ASTM D5596-03(2016)

Standard Test Method For Microscopic Evaluation of the Dispersion of Carbon Black in Polyolefin Geosynthetics

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Carbon black is added to many polymers to provide long-term resistance to ultraviolet-induced degradation. To achieve this, carbon black should be dispersed uniformly throughout the as-manufactured geosynthetic material. This test method is used to evaluate the uniformity of carbon black dispersion.  
5.2 This test method is suitable only for those geosynthetics that can be sampled using a rotary or sledge microtome. The geometry, stiffness (hardness), or elasticity of some geosynthetic products precludes their being sampled with a micro-tome. The cross-sectional area of the geosynthetic must be composed of a continuous solid polyolefin material to be sampled using a microtome.  
5.3 Extruded and oriented geogrids will require that microtome specimens be cut from the nonoriented bars of uniaxial products and the non-oriented nodes of biaxial products.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers equipment, specimen preparation techniques, and procedures for evaluating the dispersion of carbon black in polyolefin geosynthetics containing less than 5 % carbon black by weight.  
1.2 This test method allows for a qualitative evaluation of carbon black agglomerates and other inclusions in polyolefin geosynthetics. This evaluation is based on carbon black dispersion size calculated area within microscopic fields of view.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.4 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Note 1: This test method is for the evaluation of carbon black dispersion. This test method does not support or evaluate the distribution of carbon black.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-May-2016
• ICS: 59.080.70 - Geotextiles
• Technical Committee: D35 - Geosynthetics
• Drafting Committee: D35.02 - Endurance Properties

