ASTM D1282-96

Standard Test Method for Resistance to Airflow as an Indication of Average Fiber Diameter of Wool Top, Card Sliver, and Scoured Wool

SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the estimation of the average fiber diameter of wool fibers by use of the Port-Ar, and the WIRA Fiber Fineness Meter instrument, which operate on the air-flow principle. Other air-flow instruments have not been tested with this method. The method is directly applicable to non-medullated, carded wool and wool top.  
1.2 This test method is applicable to grease wool and scoured wool after the samples of such materials have been prepared as directed in Test Method D 2130.  
Note 1-The use of the Micronaire instrument for measuring the fineness of cotton fibers is covered in Test Method D 1448. The assignment of grade for wool and mohair is covered in Specifications D 3991 and D 3992.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Jul-1996
• ICS: 59.060.10 - Natural fibres
• Technical Committee: D13 - Textiles
• Drafting Committee: D13.13 - Wool and Felt

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM D1282-96(2005) - Standard Test Method for Resistance to Airflow as an Indication of Average Fiber Diameter of Wool Top, Card Sliver, and Scoured Wool
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2005
• Referred By: ASTM D4845-10(2018) - Standard Terminology Relating to Wool
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-1996
• Referred By: ASTM D1577-07(2018) - Standard Test Methods for Linear Density of Textile Fibers
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-1996

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D 1282 – 96
Standard Test Method for
Resistance to Airflow as an Indication of Average Fiber
Diameter of Wool Top, Card Sliver, and Scoured Wool
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1282; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope IWTO-28-82(E) Determination By The Airflow Method of
the Mean Fibre Diameter of Core Samples of Raw Wool
1.1 This test method covers the estimation of the average
fiber diameter of wool fibers by use of the Port-Ar and the
3. Terminology
WIRAFiber Fineness Meter instrument, which operate on the
3.1 Definitions:
air-flow principle. Other air-flow instruments have not been
3.1.1 sliver, n—a continuous strand of loosely assembled
tested with this method. The method is directly applicable to
fibersthatisapproximatelyuniformincross-sectionalareaand
non-medullated, carded wool and wool top.
without twist.
1.2 This test method is applicable to grease wool and
3.1.2 specific area, n—of wool, the ratio of the fiber surface
scoured wool after the samples of such materials have been
to fiber volume.
prepared as directed in Test Method D2130.
3.1.3 top, n—in wool, a continuous untwisted strand of
NOTE 1—The use of the Micronaire instrument for measuring the
wool fibers from which the shorter fibers or noils have been
fineness of cotton fibers is covered in Test Method D1448.
removed by combing.
The assignment of grade for wool and mohair is covered in Specifica-
3.1.4 wool, n—the fibrous covering of the sheep, ovis
tions D3991 and D3992.
species.
2. Referenced Documents 3.1.5 For definition of other textile terms used in the
method, refer to Terminology D123.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
4. Summary of Test Method
D584 Test Method for Wool Content of Raw Wool—
2 4.1 The resistance to air flow of predetermined mass of
Laboratory Scale
wool compressed to a fixed volume is measured. The instru-
D1060 Practice for Core Sampling of Raw Wool in Pack-
ments approved for use have been calibrated to read average
ages for Determination of Percentage of CleanWool Fiber
2 diameterinmicrometres.Specimensofwooltopareratedwith
Present
a Wool Top Scale and specimens of carded, scoured wool and
D1448 Test Method for Micronaire Reading of Cotton
2 scoured ⁄2-in. (13.0-mm) cores are rated with a Scoured Wool
Fibers
Scale. If instruments are properly calibrated, results are inter-
D2130 Test Method for Diameter of Wool and Other
2 changeable.
Animal Fibers by Microprojection
D3991 Specification for Fineness of Wool or Mohair and
5. Significance and Use
Assignment of Grade
5.1 Thistestmethodisnotrecommendedfortheacceptance
D3992 Specification for Fineness of Wool Top or Mohair
3 testing of commercial shipments of wool top, card sliver, or
Top and Assignment of Grade
scouredwoolsincetherefereemethod,TestMethodD2130,is
2.2 Other Standard:
recommended for that purpose. Although this test method is
IWTO-6-92(E) MethodofTestfortheDeterminationofThe
not recommended for acceptance testing, it is useful for fast
Mean Diameter of Wool Fibers in Combed Sliver Using
quality control checks.
the Air-Flow Apparatus
5.1.1 In case of a dispute arising from differences in
reportedtestresultswhenusingthistestmethodforacceptance
testing of commercial shipments, the purchaser and the sup-
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD-13onTextiles
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.13 on Wool and Wool Felt.
plier should conduct comparative tests to determine if there is
Current edition approved July 10, 1996. Published September 1996. Originally
a statistical bias between their laboratories. Competent statis-
published as D1282–53T. Last previous edition D1282–95.
