ASTM D1574-22

Standard Test Method for Extractable Matter in Wool and Other Animal Fibers

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Test Method D1574 is considered satisfactory for acceptance testing since the method has been used extensively in the trade for acceptance testing.  
5.1.1 In case of a dispute arising from differences in reported test results when using Test Method D1574 for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, the purchaser and the supplier should conduct comparative tests to determine if there is a statistical bias between their laboratories. Competent statistical assistance is recommended for the investigation of bias. As a minimum, the two parties should take a group of test specimens that are as homogeneous as possible and that are from a lot of material of the type in question. The test specimens should then be randomly assigned in equal numbers to each laboratory for testing. The average results from the two laboratories should be compared using Student's t-test for unpaired data and an acceptable probability level chosen by the two parties before the testing is begun. If a bias is found, either its cause must be found and corrected or the purchaser and the supplier must agree to interpret future test results in the light of the known bias.  
5.2 This test method may be used to estimate the quantity of oil, grease, and waxy materials remaining on or in wool fibers after scouring, or the quantity of lubricant added before carding or remaining after carding, or the quantity of such materials added or removed in subsequent processing operations.  
5.3 The residues obtained in this test may be subjected to chemical analysis for identification and assay of the component materials, if desired.  
5.4 The specified solvent in this test method does not remove some materials, such as soaps, that may be present in wool and hence in some cases may reflect more closely the added content of some extractables in wool such as oils. When such materials are present and an estimate of their quantity is desired, some other solvent or combination of solvents should be used as spec...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the amount of extractable matter in samples of all forms of wool, except grease wool, that is extractable with a non-flammable vapor degreasing and cleaning solvent.  
1.2 This test method does not cover the determination of the amounts of different components in the extracted matter nor their identification.  
1.3 This test method is suitable for use with other animal fibers.  
Note 1: The determination of extractable matter in yarns and in felts is covered in Test Methods D2257 and D461. For the determination of alcohol-extractable matter in oven-dry scoured wool, refer to Test Methods D584 and D1334.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.5 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. See 5.4 and Note 3.  
1.6 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: 31-May-2022
• ICS: 59.060.10 - Natural fibres
• Technical Committee: D13 - Textiles
• Drafting Committee: D13.13 - Wool and Felt

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D4845-10(2018) - Standard Terminology Relating to Wool
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM D1334-18 - Standard Test Method for Wool Content of Raw Wool—Commercial Scale
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM D584-10(2018) - Standard Test Method for Wool Content of Raw Wool—Laboratory Scale
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM D123-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2017
• Refers: ASTM D123-15b - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-15a - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-13a - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-13ae1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM D2257-98(2012) - Standard Test Method for Extractable Matter in Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2012
• Refers: ASTM D123-12 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2012
• Refers: ASTM D123-12e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2012
• Refers: ASTM D584-10 - Standard Test Method for Wool Content of Raw Wool-Laboratory Scale
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2010
• Refers: ASTM D4845-10 - Standard Terminology Relating to Wool
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2010

Overview

ASTM D1574-22 – Standard Test Method for Extractable Matter in Wool and Other Animal Fibers – provides a reliable and widely accepted procedure to determine the amount of extractable matter, such as oil, grease, and wax, in samples of processed wool and other animal fibers except grease wool. This test method employs a non-flammable vapor degreasing and cleaning solvent to extract matter from the fibers. The standard is recognized for its practical application in quality control, acceptance testing, and material characterization within the wool and textile industries. Developed according to internationally recognized principles, ASTM D1574-22 contributes to consistent global trade and quality assurance practices.

Key Topics

• Scope of Determination

  • Quantifies total extractable matter using a standard solvent, but does not separate the components or identify them.
  • Applicable to all forms of wool (excluding grease wool) and other animal fibers.
  • Provides guidance on dispute resolution and statistical analysis in case of divergent results between laboratories.

• Procedure Highlights

  • Extraction uses a Soxhlet apparatus and a specified halogenated hydrocarbon solvent.
  • The method involves precise weighing, extraction, drying, and calculation of extractable matter as a percentage of the specimen’s oven-dry mass.
  • Special procedures address correction for volatile components.