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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.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:D5596 −03 (Reapproved 2016)
Standard Test Method for
Microscopic Evaluation of the Dispersion of Carbon Black
1
in Polyolefin Geosynthetics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5596; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope particles and coalesced particle aggregates of colloidal size,
obtained by partial combustion or thermal decomposition of
1.1 This test method covers equipment, specimen prepara-
hydrocarbons. (D3053)
tiontechniques,andproceduresforevaluatingthedispersionof
3.1.2 carbon black agglomerate, n—a cluster of physically
carbon black in polyolefin geosynthetics containing less than
bound and entangled aggregates. (D3053)
5% carbon black by weight.
3.1.3 geosynthetic, n—a planar product manufactured from
1.2 This test method allows for a qualitative evaluation of
polymeric material used with soil, rock, earth, or other geo-
carbon black agglomerates and other inclusions in polyolefin
technical engineering-related material as an integral part of a
geosynthetics. This evaluation is based on carbon black dis-
man-made project, structure, or system. (D4439)
persion size calculated area within microscopic fields of view.
3.1.4 micrograph, n—a graphic reproduction of an object as
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
seen through the microscope or equivalent optical instrument,
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
atmagnificationsgreaterthantendiameters(micrograph). (E7)
only.
3.1.5 microtome, n (that is, sliding microtome)— an appa-
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
ratus capable of cutting thin slices (less than 20 µm in
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
thickness) of various geosynthetic samples.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 3.1.6 polyolefin, n—a polymer prepared by the polymeriza-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. tion of an olefin(s) as the sole monomer(s). (D883)
3.1.7 dispersion, n—a polyolefin product formulated with
NOTE 1—This test method is for the evaluation of carbon black
dispersion. This test method does not support or evaluate the distribution carbon black.
of carbon black.
3.1.8 distribution, n—a property of a carbon black formu-
lated polyolefin product that refers to the existence of streaks,
2. Referenced Documents
light or dark, within a microsectioned sample.
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D883Terminology Relating to Plastics
4. Summary of Test Method
D3053Terminology Relating to Carbon Black
4.1 This test method consists of two parts: (1) microtome
D4439Terminology for Geosynthetics
specimen preparation and (2) microscopic evaluation.
E7Terminology Relating to Metallography
4.1.1 Microtome Specimen Preparation— A sample is
clamped in the sample holder, which can be raised or lowered
3. Terminology
precisely in increments of approximately 1 µm.Arigid knife is
3.1 Definitions:
slid manually across the sample so that the specimens range in
3.1.1 carbon black, n—a material consisting essentially of
thickness from 8 to 20 µm.
elemental carbon black in the form of near spherical colloidal
4.1.2 Microtomespecimenexamination:Thesethinsections
are evaluated microscopically calculating the largest agglom-
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on erate or inclusion in each random field of view (Rf). The
Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.02 on Endur-
associated carbon dispersion chart can be used to assist to
ance Properties.
determining shape and area
Current edition approved June 1, 2016. Published June 2016. Originally
approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as D5596 – 03 (2009).
5. Significance and Use
DOI: 10.1520/D5596-03R16.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
5.1 Carbon black is added to many polymers to provide
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
long-term resistance to ultraviolet-induced degradation. To
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. achieve this, carbon black should be dispersed uniformly
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D5596−03 (2016)
throughout the as-manufactured geosynthetic material. This 6.7 Balsam cement or suitable, clear substitute (for
test method is used to evaluate the uniformi
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D5596 − 03 (Reapproved 2009) D5596 − 03 (Reapproved 2016)
Standard Test Method For
Microscopic Evaluation of the Dispersion of Carbon Black
1
in Polyolefin Geosynthetics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5596; 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
1.1 This test method covers equipment, specimen preparation techniques, and procedures for evaluating the dispersion of carbon
black in polyolefin geosynthetics containing less than 5 % carbon black by weight.
1.2 This test method allows for a qualitative evaluation of carbon black agglomerates and other inclusions in polyolefin
geosynthetics. This evaluation is based on carbon black dispersion size calculated area within microscopic fields of view.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.4 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
NOTE 1—This test method is for the evaluation of carbon black dispersion. This test method does not support or evaluate the distribution of carbon
black.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D3053 Terminology Relating to Carbon Black
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
E7 Terminology Relating to Metallography
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 carbon black, n—a material consisting essentially of elemental carbon black in the form of near spherical colloidal
particles and coalesced particle aggregates of colloidal size, obtained by partial combustion or thermal decomposition of
hydrocarbons. (D3053)
3.1.2 carbon black agglomerate, n—a cluster of physically bound and entangled aggregates. (D3053)
3.1.3 geosynthetic, n—a planar product manufactured from polymeric material used with soil, rock, earth, or other geo-technical
engineering-related material as an integral part of a man-made project, structure, or system. (D4439)
3.1.4 micrograph, n—a graphic reproduction of an object as seen through the microscope or equivalent optical instrument, at
magnifications greater than ten diameters (micrograph). (E7)
3.1.5 microtome, n (that is, sliding microtome)— an apparatus capable of cutting thin slices (less than 20 μm in thickness) of
various geosynthetic samples.
3.1.6 polyolefin, n—a polymer prepared by the polymerization of an olefin(s) as the sole monomer(s). (D883)
3.1.7 dispersion, n—a polyolefin product formulated with carbon black.
3.1.8 distribution, n—a property of a carbon black formulated polyolefin product that refers to the existence of streaks, light or
dark, within a microsectioned sample.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.02 on Endurance Properties.
Current edition approved June 1, 2009June 1, 2016. Published July 2009June 2016. Originally approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 20032009 as D5596
– 03.03(2009). DOI: 10.1520/D5596-03R09.10.1520/D5596-03R16.
2
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 ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D5596 − 03 (2016)
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This test method consists of two parts: (1) microtome specimen preparation and (2) microscopic evaluation.
4.1.1 Microtome Specimen Preparation— A sample is clamped in the sample holder, which can be raised or lowered precisely
in increments of approximately 1 μm. A rigid knife is slid manually across the sample so that the specimens range in thickness
from 8 to 20 μm.
4.1.2 Microtome specimen examination: These thin sections are evaluated microscopically calculating the largest agglomerate
or inclusion in each random field of view (Rf). The associated carbon dispersion chart can be used to assist to determin
...