2 tical assistance is recommended for the investigation of bias.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 07.01.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 07.02. As a minimum, the two parties should take a group of test
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D 1282
1) Balance Adjustment Knob 8) Porosity Calibration Control
2) Balance Pan 9) Compression Lever
3) Air Reservoir 10) Calibrator Plug Plunger
4) Meter Zero Adjustment Screw 11) Porosity Calibrator Plug
5) Porosity Test Chamber Lid 12) Calibration Weight
6) Differential Pressure Gage 13) Weighing Balance Mechanism
7) Porosity Zero Control 14) Atomizer Bulb
FIG. 1 Port-Ar Apparatus
specimens which are as homogeneous as possible and which
are from a lot of material of the type in question. The test
specimensshouldthenberandomlyassignedinequalnumbers
toeachlaboratoryfortesting.Theaverageresultsfromthetwo
laboratories should be compared using Student’s t-test for
unpaireddataandanacceptableprobabilitylevelchosenbythe
two parties before testing is begun. If a bias is found, either its
cause must be found and corrected or the purchaser and the
suppliermustagreetointerpretfuturetestresultsinviewofthe
known bias.
5.2 The specific area of the wool fibers is measured by the
resistanceinairflow.Theresistancetoairflowhasbeenrelated
to average fiber diameter measured by the microprojection
method. The instruments have been calibrated to read average
diameter in micrometres. Although the reading is affected by
the average fiber diameter distribution of the specimen, the
results secured by the instruments give no indication of this
distribution. However, in converting the micrometres reading
to millitex units (AnnexA1), low, medium, and high standard
deviations were used in the calculations to arrive at the range
of millitex units which accordingly reflect the distribution of
fiber diameters.
D 1282
7. Hazards
7.1 Refer to the manufacturer’s material safety data sheet
for information on handling, use, storage, and disposal of
trichloroethane or equivalent solvent.
7.2 Use trichloroethane or equivalent solvent in well-
ventilated hood due to the associated health hazards.
8. Calibration of Apparatus
8.1 Calibrate the instrument on arrival in accordance with
instructions in Annex A2.
8.2 Recalibrate the instrument each day. Verify calibration
after each 4h of use or whenever an operational problem is
noted.
9. Sampling
9.1 Lot Sample—For acceptance testing, take at random the
number of shipping containers directed in an applicable mate-
rialspecificationorotheragreementbetweenthepurchaserand
the supplier, such as an agreement to use Practice D1060.
1) Metal specimen container 6) Gage tube
Consider shipping containers to be the primary sampling units.
2) Packing rod 7) Millimetre scale
3) Plunger 8) Vacuum supply
NOTE 2—A realistic specification or other agreement between the
4) Retaining collar 9) Upper gage tube mark
purchaser and the supplier requires taking into account the variability
5) Control knob 10) Lower gage tube mark
between shipping containers, between laboratory samples within a ship-
FIG. 2 WIRA Fiber Fineness Meter
pingcontainer,andbetweenspecimenswithinalaboratorysamplesoasto
provide a sampling plan which at the specified level of the property of
interest has a meaningful producer’s risk, consumer’s risk, acceptable
6. Apparatus, Materials, and Reagent
quality level, and limiting quality level.
6.1 Port-Ar , described in this method and shown in Fig. 1.
5 9.2 Laboratory Sample—As a laboratory sample for ac-
6.2 WIRA Fiber Fineness Meter , described in this method
ceptance testing, take the number of subsamples from each
and shown in Fig. 2.
package in the lot sample as directed in an applicable material
6.2.1 Scale graduated in millimetres.
specificationorotheragreementbetweenthepurchaserandthe
6.2.2 Calibrationchartconvertingfloatheightinmillimetres
supplier, such as an agreement to use Practice D1060 if baled
to diameter in micrometres.
or bagged wool is to be tested.
6.2.3 Air pump capable of furnishing a constant vacuum of
9.3 Test Specimens:
609.6 mm (24 in.) of mercury.
9.3.1 Port-Ar Procedure—Take one specimen per labora-
6.2.4 Tables of correction values to correct observed results
tory sampling unit.
in micrometres to deviations from standard conditions, 20°C
9.3.2 Wira Procedure—Take one specimen per laboratory
(68°F) and 65% relative humidity, as shown in Annex A2.
sampling unit.
6.3 Trichloroethane or equivalent solvent.
6.4 Working Reference Samples, three, prepared by each
10. Specimen Preparation
laboratory for use in checking the instruments. One working
10.1 Prepare test specimens of wool top, card sliver,
referencesampleshouldbeselectedfromeachofthefollowing
ranges of grade: (1) up to and including 48’s, (2) 50’s to 60’s scoured, or grease wool as directed in Test Method D2130.
10.2 Ifnomechanicalcardisavailable,taketwosubsamples
inclusive, and (3) 62’s or finer. These samples of uniform
of scoured wool, each weighing approximately 4g more than
fineness with a low standard deviation, as explained inAppen-
the mass of wool required for measurement in the air-flow
dix A1.1, must be thoroughly tested both by the air-flow
instrument being used; hand card these subsamples at least 30
instrument being used and by the microprojection method.
strokes each and prepare a test specimen from each of them.