• Limitations

  • Does not determine or identify individual extractable substances.
  • Some materials such as soaps may not be fully removed by the specified solvent, potentially requiring alternate solvents for specific cases.
  • The responsibility for safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance lies with the user.

• Statistical Considerations

  • Recommends comparative testing and statistical evaluation (e.g., Student’s t-test) in the event of differing laboratory results.
  • Provides details on the method’s precision and guidelines for interpreting data from interlaboratory comparisons.

Applications

• Acceptance Testing

  • Extensively used for quality assurance in acceptance testing of wool and other animal fiber shipments.

• Process Control

  • Assess residual oils, greases, or waxes after scouring, carding, or other processing operations.
  • Track the effectiveness of cleaning and finishing steps in wool processing.

• Material Characterization

  • Determines the approximate content of added lubricants and waxes to evaluate product performance.
  • Supports compliance with commercial specifications in the textile supply chain.

• Comparative Analysis

  • The results can indicate changes in process variables and aid in troubleshooting product issues related to contaminant or finish levels.

• Laboratory Consistency

  • Provides a foundation for laboratories to harmonize testing and interpretation practices, reducing dispute risks between suppliers and purchasers.

Related Standards

For broader analytical requirements or different material forms, the following ASTM standards are relevant:

• ASTM D2257 – Test Method for Extractable Matter in Textiles (includes yarns)
• ASTM D461 – Test Methods for Felt (Withdrawn)
• ASTM D584, D1334 – Methods for alcohol-extractable matter in oven-dry scoured wool
• ASTM D4845 – Terminology Relating to Wool
• ASTM D123 – Terminology Relating to Textiles

Practical Value

By following ASTM D1574-22, textile manufacturers, labs, and buyers ensure consistent, reproducible measurement of extractable matter in wool and animal fibers. This supports product quality, addresses regulatory requirements, and facilitates the resolution of disputes in commercial transactions. The standard’s procedures are integral to the global wool trade, enhancing transparency, trust, and efficiency across the textile industry.

Keywords: ASTM D1574-22, extractable matter, wool testing, animal fibers, textile standards, oil content, quality control, acceptance testing, fiber processing.

