ASTM D6017-97(2020)e1

Standard Test Method for Determination of Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt) in Leather

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 This test method distinguishes magnesium sulfate from other water soluble non-tanning salts found in leather.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers quantitatively determining the magnesium sulfate (epsom salt) in leather.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 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-Mar-2020
• ICS: 59.140.10 - Processes and auxiliary materials
• Technical Committee: D31 - Leather
• Drafting Committee: D31.06 - Chemical Analysis

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D6017-97(2015) - Standard Test Method for Determination of Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt) in Leather
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM D3790-17 - Standard Test Method for Volatile Matter (Moisture) of Leather by Oven Drying
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017
• Refers: ASTM D3790-79(2012) - Standard Test Method for Volatile Matter (Moisture) of Leather by Oven Drying
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Refers: ASTM D3790-79(2006) - Standard Test Method for Volatile Matter (Moisture) of Leather by Oven Drying
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2006
• Refers: ASTM D3790-79(2006)e1 - Standard Test Method for Volatile Matter (Moisture) of Leather by Oven Drying
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2006
• Refers: ASTM D3790-79(2001) - Standard Test Method for Volatile Matter (Moisture) of Leather by Oven Drying
• Effective Date: 27-Apr-1979
• Refers: ASTM D3790-79(1996) - Standard Test Method for Volatile Matter (Moisture) of Leather by Oven Drying
• Effective Date: 27-Apr-1979

Overview

ASTM D6017-97(2020)e1 - Standard Test Method for Determination of Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt) in Leather is an internationally recognized test method standardized by ASTM International. This method enables the quantitative determination of magnesium sulfate-commonly known as Epsom salt-in leather products. It plays a vital role in distinguishing magnesium sulfate from other water-soluble, non-tanning salts often present in leather materials. By providing a reliable means to assess the presence and concentration of magnesium sulfate, this standard supports quality control, regulatory compliance, and product integrity in the leather industry.

Key Topics

• Quantitative Analysis: The standard outlines a step-by-step procedure to accurately quantify magnesium sulfate in leather samples using specific chemical reagents and laboratory apparatus.
• Distinguishing Salts: It is designed to differentiate magnesium sulfate from other similar water-soluble salts that do not contribute to the tanning process but may affect leather properties.
• Standardization and Units: Results are provided in SI units only, ensuring global consistency and comparability.
• Safety and Compliance: Users are reminded to follow appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.
• International Applicability: Developed in accordance with the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee principles, ensuring broad acceptance and compatibility.

Applications

The ASTM D6017-97(2020)e1 test method is widely used in:

• Leather Manufacturing: To ensure product quality by monitoring and controlling the presence of magnesium sulfate, which can impact texture, appearance, and durability.
• Quality Assurance and Control: Applied in testing laboratories to verify that leather goods meet industry and regulatory standards for soluble salts.
• Supplier Certification: Utilized in supplier assessments to confirm material compliance before entering the supply chain.
• Research and Development: Deployed by research institutions and technical teams seeking to improve tanning processes and material performance.
• Federal and Defense Contracts: Approved for use in supplying agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense, demonstrating its credibility and importance in government procurement processes.

Related Standards

For a comprehensive approach to leather chemical analysis and quality control, users of ASTM D6017-97(2020)e1 may also refer to:

• ASTM D3790 – Test Method for Volatile Matter (Moisture) of Leather by Oven Drying: Essential for determining the moisture content, a critical step in the magnesium sulfate analysis process.
• Federal Test Standard No. 311, Method 6541 – An antecedent method incorporated into ASTM D6017, providing foundational procedures for magnesium sulfate determination.
• Other ASTM Leather Standards – Cover additional aspects of chemical composition, physical properties, and performance of leather products.

Practical Value

Implementing ASTM D6017-97(2020)e1 in routine laboratory analysis ensures that leather manufacturers, suppliers, and regulatory agencies have dependable data regarding the soluble salt content of leather goods. This contributes to:

• Improved product consistency and performance
• Enhanced customer satisfaction by minimizing defects linked to excess magnesium sulfate
• Streamlined regulatory compliance and minimized trade barriers for export and government contracts

By adhering to this widely recognized standard, stakeholders in the leather industry reinforce quality assurance protocols and position their products for global market success.

Keywords: magnesium sulfate in leather, epsom salt, ASTM D6017, leather test method, soluble salts, leather quality, leather manufacturing standard

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.
´1
Designation: D6017 − 97 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt) in
Leather
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6017; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
ε NOTE—An editorial change to update the source of Federal Test Standard No. 311 was made in April 2020.
1. Scope 3. Significance and Use
1.1 This test method covers quantitatively determining the 3.1 This test method distinguishes magnesium sulfate from
magnesium sulfate (epsom salt) in leather. other water soluble non-tanning salts found in leather.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
4. Apparatus
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
4.1 Platinum Crucible.
standard.
4.2 Filtering Crucible.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.3 Suction Flask.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.4 Muffle Furnace.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5. Reagents
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
5.1 Hydrochloric Acid, specific gravity 1.19.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 5.2 Nitric Acid, specific gravity 1.42.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.3 Ammonium Chloride.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.4 AmmoniumHydroxide,1to1and1to9partsbyvolume
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
with distilled water.
2. Referenced Documents
5.5 Ammonium Nitrate Solution, 10 g dissolved in distilled
water and made up to 100 mL.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D3790 Test Method for Volatile Matter (Moisture) of
5.6 Ammonium Oxalate, saturated solution.
Leather by Oven Drying
5.7 Ferric Chloride Solution, 10 g dissolved in distilled
2.2 Federal Standards:
water and made up to 100 mL.
Federal Test Standard No. 311, Method 6541 Magnesium
5.8 Methyl Orange Indicator, 0.05 %.
Sulfate (Epsom Salt)
5.9 Sodium Ammonium Hydrogen Phosphate, saturated so-
lution.
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D31 on Leather
6. Procedure
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D31.06 on ChemicalAnalysis.This
test method was developed from Federal Test Method Standard No. 311,
6.1 Unless otherwise specified in the material specification,
Method 6541 in cooperation with the U.S. Army Natick Research Development &
determine the moisture content of the composite sample from
Engineering Center, Natick MA and the Defense Personnel Support Center
which the test specimen is drawn, in accordance with Test
Directorate of Clothing and Textiles, Philadelphia PA.
Current edition approved April 1, 2020. Published April 2020. Originally
Method D3790. Determine the weight of the composite speci-
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D6017 – 97 (2015).
mens for moisture content at the same time and under the same
DOI: 10.1520/D6017-97R20E01.
2 ambient conditions as the specimens weighed for chemical
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM tests.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
6.2 Place the specimen in a tared porcelain crucible, 5 g
the ASTM website.
Available from https://quicksearch.dla.mil. weighed to the nearest 0.001 g, and record the value as W .
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
´1
D6017 − 97 (2020)
Place the weighed specimen in a cold muffle furnace or slightly ammoniacal by the dropwise addition of ammonium
precarbonize over a burner prior to placing in a hot furnace. hydroxide (1:1) and set aside for 15 min. Add 5 mL of
Gradually raise the temperature of the furnace to 600 6 25°C ammonium hydroxide (1:1) while stirring and set the solution
and maintain at this temperature for 60 min. Remove the aside overnight at room temperature.
crucible and contents, cool in a desiccator, and weigh. Replace
6.6 Filter the solution through a filtering crucible, transfer
in the furnace at 600 6 25°C for 30 min and repeat the cooling
the precipitate to the platinum cru
...