10

English version

Pigments for the colouring of building materials based on

cement and/or lime - Specifications and methods of test
Pigments de coloration des matriaux de construction
base de ciment et/ou de chaux - Spcifications et
mthodes d'essai

Pigmente zum Einfrben von zement- und/oder

kalkgebundenen Baustoffen - Anforderungen und
Prfverfahren

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 13 May 1999.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official
versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMIT EUROPEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPISCHES KOMITEE FR NORMUNG

Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart, 36

1999 CEN

All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved

worldwide for CEN national Members.

B-1050 Brussels

Ref. No. EN 12878:1999 E

Page 2
EN 12878:1999

Foreword
This European Standard has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 298 "Pigments and extenders", the
secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical text or
by endorsement, at the latest by December 1999, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest
by December 1999.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Annexes A and B are informative.

1 Scope
This European Standard specifies the requirements (see clause 4) and the methods of test for pigments to be used
in the colouring of building materials based on cement and/or lime.
Pigments for this purpose may be single pigments, blends of pigments, or blends of pigments and extenders, in
powder or granular form, or aqueous preparations.

2 Normative references
This European Standard incorporates, by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications. These
normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the publications are listed below. For dated
references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply to this European Standard
only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of the appropriate
publication referred to applies.
EN 196-1:1994
Methods of testing cement Part 1: Determination of strength
EN 196-3
Methods of testing cement Part 3: Determination of setting time and soundness
prEN 197-1
Cement Part 1: Composition, specifications and conformity critera for common cements
ENV 459-1
Building lime Part 1: Definitions, specifications and conformity criteria
EN 459-2
Building lime Part 2: Test methods
EN 934-2
Admixtures for concrete, mortar and grout Part 2: Concrete admixtures Definitions and requirements
EN 10204
Metallic products Types of inspection documents
EN ISO 787-3
General methods of test for pigments and extenders Part 3: Determination of matter soluble in water - Hot
extraction method (ISO 787-3:1979)
EN ISO 787-9
General methods of test for pigments and extenders Part 9: Determination of pH value of aqueous suspension
(ISO 787-9:1981)
ISO 787-7
General methods of test for pigments and extenders Part 7: Determination of residue on sieve Water method
Manual procedure
ISO 787-13
General methods of test for pigments Part 13: Determination of water-soluble sulfates, chlorides and nitrates
ISO 1158
Plastics Vinyl chloride homopolymers and copolymers Determination of chlorine

Page 3
EN 12878:1999
ISO 3310-1
Test sieves Technical requirements and testing Part 1: Test sieves of metal wire cloth
ISO 9277
Determination of the specific surface area of solids by gas adsorption using the BET method

3 Definitions
For the purposes of this European Standard, the following definitions apply:

3.1 pigment: A substance, generally in the form of fine particles, which is practically insoluble in the application
medium and for which the sole purpose is to colour cement- and/or lime-based building materials.

3.2 extender: A inorganic substance, generally in the form of fine particles, which is practically insoluble in the
application medium and has no inherent colour properties.

3.3 single pigment: A pigment that is of singular (chemical) composition. Single pigments contain no substances
other than those originating from the pigment manufacturing process.
NOTE: Surface treatment of the primary pigment particles is considered as a part of the pigment
manufacturing process.

3.4 pigment blend: A blend of at least two single pigments, or at least one single pigment and an extender.
3.5 aqueous pigment preparation: A preparation in which a pigment (single pigment or pigment blend) is
dispersed in water, with or without a dispersion or other agent.
These preparations shall not influence the concrete properties as detailed in tables 1 to 4.
NOTE: Examples of agents are:
- dispersants;
- binding agents (resins);
- solvents;
- wetting agents;
or combinations thereof.

3.6 pigment in granular form: A preparation in which a pigment (single pigment or pigment blend) is converted
into granules, by the use of the binding agent which retains the integrity of the granule.
These preparations shall not influence the concrete properties as detailed in tables 1 to 4.

