ASTM D586-23

Standard Test Method for Ash and Organic Matter Content of Degradable Erosion Control Products

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The ash content of the degradable ECP may consist of various residues from chemicals used in its manufacture, metallic matter from piping and machinery, mineral matter in the ECP fibers from which the degradable ECP was made, and filling, coating, pigmenting or other added materials. The amount and composition of the ash is a function of the presence or absence of any of these materials or others singly or in combination. No specific qualitative meaning is attached to the term “ash” as used in this test method.  
5.2 In most cases, the ash content of ECPs will contain inorganic residues from the ECP fibers, inorganic residues from any added chemicals, and loading or filling materials deliberately added.  
5.3 For ECP fibers containing cellulose and clays, or materials having variable chemical composition, variable thermal decomposition behavior, or both, the ash level may necessitate significant confirmation regarding the materials added.
Note 1: The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the ash and organic matter contents of degradable Erosion Control Products (ECPs) by ignition at 900 ± 25°C. This test method is primarily used to determine the ash and organic matter contents of degradable erosion control products (ECPs) to satisfy specifications set forth by various agencies.  
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.  
1.3.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded and calculated in the standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering data.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Dec-2023
• ICS: 13.080.01 - Soil quality and pedology in general
• Technical Committee: D18 - Soil and Rock
• Drafting Committee: D18.25 - Erosion and Sediment Control Technology

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D586-19 - Standard Test Method for Ash and Organic Matter Content of Degradable Erosion Control Products
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM D4753-24 - Standard Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D4753-15 - Standard Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
• Effective Date: 01-May-2015
• Referred By: ASTM D3394-16(2022) - Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Electrical Insulating Board
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D1968-22 - Standard Terminology Relating to Paper and Paper Products
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D202-23 - Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Untreated Paper Used for Electrical Insulation
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2023

Overview

ASTM D586-23 is the Standard Test Method for Ash and Organic Matter Content of Degradable Erosion Control Products (ECPs). Published by ASTM International, this standard provides detailed procedures for determining the ash and organic matter content of degradable ECPs through ignition at high temperature. The method is widely used to satisfy specifications required by governmental and environmental agencies and helps ensure product consistency, quality, and regulatory compliance within the erosion control industry.

This test is important for manufacturers, regulators, and users of degradable ECPs, as it quantifies the inorganic (ash) and organic matter content in products used for soil erosion prevention.

Key Topics

• Purpose of Testing: The test method measures the ash and organic matter content to assess the composition of degradable ECPs, which may include fibers, mineral additives, chemical residues, coatings, pigments, and fillers.
• Testing Procedure Highlights:
  • Representative sampling techniques for packaged and rolled ECPs
  • Preparation and handling of test specimens
  • Use of controlled ignition at 900 ± 25°C in a muffle furnace
  • Determination of water content, followed by ash content, using precise weighing methods
  • Calculation of results according to standard rounding and significant digit practices
• Interpretation of Results:
  • Ash content reflects the total inorganic residue after combustion, not specifying individual compounds
  • Organic matter is calculated based on material lost during combustion
• Quality Considerations: The accuracy of results relies on the competence of personnel and the suitability of equipment, in line with ASTM D3740.

Applications

• Product Verification: Used by manufacturers and regulatory bodies to verify the physical composition of degradable erosion control products, ensuring compliance with public and private project specifications.
• Research and Development: Assists in R&D for optimizing the formulation of fiber- or filler-rich ECPs, including those containing cellulose, clays, and other materials.
• Quality Assurance & Supplier Evaluation: Serves as a key test for assessing batch consistency and evaluating suppliers and production processes.
• Environmental Compliance: Supports documentation for approvals when specifying ECPs in soil stabilization and sediment control projects.

