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

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
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.
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.
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.

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Publication Date
09-Feb-2003
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ASTM D5596-03 - Standard Test Method for Microscopic Evaluation of the Dispersion of Carbon Black in Polyolefin Geosynthetics
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.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 5596 – 03
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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This test method covers equipment, specimen prepara- 3.1 Definitions:
tiontechniques,andproceduresforevaluatingthedispersionof 3.1.1 carbon black, n—a material consisting essentially of
carbon black in polyolefin geosynthetics containing less than elemental carbon black in the form of near spherical colloidal
5% carbon black by weight. particles and coalesced particle aggregates of colloidal size,
1.2 This test method allows for a qualitative evaluation of obtained by partial combustion or thermal decomposition of
carbon black agglomerates and other inclusions in polyolefin hydrocarbons. (D 3053)
geosynthetics. This evaluation is based on carbon black dis- 3.1.2 carbon black agglomerate, n—a cluster of physically
persion size calculated area within microscopic fields of view. bound and entangled aggregates. (D 3053)
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the 3.1.3 geosynthetic, n—a planar product manufactured from
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information polymeric material used with soil, rock, earth, or other geo-
only. technical engineering-related material as an integral part of a
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the man-made project, structure, or system. (D 4439)
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.1.4 micrograph, n—agraphicreproductionofanobjectas
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- seen through the microscope or equivalent optical instrument,
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- at magnifications greater than ten diameters (micrograph).
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. (E7)
3.1.5 microtome, n (that is, sliding microtome)—an appara-
NOTE 1—This test method is for the evaluation of carbon black
tus capable of cutting thin slices (less than 20 µm in thickness)
dispersion. This test method does not support or evaluate the distribution
of various geosynthetic samples.
of carbon black.
3.1.6 polyolefin, n—a polymer prepared by the polymeriza-
2. Referenced Documents
tion of an olefin(s) as the sole monomer(s). (D 883)
3.1.7 dispersion, n—a polyolefin product formulated with
2.1 ASTM Standards:
2
carbon black.
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
3
3.1.8 distribution, n—a property of a carbon black formu-
D3053 Terminology Relating to Carbon Black
4
lated polyolefin product that refers to the existence of streaks,
D4439 Terminology for Geotextiles
5
light or dark, within a microsectioned sample.
E7 Terminology Relating to Metallography
2.2 ASTM Adjuncts: ASTM
4. Summary of Test Method
6
D35—Carbon Dispersion Reference Chart
4.1 This test method consists of two parts: (1) microtome
specimen preparation and (2) microscopic evaluation.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on
4.1.1 Microtome Specimen Preparation—A sample is
Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.02 on Endur-
clamped in the sample holder, which can be raised or lowered
ance Properties.
Current edition approved Feb. 10, 2003. Published April 2003. Originally precisely in increments of approximately 1 µm.Arigid knife is
approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 1994 as D5596–94.
slid manually across the sample so that the specimens range in
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.01.
thickness from 8 to 20 µm.
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 09.01.
4
4.1.2 Microtomespecimenexamination:Thesethinsections
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.09.
5
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.01.
are evaluated microscopically calculating the largest agglom-
6
Available from ASTM international Headquarters. Order Adjunct No.
erate or inclusion in each random field of view (Rf). The
ADJD5596.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1

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D5596–03
associatedcarbondispersionchart(ADJD5596)canbeusedto 6.4 Microscope Accessories—Acalibrated reticle (eyepiece
assist to determining shape and area micrometer) positioned in one of the eyepieces between the
eyepiece-lens and the objective is required.
5. Significance and Use 6.5 Light Source—An external white light source with
variable intensity is required.
5.1 Carbon black is added to many polymers to prov
...

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