3.7 reference sample; standard pigment: A sample of a single pigment or a blend (powder, or preparation)
retained by the interested parties for comparison for the evaluation of the product properties (e. g. colour).

4 Requirements
The requirements for pigments for pure lime mortar shall be agreed between the interested parties on the basis of
ENV 459-1 and be tested in accordance with EN 459-2.

4.1 Composition of the pigments

The main constituents of the pigments typically belong to one of the following classes of compounds:
-

synthetic or natural oxides and hydroxides of iron;

oxides of chromium, titanium and manganese;

complex inorganic pigments, for example combinations of the above mentioned metal oxides and hydroxides
with cobalt, aluminium, nickel and antimony oxides and hydroxides;

ultramarine pigments;

phthalocyanine blue and green;

elemental carbon (shall be regarded as an inorganic pigment);

blends of the above materials (which may also include extenders).

Where dispersion agents, binding agents and/or grinding aids are used, their total content should be equal to or less
than 5 % (m/m), based on solids.
The stability of a pigment with respect to colour shall be linked to the intended end use conditions (see table 5).
The solids content, as a percentage (%) of aqueous preparations, shall be declared by the manufacturers.

Page 4
EN 12878:1999
NOTE: Information on International Standards for particular pigments is given in Annex B.

4.2 Sampling
The sample taken for initial and biennial tests shall be representative of the pigment, traceable and clearly labelled.
The quantity taken shall be not less than 4 times the amount required for testing and the remainder shall be retained
for not less than 2 years.
Samples taken for quality control purposes shall be representative.

4.3 Testing of single pigments

4.3.1 Initial test

The fundamental suitability of a single pigment [defined by its chemical formula, for example chrome oxide green
(Cr2O3), iron oxide (Fe2O3) etc.] shall be proven by the manufacturer by an initial test carried out by a nationally
approved laboratory.
The tests on single pigments shall be conducted in the form in which they are being introduced to the market
(powder, granulate or aqueous preparation).
When pigments are supplied in non-powder forms only those with the highest amount of given dispersing, binding
or other agents need to be tested.
The requirements for the single pigment initial test and the test methods to be used are specified in tables 1 and 2.
An initial test is required if given types of dispersing, binding or other agents are changed or the amounts are
increased.
For blends of single pigments - with or without extenders - in any of the three forms (powder, granulate or aqueous
preparation), the tests shall be performed with the single pigments which form the blend.
4.3.2 Biennial testing

The testing once every two years is performed as described in 4.3.1 with the exception of the determination of
principle ingredients.
The test shall be performed by a nationally approved laboratory.

4.4 Quality control

Within the framework of quality control of finished products as delivered, the characteristics given in tables 3 and 4
shall be tested at least once per batch.
The conformity of pigments with the requirements of this standard shall be proven by the issue of the specific test
report in accordance with EN 10204 (see clause 12).

4.5 Additional requirements

Additional requirements to be agreed between the interested parties and the test methods to be used are listed in
table 5.

Page 5
EN 12878:1999
TABLE 1: Requirements for the initial and biennial test on single pigments for the colouring of nonstructural unreinforced building materials based on cement and/or lime 1)
Pigment property

Requirement

Test method

Influence on setting time:

Initial setting time

min

min. 60

5.2

Final setting time

min

max. 720

5.2

60

5.2

max. 10

5.3

max. 5

6.1

Maximum difference between the initial setting times of

mixes with and without pigment
min
Influence on 28 day compressive strength of the
mortar, expressed as % strength loss, based on the
unpigmented mix
Matter soluble in water2)
(hot extraction method)

Principal ingredients (initial test only)

Determine in accordance with the relevant

pigment standard (see Annex B). Where
no standard exists, up-to-date analytical
procedures have to be used.

) Including road concrete without steel reinforcement.

2)

For pigment blends, evidence of compliance is calculated from data recorded for constituent single
pigments.