Common product applications include:

• Silt fences
• Erosion control blankets and mats
• Fiber rolls and wattles
• Biodegradable nettings

Related Standards

Several ASTM standards are referenced or associated with ASTM D586-23. Understanding these can help ensure comprehensive testing and reporting:

• ASTM D653 − Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• ASTM D3740 − Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock
• ASTM D4753 − Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses
• ASTM D6026 − Using Significant Digits and Data Records in Geotechnical Data

Practical Value

Implementing ASTM D586-23 provides tangible benefits for manufacturers, contractors, engineers, and regulators:

• Ensures Consistency: Confirms that ECPs meet specified levels of ash and organic matter, reducing variability in field performance
• Supports Regulatory Approval: Facilitates acceptance of products by transportation, environmental, and construction authorities
• Enhances Sustainability: Ensures the degradability of ECPs by quantifying organic content critical to environmental performance
• Reduces Risk: Helps identify improper manufacturing or contamination, minimizing the risk of specification non-compliance

By adhering to ASTM D586-23, stakeholders in the erosion and sediment control industry support reliable, safe, and environmentally responsible infrastructure practices.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D586 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Ash and Organic Matter Content of Degradable Erosion
Control Products
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D586; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the ash and
2.1 ASTM Standards:
organic matter contents of degradable Erosion Control Prod- D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
ucts (ECPs) by ignition at 900 6 25°C. This test method is
Fluids
primarily used to determine the ash and organic matter contents D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
of degradable erosion control products (ECPs) to satisfy Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
specifications set forth by various agencies. Used in Engineering Design and Construction
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
Construction Materials Testing
standard.
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Re-
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
cords in Geotechnical Data
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
Practice D6026.
3. Terminology
1.3.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/
3.1 Definitions:
recorded and calculated in the standard are regarded as the
3.1.1 For definitions of common technical terms used in this
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the
standard, refer to Terminology D653.
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce-
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
4. Summary of Test Method
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider-
ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to
4.1 This test method is used to determine the average
increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be
percent ash and organic matter content of a degradable ECP. At
commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope
least three test specimens are obtained from a representative
of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis
sample. One specimen is used to determine the water content
methods for engineering data.
which is used in calculating the moisture-free mass. Two or
more specimens are used to determine the average ash content.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.2 A test specimen of known mass used to determine the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
ash content is placed inside a muffle furnace at 900 6 25°C for
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
a period of time until it is completely combusted. The
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
remaining material after combustion is ash. This process is
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
repeated at least twice, such that the average ash content and a
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
calculation for organic material for the degradable ECP is
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
determined.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5. Significance and Use
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.1 The ash content of the degradable ECP may consist of
various residues from chemicals used in its manufacture,
metallic matter from piping and machinery, mineral matter in
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.25 on Erosion and
the ECP fibers from which the degradable ECP was made, and
Sediment Control Technology.
filling, coating, pigmenting or other added materials. The
Current edition approved Dec. 15, 2023. Published December 2023. Originally
amount and composition of the ash is a function of the presence
approved in 1940. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as D586 – 19. DOI:
10.1520/D0586-23. or absence of any of these materials or others singly or in
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D586 − 23
combination. No specific qualitative meaning is attached to the bale or roll of degradable ECP that has no visible signs of tears,
term “ash” as used in this test method. rips, holes, or openings in the packaging. If the packaging is
damaged, do not use it for testing, as the moisture content will
5.2 In most cases, the ash content of ECPs will contain
be affected.
inorganic residues from the ECP fibers, inorganic residues
from any added chemicals, and loading or filling materials 7.2 Working quickly, cut open the bale and select 20 g from
