ASTM D5596-94
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Microscopic Evaluation of the Dispersion of Carbon Black in Polyolefin Geosynthetics
Standard Test Method for Microscopic Evaluation of the Dispersion of Carbon Black in Polyolefin Geosynthetics
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 visual comparisons between microscopic fields of view and micrographs on the carbon dispersion reference chart.
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.
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: D 5596 – 94
Standard Test Method for
Microscopic Evaluation of the Dispersion of Carbon Black
in Polyolefin Geosynthetics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 5596; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope hydrocarbons. (D 3053)
3.1.2 carbon black agglomerate, n—a cluster of physically
1.1 This test method covers equipment, specimen prepara-
bound and entangled aggregates. (D 3053)
tion techniques, and procedures for evaluating the dispersion of
3.1.3 geosynthetic, n—a planar product manufactured from
carbon black in polyolefin geosynthetics containing less than
polymeric material used with soil, rock, earth, or other geo-
5 % carbon black by weight.
technical engineering-related material as an integral part of a
1.2 This test method allows for a qualitative evaluation of
man-made project, structure, or system. (D 4439)
carbon black agglomerates and other inclusions in polyolefin
3.1.4 micrograph, n—a graphic reproduction of an object as
geosynthetics. This evaluation is based on visual comparisons
seen through the microscope or equivalent optical instrument,
between microscopic fields of view and micrographs on the
at magnifications greater than ten diameters (micrograph).
carbon dispersion reference chart.
(E 7)
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
3.1.5 microtome, n (that is, sliding microtome)— an appa-
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
ratus capable of cutting thin slices (less than 20 μm in
only.
thickness) of various geosynthetic samples.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.6 polyolefin, n—a polymer prepared by the polymeriza-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
tion of an olefin(s) as the sole monomer(s). (D 883)
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
4. Summary of Test Method
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.1 This test method consists of two parts: (1) microtome
2. Referenced Documents specimen preparation and ( 2) microscopic evaluation.
4.1.1 Microtome Specimen Preparation— A sample is
2.1 ASTM Standards:
clamped in the sample holder, which can be raised or lowered
D 883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
precisely in increments of approximately 1 μm. A rigid knife is
D 3053 Terminology Relating to Carbon Black
slid manually across the sample so that the specimens range in
D 4439 Terminology for Geotextiles
thickness from 8 to 20 μm. These thin sections are then
E 7 Terminology Relating to Metallography
evaluated microscopically using a visual comparison between
2.2 ASTM Adjuncts: ASTM
6 each random field of view (R ) and the carbon dispersion
D35—Carbon Dispersion Reference Chart f
reference chart. Each R is classified or rated according to the
f
3. Terminology arrangement of categories on the reference chart.
3.1 Definitions:
5. Significance and Use
3.1.1 carbon black, n—a material consisting essentially of
5.1 Carbon black is added to many polymers to provide
elemental carbon black in the form of near spherical colloidal
long-term resistance to ultraviolet-induced degradation. To
particles and coalesced particle aggregates of colloidal size,
achieve this, carbon black should be dispersed and distributed
obtained by partial combustion or thermal decomposition of
uniformly throughout the as-manufactured geosynthetic mate-
rial. This test method is used to evaluate the uniformity of
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-35 on
carbon black dispersion.
Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.02 on Endur-
5.2 This test method is suitable only for those geosynthetics
ance Properties.
that can be sampled using a rotary or sledge microtome. The
Current edition approved August 15, 1994. Published January 1995.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vols 08.01. geometry, stiffness (hardness), or elasticity of some geosyn-
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 09.01.
thetic products precludes their being sampled with a micro-
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.13.
tome. The cross-sectional area of the geosynthetic must be
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.01.
composed of a continuous solid polyolefin material to be
Available from ASTM Headquarters. Request ADJD5596.
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D5596–94
sampled using a microtome. 6.5 Light Source—An external white light source with
5.3 Extruded and oriented geogrids will require that micro- variable intensity is required.
tome specimens be cut from the non-oriented bars of uniaxial 6.6 Microscope slides and cover glasses, required.
products and the non-oriented nodes of biaxial products. 6.7 Balsam cement or suitable, clear substitute (for ex-
ample, clear nail polish), required (Note 1).
6. Equipment
NOTE 1—This clear, adhesive medium should not dissolve or chemi-
6.1 Microtome—A rotary or sledge-type microtome
cally interact otherwise with the thin section.
equipped with a sample clamp and knife holder is required.
6.8 Microscope slide overlay, with two 3.2-mm (0.125-in.)
Steel knives are recommended; however, glass knives may be
diameter circles etched into the glass 3.2-mm apart, is required.
suitable (Fig. 1).
6.9 Carbon dispersion classification chart for geosynthetic-
6.2 Microtome Accessories—Lubricant, dust cover, and
s (Fig. 2, magnification 1003).
tweezers are recommended.
6.3 Microscope—An optical microscope with binocular
7. Procedure
viewing (trinocular type, if micrographs are to be taken) is
7.1 Sampling—Five sa
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