Page 6
EN 12878:1999
TABLE 2: Requirements for the initial and biennial test on single pigments for the colouring of
structural steel reinforced concrete 1)

Pigment property

Requirement

Test method

Influence on setting time:

Initial setting time

min

min. 60

5.2

Final setting time

min

max. 720

5.2

60

5.2

max. 8

5.3

max. 0,5

6.1

Maximum difference between the initial setting times of

mixes with and without pigment
min
Influence on 28 day compressive strength of the
mortar, expressed as % strength loss, based on the
unpigmented mix
Matter soluble in water 2)
(hot extraction method)

3)

Content of water-soluble halides and other anions

precipitated by Ag+ 4)
%
Total chlorine content determined as chloride
Principal ingredients (initial test only)

5)

max. 0,10
%

max. 0,10

6.2
7

Determine in accordance with the relevant

pigment standard (see Annex B). Where
no standard exists, up-to-date analytical
procedures have to be used.

1)

Where a pigment is used in prestressed reinforced concrete, it is to be proven that it will not have
any deleterious effect on the steel.
2)
For pigment blends, evidence of compliance is calculated from data recorded for constituent single
pigments.
3)

When pigments are supplied in non-powder forms matter soluble in water may be up to 4 %, based
on the solids content of the preparation, providing that it conforms to EN 934-2; the effect category in
EN 934-2 shall be recorded in the specific test report.
4)
Where pigment blends, pigment/extender mixtures, or granulates or aqueous preparations thereof,
are used in excess of 5 % based on cement, the total content of halides and of anions precipitated
by Ag+ which are admitted into the concrete should not exceed 0,005 % based on the cement.
5)

If the initial test shows no significant difference between total chlorine content and water-soluble
halides content only the latter need to be performed biennially.

Page 7
EN 12878:1999
TABLE 3: Requirements for pigments as delivered for the colouring of non- structural
unreinforced building materials based on cement and/or lime 1)

Pigment property

Matter soluble in water

(hot extraction method)

Relative colour strength against the standard

1)

Requirement

Test method

max. 5

6.1

100 5

8.2, 8.3 or 8.4

2)

Including road concrete without steel reinforcement.

2)

For pigment blends, evidence of compliance is calculated from data recorded for constituent single
pigments.

TABLE 4: Requirements for pigments as delivered for the colouring of structural steel reinforced
concrete 1)

Pigment property

Requirement

Test method

max. 0,5

6.1

Content of water-soluble halides and other anions

precipitated by Ag+ 4)
%

max. 0,10

6.2

Total chlorine content determined as chloride5)

max. 0,10

Relative colour strength against the standard

100 5

8.2, 8.3 or 8.4

Matter soluble in water 2) 3)

(hot extraction method)

1)

Where a pigment is used in prestressed reinforced concrete, it shall be proven that it will not have
any deleterious effect on the steel.
2)

For pigment blends, evidence of compliance is calculated from data recorded for constituent single
pigments.
3)

When pigments are supplied in non-powder forms matter soluble in water may be up to 4 %,
based on the solids content of the preparation, providing that it conforms to EN 934-2; the effect
category in EN 934-2 shall be recorded in the specific test report.
4)

Where pigment blends, pigment/extender mixtures, or granulates or aqueous preparations thereof,

are used in excess of 5 % based on cement, the total content of halides and of anions precipitated
by Ag+ which are admitted into the concrete should not exceed 0,005 % based on the cement.
5)
If the initial test shows no significant difference between total chlorine content and water-soluble
halides content only the latter need to be performed biennially.

Page 8
EN 12878:1999
TABLE 5: Additional requirements for pigments for the colouring of building materials based on
cement and/or lime - to be agreed between the interested parties

Pigment property

Requirement

Test method

max. 0,1

ISO 787-7

The maximum permitted deviation from the pH value

of the manufacturers stated value

ISO 787-9

Alkali stability

The stability of a
pigment with respect
to colour must be
linked to the intended
end use conditions.
The necessary details
are to be agreed
upon by the
interested parties.

clause 9

Similar 2) to
reference sample

8.2, 8.3 or 8.4

Residue on a 90 m sieve )

pH value

Resistance to weathering

Thermal stability

Colour comparison in reduction against the standard

clause 10

clause 11

1)
Valid for pigments in powder form: for pigment blends, evidence of compliance is calculated from
data recorded for constituent single pigments.
2)

It is intended to do further work on colour measurement on concrete surfaces to determine

whether the term "similarity" can be defined by means of colour parameters.