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: D1574 − 22
Standard Test Method for
Extractable Matter in Wool and Other Animal Fibers
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1574; 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 D461 Test Methods for Felt (Withdrawn 2003)
D584 Test Method for Wool Content of Raw Wool—
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the amount
Laboratory Scale
of extractable matter in samples of all forms of wool, except
D1334 Test Method for Wool Content of Raw Wool—
grease wool, that is extractable with a non-flammable vapor
Commercial Scale
degreasing and cleaning solvent.
D2257 Test Method for Extractable Matter in Textiles
1.2 This test method does not cover the determination of the
D2462 Test Method for Moisture in Wool by Distillation
amounts of different components in the extracted matter nor
With Toluene (Withdrawn 2022)
their identification.
D4845 Terminology Relating to Wool
1.3 This test method is suitable for use with other animal
3. Terminology
fibers.
3.1 Definitions:
NOTE 1—The determination of extractable matter in yarns and in felts
3.1.1 For definitions of textile terms used in this test
is covered in Test Methods D2257 and D461. For the determination of
alcohol-extractable matter in oven-dry scoured wool, refer to Test Meth- method: animal fiber, extractable matter, grease wool, recycled
ods D584 and D1334.
wool, wool and wool, refer to Terminology D4845.
3.2 For definitions of other textile terms used in this test
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
method, refer to Terminology D123.
standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are
provided for information only and are not considered standard.
4. Summary of Test Method
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.1 The specimen is extracted in a Soxhlet apparatus with a
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
specified halogenated hydrocarbon solvent. The extract is
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
filtered, the solvent is evaporated, and both the residue and the
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
extracted specimen are dried and weighed. The amount of
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
extractable matter is calculated and reported as a percentage of
See 5.4 and Note 3.
the oven-dry mass of the wool specimen, that is, the mass of
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
the oven-dried extracted specimen plus the mass of the
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
oven-dried extracted material.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.2 Special procedures are provided to correct for errors in
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
determiningtheamountofextractablematterassummarizedin
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.1 if it is known or thought to contain volatile components.
2. Referenced Documents 5. Significance and Use
2.1 ASTM Standards: 5.1 Test Method D1574 is considered satisfactory for ac-
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles ceptance testing since the method has been used extensively in
the trade for acceptance testing.
5.1.1 In case of a dispute arising from differences in
1 reported test results when using Test Method D1574 for
This test method is under the jursidiction ofASTM Committee D13 on Textiles
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.13 on Wool and Felt. acceptance testing of commercial shipments, the purchaser and
CurrenteditionapprovedJune1,2022.PublishedJuly2022.Originallyapproved
the supplier should conduct comparative tests to determine if
in 1958. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D1574 – 04(2013) which was
there is a statistical bias between their laboratories. Competent
withdrawn January 2022 and reinstated June 2022. DOI: 10.1520/D1574-22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D1574 − 22
statistical assistance is recommended for the investigation of 6.4 Filter Paper, medium speed, retentive, in large sheets,
bias.As a minimum, the two parties should take a group of test 580 mm by 580 mm (23 in. by 23 in.), or in circles large
specimens that are as homogeneous as possible and that are enough to form a thimble of a size to fit the apparatus, or as an
from a lot of material of the type in question. The test alternative, a cellulose extraction thimble.
specimens should then be randomly assigned in equal numbers
6.5 Weighing Containers, of perforated metal if weighing of
to each laboratory for testing.The average results from the two
the specimen is to be performed in the drying enclosure; or
laboratories should be compared using Student’s t-test for
containers that can be hermetically sealed (such as glass
unpaireddataandanacceptableprobabilitylevelchosenbythe
weighingbottles)ifthespecimenistobecooledinadesiccator
two parties before the testing is begun. If a bias is found, either
before weighing in the ambient atmosphere.
its cause must be found and corrected or the purchaser and the
6.6 Balance, having a capacity adequate for weighing
supplier must agree to interpret future test results in the light of
specimens, flasks, and containers and having a sensitivity of
the known bias.
0.001 g.
5.2 This test method may be used to estimate the quantity of
6.7 Solvent—Ensolv.
oil, grease, and waxy materials remaining on or in wool fibers
afterscouring,orthequantityoflubricantaddedbeforecarding
7. Sampling
or remaining after carding, or the quantity of such materials
7.1 Lot Sample—As a lot sample for acceptance testing,
added or removed in subsequent processing operations.
unless otherwise agreed upon between purchaser and supplier,
5.3 The residues obtained in this test may be subjected to
take at random the number of packages of wool from a lot as