deliberately added.
each the top, middle, and bottom ⁄3 of the bale for a total of 60
g. If the degradable ECP is in rolled form, obtain a represen-
5.3 For ECP fibers containing cellulose and clays, or mate-
tative sample by cutting a 1 m portion from the middle of roll.
rials having variable chemical composition, variable thermal
Wearing rubber or latex gloves, place the ECP in a mixing
decomposition behavior, or both, the ash level may necessitate
bowl and gently break the compressed fibers apart with your
significant confirmation regarding the materials added.
thumb and fingers. Mix thoroughly to make sure each of the
NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
test specimens are representative of the sample and cover the
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
bowl with a tight fitting lid to prevent changes in moisture
criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent
content.
and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are
cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure
7.3 From the representative sample, select at least three test
reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740
specimens: one for the water content determination (9.1) and at
provides a means of evaluating some of those factors
least two for determining the ash content (9.2).
6. Apparatus
8. Preparation of Apparatus
6.1 Crucible—A platinum container or dish with a lid or
cover is recommended; however, porcelain or silica crucibles
8.1 Water Content Container—Place the water content con-
may be used provided their mass does not change under the tainer with its lid on in the 105 6 3°C oven for 1 h. Then
ignition condition. The crucible shall have enough capacity to
remove it from the oven and cool it for 1 h in the desiccator.
hold the mass of the test specimen in whole. Typically, a
Wearing rubber or latex gloves, remove the container from the
crucible with a height and diameter of about 63.5 mm or
desiccator, quickly open and close the lid to allow pressure
similar is sufficient.
equalization. Zero the analytical balance and place the con-
tainer and lid on the balance. Record the mass of the container
6.2 Analytical Balance—Balances shall conform to the re-
plus lid, M , to the nearest 1 mg. Immediately proceed to 9.1.
t
quirements of Guide D4753.
6.2.1 To determine the mass of the specimen, the balance
8.2 Crucible—Thoroughly clean an empty crucible and
shall have readability without estimation of 0.1 mg or better.
place it in the 900 6 25°C muffle furnace for 30 to 60 min.
The capacity of this balance will need to exceed the mass of the
Then remove it from the muffle furnace and allow it to cool
container plus Erosion Control Product. In general, a balance
slightly (~15 to 20 min) before placing it in the desiccator.
with a minimum capacity of 100 g is sufficient.
Allow the crucible to cool to room temperature, then determine
and record the mass of the crucible, M , to the nearest 0.1 mg
6.3 Muffle Furnace—A furnace capable of producing and c
using the analytical balance. Immediately proceed to 9.2.
maintaining a constant temperature of 900 6 25°C and having
enough capacity to hold the crucible.
9. Procedure
6.4 Drying Oven—A vented, thermostatically controlled
9.1 Water Content Determination—Handle the specimen
oven capable of maintaining a uniform temperature of 105 6
and the container using tongs or clean, dry rubber/latex gloves.
3°C throughout the drying chamber. A forced-draft oven
From the representative sample, select a test specimen having
usually meets these requirements.
a mass of at least 2 g. A mass between 2 and 5 g is
6.5 Thermometric Device—A thermometric device(s) ca-
recommended. Immediately, within one to two seconds after
pable of measuring the temperature of the drying oven and the
separation from the representative sample, place the test
muffle furnace, readable to the nearest 1°C or better and having
specimen in the water content container prepared in 8.1 and
an accurac
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D586 − 19 D586 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Ash and Organic Matter Content of Degradable Erosion
Control Products
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D586; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope*
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the ash and organic matter contents of degradable Erosion Control Products
(ECPs) by ignition at 900°C.900 6 25°C. This test method is primarily used to determine the ash and organic matter contents of
degradable erosion control products (ECPs) to satisfy specifications set forth by various agencies.
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard.
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice
D6026.
1.3.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded and calculated in the standard are regarded as the industry
standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not
consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives;
and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations.
It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering data.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in
Engineering Design and Construction
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction
Materials Testing
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Records in Geotechnical Data
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.25 on Erosion and Sediment
Control Technology.
Current edition approved May 1, 2019Dec. 15, 2023. Published June 2019December 2023. Originally approved in 1940. Last previous edition approved in 19962019 as