5 Determination of the effects of pigments on cement and/or lime based materials

5.1 General remarks
Any physical effects are determined by way of comparative tests on pigmented and unpigmented cement
paste and mortar mixes. The tests are carried out with an inorganic pigment loading of 5,0 % solids, an
organic pigment loading of 2,0 % solids, by mass, based on the cement amount. In using aqueous pigment
preparations, the solids content shall be taken into consideration in the mix composition.
Generally, an amount of not more than 10,0 % pigment should be added to cement or lime. If a pigment
loading of more than 5,0 % by mass based on the cement amount is intended, then the tests are carried out
with that loading level.
The loading level in % by mass shall always be recorded by the laboratory and reported on the specific test
report (clause 12).

5.2 Determination of the influence on the setting characteristics of cement

The influence on the setting time of cement shall be tested in accordance with EN 196-3, using a paste
made with cement CEM I 42,5 R conforming to prEN 197-1, with and without the addition of pigment. When
tested in accordance with EN 196-3 the initial setting time of the cement shall lie between 120 min and 180
min.

5.3 Determination of the influence on the compressive strength of cement mortar

The influence of a pigment on the 28 day compressive strength of the cement mortar shall be tested in
accordance with clause 9 of EN 196-1:1994. The mortar shall be made with cement CEM I 42,5 R
conforming to prEN 197-1 with and without the addition of pigment.

6 Determination of water-soluble content

6.1 Total content
The determination of the water-soluble content shall be performed in accordance with EN ISO 787-3. In
aqueous pigment preparations the quantity to be used is chosen so that it contains the amount of solids

Page 9
EN 12878:1999
indicated in EN ISO 787-3 (2 g to 20 g).

6.2 Water-soluble halides and other anions precipitated by Ag+

Conduct the test for water soluble halides and other anions precipitated by Ag+ in accordance with ISO 78713 1), or an equivalent test method agreed between the interested parties, in conjunction with EN ISO 787-3.
For aqueous pigment preparations, the quantity to be used is chosen so that it contains the amount of solids
indicated in EN ISO 787-3 (2 g to 20 g).

7 Total chlorine content

The test shall be carried out in accordance with the test procedure of ISO 1158 except that the accurately
weighted sample shall be approximately 0,25 g of the dry material and that the silver nitrate and ammonium
thiocyanate solutions are 0,01 mol/l (0,01N).

8 Determination of relative colour strength

8.1 General remarks
The relative colour strength attained in coloured cement and lime bound construction materials is
determined by means of the following special test methods:
Pigments in powder form shall be tested by dry mixing with a white material in fine powder form, in
accordance with 8.2, or by wet mixing, in accordance with 8.3 or 8.4. The relative colour strength of
aqueous pigment preparations and granulates shall be tested in accordance with 8.3, or in a wet mix with
cement in accordance with 8.4. Testing may be carried out in accordance with alternative test methods with
a proven correlation to the standard methods.
The test method 8.4 is the reference method.
The measurement of colour strength is carried out well below the point of colour saturation in a given
formulation. This is the point at which an increase in pigment content produces no noticeable change in
colour intensity.

8.2 Determination of relative colour strength in barytes or white Portland cement CEM I
(dry mix)
8.2.1 Equipment and test materials
8.2.1.1

Analytical balance, capable of weighing to the nearest 0,1 mg.

8.2.1.2

200 ml jars, thick-walled, for shaking the mix.

8.2.1.3

Stainless steel balls, 5 mm 0,5 mm in diameter.

8.2.1.4

Stopwatch.

8.2.1.5

Sieve, for separating the stainless steel balls.

8.2.1.6

Spatula.

