ASTM D1102-84(2021)

• Abstract:

  SIGNIFICANCE AND USE; 2.1 The ash content is an approximate measure of the mineral content and other inorganic matter in wood.; SCOPE; 1.1 This test method covers the determination of ash, expressed as the percentage of residue remaining after dry oxidation (oxidation at 580 to 600°C), of wood or wood products. ; 1.2 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. ; 1.3 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.

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2021
• ICS: 79.040 - Wood, sawlogs and sawn timber
• Technical Committee: D07 - Wood
• Drafting Committee: D07.01 - Fundamental Test Methods and Properties

Overview

ASTM D1102-84(2021) - Standard Test Method for Ash in Wood is an internationally recognized standard developed by ASTM International. This test method provides a procedure to determine the ash content in wood and wood products. Ash content, expressed as the percentage of residue remaining after dry oxidation at high temperatures (580 to 600°C), serves as an approximate measure of the mineral and other inorganic content in wood materials. This standard ensures consistent, reliable results for researchers, manufacturers, and quality control laboratories in the wood and biomass industries.

Key Topics

• Purpose and Scope: Measures the inorganic mineral content in wood by quantifying ash after high-temperature oxidation.
• Test Method:
  • Collection of a representative wood sample, ground to pass through a 425-µm sieve.
  • Accurate weighing using an analytical balance.
  • Drying of sample in a controlled oven environment (100 to 105°C).
  • Ashing process in a muffle furnace at 580 to 600°C until carbon is fully eliminated.
  • Residue (ash) is weighed to determine the percentage relative to moisture-free sample weight.
• Apparatus and Equipment:
  • Crucibles (preferably platinum, or alternatively silica or porcelain)
  • Muffle furnace with a pyrometer for temperature control
  • Analytical balance (sensitive to 0.1 mg)
  • Drying oven with precise temperature regulation
• Precision and Reporting:
  • Repeatability within 0.03% for single-laboratory results
  • Ash content results are reported to two decimal places

Applications

The ASTM D1102-84(2021) Test Method for Ash in Wood is vital in several fields, offering practical value for both quality control and research:

• Wood Product Manufacturing: Determining ash content helps assess raw material quality and monitor inorganic contaminants that might affect processing or product performance.
• Biomass and Bioenergy: Ash analysis is fundamental for evaluating biomass feedstock for energy generation, as high ash content can impact combustion efficiency and residue management.
• Pulp and Paper Industry: Understanding the mineral content assists with process optimization and detection of unwanted inorganic impurities.
• Research and Development: Laboratories use this standardized method for comparative studies, innovation in wood treatments, and evaluation of various wood species or treatments.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ash determination supports adherence to international material standards and helps in meeting environmental and quality regulations.

Related Standards

Professionals using ASTM D1102-84(2021) may also reference the following related standards and methods:

• Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) T 211 OM-80 - Procedures for determining ash in pulp and paper.
• ASTM D1106 - Standard Test Method for Alcohol-Benzoate Solubility of Wood.
• ASTM D1107 - Standard Test Method for Ethanol-Toluene Solubility of Wood.
• ISO 18122 - Solid biofuels - Determination of ash content.
• ASTM D5142 - Standard Test Methods for Proximate Analysis of the Analysis Sample of Coal and Coke by Instrumental Procedures.

Conclusion

ASTM D1102-84(2021) Standard Test Method for Ash in Wood enables accurate, repeatable determination of mineral and inorganic content in wood, supporting quality assurance, research, and compliance across diverse industries. Its use ensures reliable data and comparability within global markets where the quality and composition of wood products are critical for performance and regulation.

Keywords: ASTM D1102-84, ash content in wood, mineral content in wood, wood analysis, wood product standards, biomass ash, muffle furnace, wood testing standards, ash determination, wood quality control.

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: D1102 − 84 (Reapproved 2021) Modification of
Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industry
Standard Method T 211 OM-80
Standard Test Method for
Ash in Wood
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1102; 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 4. Test Specimen
1.1 This test method covers the determination of ash,
4.1 The test specimen shall consist of approximately 2 g of
expressed as the percentage of residue remaining after dry
wood that has been ground to pass a No. 40 (425-µm) sieve.
oxidation (oxidation at 580 to 600°C), of wood or wood
Care shall be taken to ensure that it is representative of the
products.
entire lot of material being tested.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5. Procedure
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
5.1 Ignite the empty crucible and cover over a burner or in
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
the muffle at 600°C, cool in a desiccator, and weigh to the
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
nearest 0.1 mg. Place the 2-g test specimen in the crucible,
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
determine the weight of crucible plus specimen, and place in
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
the drying oven at 100 to 105°C with the crucible cover
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
removed. After 1 h, replace the cover on the crucible, cool in
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
a desiccator, and weigh. Repeat the drying and weighing until
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
the weight is constant to within 0.1 mg. During the cooling and
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
weighing periods, keep the crucible covered to prevent absorp-
tion of moisture from the air. Record the weight (crucible plus
2. Significance and Use
specimen minus weight of crucible) as the weight of the
oven-dry test specimen.
2.1 The ash content is an approximate measure of the
mineral content and other inorganic matter in wood.
5.2 Place the crucible and contents, with the cover removed,
in the muffle furnace and ignite until all the carbon is
3. Apparatus
eliminated.Heatslowlyatthestarttoavoidflamingandprotect
the crucible from strong drafts at all times to avoid mechanical
3.1 Crucibles, with tightly fitting lids, having a capacity of
30 mLor more, shall be used. Platinum crucibles are preferred, loss of test specimen. The recommended temperature of final
but silica or porcelain crucibles may be used.
ignition is 580 to 600°C. Avoid heating above this maximum.
3.2 Muffle Furnace—An electric furnac
...