ASTM D127 Drop Melting Point of Petroleum Wax Including Petrolatum
Different petroleum waxes soften at different temperatures. When formulating wax-containing lubricants such as mold-release agents, rope lubricants and lubricants for skis or skateboards, petroleum wax components may be selected based on softening points. This test measures the temperature at which a sample softens enough to drop from a thermometer bulb (the drop melting point) of petrolatums and waxes.
The sample is melted. A chilled thermometer is dipped into the sample to coat the bulb and then placed in cold water to solidify the sample. The thermometer is jacketed and placed in a water bath. The water bath is slowly heated until a drop of sample falls from the thermometer. The temperature is reported in ºC.