8.2.1.7

Paper with rough surface texture.

8.2.1.8

Barytes of 1 m2/g to 2 m2/g specific surface area measured by the BET method as described
in ISO 9277, or white Portland cement CEM I.

8.2.1.9

Pigment in powder form, to be used as a reference sample.

8.2.1.10

Mechanical sieve machine or shaker.

8.2.2 Test procedure

Weigh into the shaker jar (8.2.1.2) 0,1 g to 0,5 g, weighed to the nearest 0,1 mg of the pigment sample and
10,00 g of the white material (8.2.1.8). After adding 200 stainless steel balls (8.2.1.3), mix for 3 min with the
mechanical sieve machine or shaker (8.2.1.10). If a suitable machine is not available the jar may be handshaken until a thorough mix is obtained. Abraded glass shaking jars and corroded steel balls shall be
discarded.

) ISO 787-13 addresses the determination of water-soluble chloride, which by calculation includes
the determination of the anions precipitated by Ag+.

Page 10
EN 12878:1999
Sieve the contents of the jar to remove the stainless steel balls. The resultant dry powder mix has to appear
without streaks when spread and smoothed out with the spatula (8.2.1.6) on the rough paper (8.2.1.7). If
streaks are apparent the test shall be repeated using a longer shaking time.
Prepare a mix of the reference sample (8.2.1.9) in a similar manner.
To determine the colour strength, place the mixes alongside each other on the paper and draw down with
the spatula, so that the mixes touch but do not intermix.
Compare the drawdowns visually and, if different, adjust the amount of pigment in the test mix and repeat
until parity with the reference sample mix is achieved.
8.2.3 Calculation of result

Calculate the relative colour strength F, in %, of the pigment tested, using the equation:

where

mR

is the mass of the reference sample, in g, in the mix;

mT

is the mass, in g, of the test pigment, in the mix.

NOTE: In this equation a stronger pigment relative to the reference sample will give a value
exceeding 100 %.

8.3 Determination of relative colour strength in barytes (wet mix)

8.3.1 Equipment and test materials

As indicated in 8.2, together with

8.3.1.1

Film applicator/ drawdown bar, giving a wet film thickness of 500 m.

8.3.1.2

Glass plates.

8.3.1.3

Forced-air drying oven.

8.3.1.4

Aqueous preparation (or pigment in powder or granular form) and a reference sample.

8.3.1.5

Tap water.

8.3.2 Test procedure

Weigh into the shaker jar (8.2.1.2) 0,3 g to 1,5 g, weighed to the nearest 0,1 mg, of the pigment sample and
30,00 g of barytes (8.2.1.8). Add 300 stainless steel balls (8.2.1.3) and sufficient water (8.3.1.5) to produce
a free flowing suspension. The suspension shall separate easily from the stainless steel balls and be easily
drawn down.
Shake the jar as described in 8.2.2.
Sieve the aqueous suspension directly after the shake cycle.
Draw out the aqueous suspension on a glass plate (8.3.1.2), using the film applicator (8.3.1.1), and dry in
the oven (8.3.1.3) at 105 C 5 C for 15 min. Scrape the dried mixture from the glass plate and follow the
dry mix procedure in accordance with 8.2.2; mix for 1 min to pulverize the mix.
Prepare a mix using the reference sample in similar manner and compare.
Compare the drawdowns visually and, if different, adjust the amount of pigment in the test mix and repeat
until parity with the reference sample mix is achieved.
Calculate the test results in accordance with 8.2.3.

Page 11
EN 12878:1999

8.4 Determination of relative colour strength in white Portland cement mortar (wet mix)
8.4.1 Test procedure

Mortar test pieces are made using the pigment to be tested and the reference sample. After curing, the test
pieces are split and their split faces are compared.
8.4.2 Preparation of test pieces

The making of the mortar mix and the preparation, compaction and storage of the test pieces are all
performed in accordance with EN 196-1. Cement from the same batch shall be used for the pigment to be
tested and for the reference sample.
The following deviations from EN 196-1 are permitted:
-

The prescribed work area climate need not be adhered to.