chemicalanalysisforidentificationandassayofthecomponent
directed in Table 1. Consider packages of wool as the primary
materials, if desired.
sampling unit.
5.4 The specified solvent in this test method does not
7.2 Laboratory Sample—Consider the package of wool in
remove some materials, such as soaps, that may be present in
the lot sample as the laboratory sample.
wool and hence in some cases may reflect more closely the
7.3 Test Specimen—From each package in the laboratory
added content of some extractables in wool such as oils. When
sample take at random two specimens each weighing 10 61g.
such materials are present and an estimate of their quantity is
7.3.1 If the determination of volatile matter in extractables,
desired, some other solvent or combination of solvents should
as described in 9.5.2, is to be undertaken, weigh the test
beusedasspecifiedinamaterialspecificationorbyagreement.
specimen to the nearest 0.001 g and record this mass as T.This
TheinformationintheAnnexofthistestmethodmaybeuseful
specimen is for extraction.
for this purpose. Various solvents have been used in the past,
7.3.2 For each test specimen taken for extraction, take a
and are still used to some extent. Many of these solvents are
second test specimen for moisture determination, weighing
undesirable, however, because of flammability, toxic or anes-
between50and70g.Weightothenearest0.05gthesametime
thetic effects, or unpleasant odors. Trichlorotrifluoroethane is
the extraction test specimen is weighed so that the moisture
nonflammable, has a very low level of toxicity, and a high
content of the two specimens at the time of weighing will be
degree of stability and is a good solvent for most fatty or
identical.
mineral oils, greases, and waxes. The specified solvent, under
conditions of the test, was found in interlaboratory test not to
8. Conditioning
extract wool protein.
8.1 Neither preconditioning nor conditioning is necessary.
NOTE2—Sincethespecifiedsolventisprimarilyasolventforoilsrather
than soap, the extractable matter obtained in this procedure may be
9. Procedure
considered a measure of commercial oil content.
9.1 Wrap the specimen in a single sheet of fresh filter paper
NOTE 3—Due to the hazardous nature of some of the solvents listed in
(or place in an extraction thimble free of matter extractable by
Table A1.1, the user should refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations
for use before using under the conditions of this test method.
6. Apparatus and Reagents
Whatman Filter Paper No. 2, or its equivalent, has been found satisfactory for
6.1 Soxhlet Extraction Apparatus, including an extraction this test method.
This solvent is available from Enviro Tech International Inc., West LeMoyne,
tube, condenser, and flask. A large extraction tube having a
Melrose Park, IL 60160 (www.ensolv.com).
standard-taper joints T55/50 and 24/40 and a 300 mL flask are
recommended, but any size capable of holding at least a 10 g
TABLE 1 Sampling Schedule for Wool in Package
specimen is satisfactory.
Number of Packages Number of Packages
6.2 Heater for Extraction Apparatus, preferably electric, in Lot in Lot Sample
thermostatically controlled, and of a design that avoids direct
1to3 all
4to24 4
heating of the flask above the lowest solution level.
25 to 50 5
more than 50 10% of the packages
6.3 Drying Oven, ventilated either by natural convection or
with a maximum
forced draft, thermostatically controlled and maintained at
of 8
105 °C 6 3 °C throughout the oven chamber.
D1574 − 22
the specified solvent) and insert the assemblage in the extrac- determine the total quantity of extractables including the
tion tube. Make certain that all open edges of the filter paper or volatile fraction, the following procedure may be used:
thimble extend above the siphon tube. 9.5.2.1 Using the second test specimen intended for mois-
ture testing (see 7.3.2), determine the true-moisture content
9.2 Attach to the extraction tube a 300 mL flask that has
usingTest Method D2462.This procedure determines moisture
previously been dried at 105 °C 6 3 °C, cooled in a desiccator,
independent of volatile matter, which would be lost in an
and weighed to the nearest 1 mg.
oven-drying procedure.
9.3 Slowly pour sufficient solvent over the specimen to start
(1) Test Method D2462 is not applicable to material known
thesiphoningaction.(Ifathimbleisusedtoholdthespecimen,
to contain any steam distillable water-soluble matter. If it is
pour the solvent onto the specimen within the thimble). When
suspected that such matter is present, the method should be
the siphoning has stopped add another 20 mL of solvent.
used with caution.
Connect the extraction tube to the condenser, place the flask on
9.5.2.2 Extract the first test specimen as described in Sec-
the heater, and extract for 20 siphon cycles.Adjust the heat so
tion 9, having determined the mass T of the test specimen
that the total time taken for 20 siphon cycles is 100 6 10 min.
before extraction (see 7.3.1), and the mass W of the oven-dried
NOTE 4—The specified solvent, Ensolv, boils at 69 °C at sea level. test specimen after extraction.
However, at higher elevations the boiling point is reduced and care must
9.5.2.3 Rationale—Extractable matter, as calculated using
be taken to ensure the specified rate of siphoning.
Eq 4, consists of non-volatile matter only. When the percent of
9.4 Following the twentieth cycle of siphoning, remove the
true-moisture, X, is determined as directed in 9.5.2.1, the
flask and the extraction tube from the heater. Pull the specimen
corresponding mass of moisture, U, can be calculated. When
andfilterpaper(thimble)uptothemouthoftheextractiontube
the weighed test specimen has been extracted and oven-dried,
and allow to drain until a state of dripping only is observed.
its mass, W, is determined. But W is
...