Alkali Reserve Test

Alkali Reserve Test

Paper-based materials must include an alkali reserve of at least 2% calcium carbonate (CaCO3). The alkali reserve has the ability to capture acids that may be in the air, the photograph, or in the material itself. Its useful life, however, is limited since it is consumed as it reacts with acid. IPI tests for alkali reserve of paper by soaking a sample in water, in the same manner as for the pH test, and then measuring the amount of acid necessary to neutralize the alkali buffering. This test determines the percent alkali reserve of the paper. Alkali reserves are added to paper and paperboards to neutralize acids that are created or absorbed as the paper deteriorates over time. All test results are confidential.

What We Need

For the alkali reserve test, the customer shall provide IPI with 10 grams of each material submitted for testing. Please name or code your samples so that we have a reference by which to communicate the test results. Our test reports will refer only to your specific label.

The alkali reserve test is a destructive test; sample materials cannot be returned.

Materials for testing should be shipped to:

Rochester Institute of Technology/IPI
Attn: IPI Testing Services
70 Lomb Memorial Drive, GAN-2000
Rochester, NY 14623-5604
(585) 475-5199

Pricing

Alkali Reserve Test
First two samples inclusive (minimum charge) $600
Each additional samples (sent at same time) $300
Cold Extraction pH Test and Alkali Reserve Package
First two samples inclusive (minimum charge) $900
Each additional samples (sent at same time) $450

Questions about testing? Get in touch!

ipitesting@rit.edu Email Us