6.5 Standard Reference Samples —Threesamplesareavail-
10.3 Rinsealltestspecimensintherecommendedsolventto
able with the following average fiber diameters: 20.7 µm, 27.3
reduce the extractable matter to less than 1% of the specimen
µm and 37.4 µm.
mass. Condition the test specimens as prescribed in 11.1 or
11.2.Fromtheconditionedtestspecimen,weightheamountof
The Port-Ar instrument, trademark for a product manufactured by Zellweger
wool required for measurement in the air-flow instrument
Uster, 456 Troy Circle, P.O. Box 51720, Knoxville, TN 37950, has been found
being used.
satisfactory for this purpose.
10.3.1 Port-Ar—Place approximately 12.5g of the condi-
The WIRA Fiber Fineness Meter, trademark for a product manufactured by
Reynolds and Branson Ltd., for Thorn Bendix Ltd., Beech Ave., New Barford,
tioned wool specimen in the balance basket. One pump of the
Nottingham NG7 7JJ England. This instrument is available from Lawson-Hemphill
atomizerbulbwillindicatewhetherthespecimenistoolightor
Sales, Inc., P.O. Drawer 6388, Spartanburg, SC 29304.
too heavy: If the meter reads above the red triangle, the
May be obtained from Agricultural Marketing Service, Livestock and Seed
Division, 711 “O” Street, Greeley, CO 80631. specimen is too heavy; if below, the specimen is too light.
D 1282
NOTE 5—Port-Ar instrument described in Fig. 1 is calibrated for wool
Adjust the specimen to 12.5g by adding or removing small
grade (Top and wool). Port-Ar instrument is also available for measuring
amountsofwool.Themeterindicatesthemassofthespecimen
mohair fibers.
to within6 0.5% if the pointer is on scale, so the mass needs
to be adjusted only until the pointer reads within the red
12.2 Procedure with the WIRA Fiber Fineness Meter:
triangle.
12.2.1 Feed the weighed specimen into the metal container,
meanwhile pushing the wool down evenly into the container
NOTE 3—The accuracy of the balance should be thoroughly checked
with the short end of the rod provided. It is important to use
before and while using the Port-Ar. The specimen may be weighed on a
separate balance.
this rod and nothing else for packing since it prevents tight
packingofthefibers.Thenpushinthemetalplunger(avoiding
10.3.2 WIRA Fiber Fineness Meter—Weigh a 2.500 6
trapping any fibers) until it rests on the lip of the container and
0.005 g test specimen. Remove pieces of vegetable matter and
screw down the retaining collar to the furthest extent, mean-
other impurities before weighing.
whileholdingtheplateattachedtothemetalplungertoprevent
11. Conditioning it rotating.
12.2.2 With the control knob in the OFF position switch on
11.1 For tests made on the Port-Ar as directed in 11.2,
the pump then turn the knob slowly until the liquid level in the
reasonable results may be obtained even if the standard
gage tube falls to the lower mark reading at eye level.
atmosphere for testing is not available since the instrument
uses low-pressure ambient air. Keep the instrument in a 12.2.3 Reading at eye level across the top of the spinner
record the scale reading to the nearest millimetre.
draft-free room, away from radiators, sunlight, and other
elements which disturb temperature or air. Allow the instru-
12.2.4 Take out the specimen, reverse its direction, repack
ment and the well-opened wool to be tested to remain in the
in the container using the rod and take another reading. Repeat
same atmospheric conditions for approximately 4h before the
this until 4 readings have been recorded and take the average.
specimens are tested.
Do not repack the specimen with the fingers.
11.2 For tests made on the WIRA Fiber Fineness meter as
12.2.5 Turn the control knob back to zero.
directed in 12.2, bring the test specimen to moisture equilib-
12.2.6 For wool above 30 micrometres make four readings
rium with the standard atmosphere. A 4h conditioning period
on each of four weighings and for wool of 30 micrometres or
is usually sufficient.
less make four readings on each of three weighings.
12. Procedure
13. Calculation
12.1 Procedure with the Port-Ar:
13.1 Calculate the average fiber diameter of the lot from all
12.1.1 Wool Top, Card Sliver, Scoured Wool, Grease Wool—
the readings, to the nearest 0.05 µm.
Usingtheweighedtestspecimen,(see10.3.1)placeoneendof
the sliver in the chamber and tamp in the remainder. Do not
14. Report
fold the wool top before placing in the chamber. When all of
the specimen has been forced into the chamber, close the
14.1 State that the specimens were tested as directed inTest
compression chamber lid, 5, in place. Pull forward on the
Method D1282. Describe the material or product sampled and
compression lever, 9, until it locks in place.Apply air pressure
the method of sampling used.
either by the atomizer bulb or by the electric pump to fill the
14.2 Report the following information:
pressure tank (Note 3). Read the diameter in micrometres on
14.2.1 The average fiber diameter to the nearest 0.05 µm.
the scale as the piston settles. Record the reading and remove
14.2.2 The number of test specimens used and the number
thespecimen,carefullyreopenitbyhandtoeliminatecompact
of readings made on each specimen.
areas, replace the specimen in the chamber and make a second
14.2.3 The solvent used if not trichloroethane.
reading.
14.2.4 For the Port-Ar, the conditions
...