Smaller test mixes may be used provided that they have the same ratio of ingredients.

The amount of pigment to be used will normally lie between 1 % and 5 % by mass of dry solids on
the basis of the cement.

The norm sand may be substituted by a clean sand passing a 2 mm sieve and retained on a 63 m
sieve, both in accordance with ISO 3310-1.

To optimize dispersion of the pigment, whether a powder, granule or a liquid preparation, it is

recommended that the sand and the pigment should be dispersed first and mixed for 20 s. Then
add the water, mix for 20 s, add the cement, and continue mixing for a further 30 s to 60 s; the
same procedure shall be used for the reference sample.

The water content of liquid preparations shall be taken into account in the mix design.

The mould should provide a cross-sectional area of not less than 30 mm by 30 mm. Other suitable
moulds may be used instead of the steel mould.

If a vibration-table or shock-table is not available, the effect may be simulated by repeatedly tapping
the mould on a hard surface. To deaerate the mix, the mould should be filled and compacted in
stages.

If an humidified air chamber is not available for curing the test pieces, they may be stored for up to
48 h at ambient temperature in a desiccator filled to just below the support plate with water.

The test sample and the reference sample shall be compacted and cured under identical conditions.

8.4.3 Evaluation of test

After curing for an additional 24 h under ambient conditions, split the test and the reference pieces and
visually assess the colour strength of the split faces. If different, adjust the amount of pigment in the test mix
and repeat 8.4.2 (with a new reference sample) until parity with the reference sample mix is achieved.
Calculate the test result in accordance with 8.2.3.

9 Determination of alkali stability of a pigment

9.1 General remarks
The test assesses the stability of pigments against the alkalinity of cement- and/or lime- based materials
without the influence of outdoor weathering.

9.2 Preparation of test pieces

Prepare the test pieces in accordance with 8.4.2 using a cement as specified in 5.3.

9.3 Test procedure

Take the test pieces out of the mould after 24 h curing, place them in a desiccator filled with water to just
below the supporting plate, and store for 6 days.
Store for a further 6 days in a covered glass or plastic container completely filled with water; replace the
water after 2 days and after 4 days.
Allow the test pieces to dry for 3 days at room temperature in air, avoiding exposure to direct sunlight. At
the same time prepare fresh reference pieces for comparison purposes. Cure for 24 h, take out of the mould
and allow to dry for 2 days in air at room temperature, avoiding exposure to direct sunlight.

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EN 12878:1999
Split the test and reference pieces and compare visually, both on the split face and the smooth surfaces.
If necessary, remove efflorescence by washing with diluted (approximately 5 %) hydrochloric or formic acid,
thoroughly rewash with water and dry.
The pigment is regarded as being alkali stable if the test sample has remained similar to the reference
sample.
Different cements can lead to a lightening of the split faces of the specimen as a result of the ongoing
hydration process. Should testing point to an unsatisfactory colour stability of the pigment in the cement, the
test shall be repeated using a pigment with established colour stability to determine whether the lightening
of the split face is traceable to the hydration of the cement.

10 Evaluation of resistance to weathering of pigments in building materials

Resistance to weathering is evaluated by comparing a weathered specimen with an unweathered reference
specimen (see table 5); the test method shall be agreed between the interested parties (see Annex A.3).
Outdoor weathering shall be the reference method. The following basic rules apply:
-

The test shall be conducted in the same building material to be coloured by the pigment.

If several pigments are tested in relation to each other the test specimen shall be produced in an
identical manner.

Test specimen shall be free of coatings on their weather-exposed surfaces; for example pigmented
or transparent acrylate coatings, mould release oils, water repellent impregnations (e.g. silicones),
etc.

Reference specimen used for comparison shall be stored dry and in the dark. During the course of
time a small degree of efflorescence may occur. This should be taken into account when comparing
test and reference specimens.

The test specimen shall be exposed at an angle of 45 degrees, facing south.