D586 – 96D586 – 19., which was withdrawn May 2009 and reinstated in May 2019. DOI: 10.1520/D0586-19. DOI: 10.1520/D0586-23.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D586 − 23
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of common technical terms used in this standard, refer to Terminology D653.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This test method is used to determine the average percent ash and organic matter content of a degradable ECP. At least three
test specimens are obtained from a representative sample. One specimen is used to determine the water content which is used in
calculating the moisture-free mass. Two or more specimens are used to determine the average ash content.
4.2 A test specimen of known mass used to determine the ash content is placed inside a muffle furnace at 900 6 25°C for a period
of time until it is completely combusted. The remaining material after combustion is ash. This process is repeated at least twice,
such that the average ash content and a calculation for organic material for the degradable ECP is determined.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The ash content of the degradable ECP may consist of various residues from chemicals used in its manufacture, metallic matter
from piping and machinery, mineral matter in the ECP fibers from which the degradable ECP was made, and filling, coating,
pigmenting or other added materials. The amount and composition of the ash is a function of the presence or absence of any of
these materials or others singly or in combination. No specific qualitative meaning is attached to the term “ash” as used in this test
method.
5.2 In most cases, the ash content of ECPs will contain inorganic residues from the ECP fibers, inorganic residues from any added
chemicals, and loading or filling materials deliberately added.
5.3 For ECP fibers containing cellulose and clays, or materials having variable chemical composition, variable thermal
decomposition behavior, or both, the ash level may necessitate significant confirmation regarding the materials added.
NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the
equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective
testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable
results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors
6. Apparatus
6.1 Crucible—A platinum container or dish with a lid or cover is recommended; however, porcelain or silica crucibles may be used
provided their mass does not change under the ignition condition. The crucible shall have enough capacity to hold the mass of the
test specimen in whole. Typically, a crucible with a height and diameter of about 63.5 mm or similar is sufficient.
6.2 Analytical Balance—Balances shall conform to the requirements of Guide D4753.
6.2.1 To determine the mass of the specimen, the balance shall have readability without estimation of 0.1 mg or better. The
capacity of this balance will need to exceed the mass of the container plus Erosion Control Product. In general, a balance with a
minimum capacity of 100 g is sufficient.
6.3 Muffle Furnace—A furnace capable of producing and maintaining a constant temperature of 900 6 25°C and having enough
capacity to hold the crucible.
6.4 Drying Oven—A vented, thermostatically controlled oven capable of maintaining a uniform temperature of 105 6 3°C
throughout the drying chamber. A forced-draft oven usually meets these requirements.
6.5 Thermometric Device—A thermometric device(s) capable of measuring the temperature of the drying oven and the muffle
furnace, readable to the nearest 1°C or better and having an accuracy of at least 60.5°C.
D586 − 23
6.6 Water Content Container—A metal, glass, or porcelain container having a tight fitting lid with enough capacity to hold 2 to
5 g of degradable ECP.
6.7 Desiccator—A desiccant containing device of suitable size used to prevent moisture gain during cooling of the oven-dried
specimen, crucible, and containers. The desiccant shall be indicating-grade anhydrous alumina.
6.8 Miscellaneous Items—A mixing bowl with a tight fitting lid, Bunsen burner, tongs, and rubber or latex gloves are useful.
7. Sampling and Test Specimens
7.1 The representative sample to be used for determining ash content shall be obtained from a processed and packaged bale or
roll of degradable ECP that has no visible signs of tears, rips, holes, or openings in the packaging. If the packaging is damaged,
do not use it for testing, as the moisture content will be affected.
7.2 Working quickly, cut open the bale and select 20 g from each the top, middle, and bottom ⁄3 of the bale for a total of 60 g.
If the degradable ECP is in rolled form, obtain a representative sample by cutting a 1 m portion from the middle of roll. Wearing
rubber or latex gloves, place the ECP in a mixing bowl and gently break the compressed fibers apart with your thumb and fingers.
Mix thoroughly to make sure each of the test specimens are representative of the sample and cover the bowl with a tight fitting
lid to prevent changes in moisture content.
7.3 From the representative sample, select at least three test specimens: one for the water content determination (9.1) and at least
two for determining the ash content (9.2).
8. Preparation of Apparatus
8.1 Water Content Container—Place the water content container with its lid on in the 105 6 3°C oven for 1 h. Then remove it
from the oven and cool it for 1 h in the desiccator. Wearing rubber or latex gloves, remove the container from the desiccator,
quickly open and close the lid to allow pressure equalization. Zero the analytical balance and place the container and lid on the
balance. Record the mass of the container plus lid, M , to the nearest 1 mg. Immediately proceed to 9.1.
t
8.2 Crucible—Thoroughly clean an empty crucible and place it in the 900
...