ASTM D4238-90

Standard Test Method for Electrostatic Propensity of Textiles (Withdrawn 1996)

SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the relative electrostatic propensity of fibers, yarns, and fabrics by a corona discharge. This includes the measurement of the maximum charge voltage and the decay half-life.  
1.2 This test method is generally not applicable to pile fabrics.  
1.3 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. See Section 7 for additional precautionary information.

General Information

• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-1989
• Withdrawal Date: 09-Nov-1996
• ICS: 59.080.30 - Textile fabrics
• Technical Committee: D13 - Textiles
• Drafting Committee: D13.58 - Yarns and Fibers

Standards Content (Sample)

ASTM D4238 90 m 0759530 0060279 7 Is
[{Tb Designation: D 4238 - 90
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTINO AND MATERIALS
19iú Race St., Phllrdrlphk, PI. 19103
Repiinicd Iiom lho Annual Ed d ASTM Siandrfdr, GOpyibhI "M
II n Standard Test Method for
Electrostatic Propensity of Textiles'
This sidnddrd is issued under the fixed designation D 4238: the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in thccdse of revision. the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4. Summary of Test Method
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the 4.1 A specimen in equilibrium with specified atmospheric ~
conditions of relative humidity and temperature is induc-
relative electrostatic propensity of fibers, yarns, and fabrics
by a corona discharge. This includes the measurement of the tively charged from a corona discharge of a specified voltage
maximum charge voltage and the decay half-life. and at a specified distance from the specimen. The max-
1.2 This test method is generally not applicable to pile imum voltage developed on the specimen is measured
fabrics. (Method 4046 of Federal Test Std. 101B and NFPA 56A
1.3 This siundurd mu.v involve huzurdous materials, oper- Paragraphs 466 on Antistatic Accessories and Testing, and
arions, and eqiiipment. This stundurd does not purport to 468 on Textiles). The rate of decay of the charge on the
udclr.e.s.s ull of'the sufity problems ussocìuted with its use. It is specimen is measured after the charging electrode is dis-
ihe re.~pon.sibility oJ' the iiser of this standard to establish charged.
uppr(ipriuie sujkiy und heulth practices and determine the 4. I. 1 In practice, a specimen is clamped to a grounded
upplicubility oJ' regiilutory limitutions prior to use. See metal disc which is rotated at 1720 rpm. A metal frame,
Section 7 for additional precautionary information. covering the specimen, exposes an area of 32 by 32 mm,
Positioned above the path of the rotating sample is a needle
2. Referenced Documents electrode to which a direct current potential from +.O-10 kv
can be applied. Rotation of the sample beneath a detecting
2.1 ASTM Stundurds:
electrode provides a means of measuring the charge on the
D 123 Terminology Relating to Textiles'
sample. The output is measured on either an oscilloscope or
D 2257 Test Method for Extractable Matter in Textiles3
through a direct current recorder. In either case, the resulting
D 2258 Practice for Sampling Yarn for Testing3
attenuated voltage is proportional to the voltage developed
D 3333 Practice for Sampling Man-Made Staple Fibers4
on the specimen and is a measure of the charge which is
2.2 Oilier Dociiments:
equal to the product of the capacitance and the voltage.
Method 4046 of Federal Test Method Standard 101B5
NFPA No. 56A Standard for the Use of Inhalation
5. Significance and Use
Anesthetics6
5.1 Test results can be used to predict the electrostatic
propensity of fibers, yarns, and fabrics. The test method is
3. Terminology
useful for quality control, research, and characterization of
3.1 DcJiniiions:
the static propensity of textiles.
3. i. 1 elecirostutìc decuy ha!Plife n-in texfiles, the time in
5.2 This test method for testing for electrostatic propen-
minutes for the maximum voltage induced on the textile to
sity of textiIes is not recommended for acceptance testing of
be reduced to one-half of the maximum voltage by the
commercial shipments because between-laboratory precision
various decay mechanisms: conduction and ionization of the
has not been established. In case of dispute, the statistical
air.
bias, if any, between the laboratory of the purchaser and the
3.1.2 c~lc~c~rosruiic propensity, n-the capacity of a
laboratory of the seller should be determined with each
nonconducting material to acquire and hold an electrical
comparison being based on the testing of specimens taken
charge by induction (via corona discharge) or by triboelectric
from a lot of material of the type being evaluated so as to be
means (rubbing with another material).
as homogeneous as possible and then randomly assigned in
3.1.3 For definitions of other textile ferms used in this
equal numbers to each of the laboratories.
standard, refer to Terminology D 123.
6. Apparatus and Materials
' This method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-13 on Textiles
6.1 Static Eliminator-An ionizing bar incorporating
;inci is tlic direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.58 on Yarn Test Methods.
polonium 210 or americium 241 is needed to completely
ticncral.
discharge specimen before testing7
Currcnt edition approved Jan. 26. 1990. Published May 1990. Originally
publislicd ils D 4% - X3. Last previous edition D 4238 2 83.
6.
...