To avoid misinterpretation of the results, the first evaluation of the test specimen shall not take
place until the unavoidable efflorescence has been removed by weathering. Experience
demonstrates that this is usually the case after two years. This is recommended as the minimum
exposure period subject to the agreement by the two parties.

Exposure in one weathering location allows a reliable statement with respect to the resistance to
weathering for that location only. If results are to be generalized, then test specimen shall be placed
in different climatic and environmental conditions.

If admixtures are added this shall be mentioned in the test report.

11 Evaluation of heat stability

The evaluation of the heat stability of a pigment is only required if it is exposed to a temperature exceeding
80 C during the manufacture of the building material. The test method shall be agreed between the
interested parties.
The heat stability of a pigment can play a role during the manufacture of building materials by a production
process involving elevated temperature (e.g. autoclave curing). Such processes cannot be simulated by
simple laboratory tests.

12 Specific test report

The specific test report shall at least contain the following information:
a) all details necessary to identify both the pigment tested and the reference pigment, including references
to any relevant pigment standard (see Annex B);
b) a reference to this standard (EN 12878);
c) the initial test results or the latest biennial test results, in accordance with tables 1 and/or 2, and the
name of the nationally approved laboratory;
d) the results of testing in accordance with tables 3 and/or 4;
e) the results of testing in accordance with table 5 (if applicable);
f) any deviation from the specified test methods;
g) test dates.

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EN 12878:1999

Annex A (informative)
Explanations
A.1 Reference to 8.2 "Determination of relative colour strength in barytes or white Portland cement
CEM I (dry mix)"

Prior to testing, the suitability of the white Portland cement should be confirmed by making several mixes
at the same pigment loading using different shake times and comparing the results. If the colour strength
of a mix drops noticeably after a shake duration of about 10 min the white material is unsuitable.
The sensitivity of a pigment to grinding may also be a problem, although this phenomenon is rare with
inorganic pigments. Breakdown of pigment particles is recognized by an apparent change in hue and colour
strength as dispersion time increases. In such cases, any other method of determining colour strength also
becomes problematic.
Aqueous pigment preparations have a limited storage life due to their tendency to settle. They are therefore
not suitable for long term use as a reference sample.
A.2 Reference to clause 9 "Determination of alkali stability of a pigment"

Because of the longer curing time, exposed faces of split test pieces contain a higher proportion of fractured
aggregate particles than the younger reference pieces. Because of the inherent colour of the split aggregate,
comparative visual assessment becomes more difficult.
A.3 Reference to clause 10 "Evaluation of resistance to weathering of pigments in building
materials"

The term resistance to weathering includes phenomena such as chemical stability (e.g. some ultramarine
blues), light fastness (most organic pigments) and erosion of pigment particles from the cement matrix.
The result of the resistance to outdoor weathering test is dependent on several factors (e.g. composition of
the concrete, water cement ratio, compaction, admixtures etc) which influence the degree of efflorescence.
Any residual efflorescence affect the result.
Use of a single cement mortar as the test medium and/or outdoor exposure at a single location does not
give results that can be generalized.
Accelerated and/or artificial weathering test(s) may be agreed between the interested parties.
To date, no laboratory test procedure has been identified which satisfactorily reproduces the effects of
natural weathering.

Annex B (informative)
International Standards on particular pigments

The following International Standards currently exist for particular pigments suitable for use in building
materials based on cement and/or lime:
ISO/DIS 591 : 1998
Titanium dioxide pigments for paints - Specifications and methods of test
ISO 788 : 1974 Ultramarine pigments for paints
ISO 1248 : 1974 Iron oxide pigments for paints
ISO/DIS 1248-2 : 1996
Iron oxide pigments - Specifications and methods of test
ISO 4621 : 1986
Chrome oxide green pigments for paints - Specifications and methods of test

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La pubblicazione della presente norma avviene con la partecipazione volontaria dei Soci,
dellIndustria e dei Ministeri.
Riproduzione vietata - Legge 22 aprile 1941 N 633 e successivi aggiornamenti.