ISO 5946:2022

Bamboo-based activated carbon — General specifications

This document specifies general requirements and test methods for bamboo-based activated carbon.

Charbon actif à base de bambou — Spécifications générales

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Oct-2022
• ICS: 75.160.40 - Biofuels
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 296 - Bamboo and rattan
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 296 - Bamboo and rattan
• Current Stage: 6060 - International Standard published
• Start Date: 31-Oct-2022
• Due Date: 08-Mar-2024
• Completion Date: 31-Oct-2022

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 5946
First edition
2022-10
Bamboo-based activated carbon —
General specifications
Charbon actif à base de bambou — Spécifications générales
Reference number
ISO 5946:2022(E)
© ISO 2022

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO 5946:2022(E)
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2022
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
  © ISO 2022 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO 5946:2022(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Classification according to size and shape . 2
5 Requirements . 2
5.1 Sensory inspection. 2
5.2 Requirements for physical and chemical properties of bamboo-based activated
carbon . 2
6 Sampling . 3
7 Test methods . 3
7.1 Visual inspection . 3
7.2 Determination of moisture content . 3
7.3 Determination of ash content . 3
7.4 Determination of fixed carbon . 3
7.5 Determination of apparent density . 3
7.6 Determination of abrasion value . 3
7.7 Determination of iodine number . 4
8 Marking and labelling . 4
9 Packaging, transport and storage .4
Annex A (normative) Determination of abrasion value . 5
Annex B (normative) Determination of iodine number . 8
Bibliography .11
iii
© ISO 2022 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
ISO 5946:2022(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to
the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 296, Bamboo and Rattan.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
  © ISO 2022 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
ISO 5946:2022(E)
Introduction
Activated carbon is a carbonaceous material with a complex porous structure, manufactured from
materials such as coal, wood and coconut shell. It is highly valued for its various applications in the
environment, industry, food, pharmaceutical, and agriculture. These applications include water
treatment and filtration, air and gaseous purification, beverage, fuel storage, solvent recovery, and
electroplating solutions. Bamboo is an alternative renewable source to produce activated carbons. The
rapid growth and development of bamboo-based activated carbons make it necessary to establish an
international standard to guide production, quality requirements, and international trade.
v
© ISO 2022 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 5946:2022(E)
Bamboo-based activated carbon — General specifications
1 Scope
This document specifies general requirements and test methods for bamboo-based activated carbon.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 18122, Solid biofuels — Determination of ash content
ISO 18134-3, Solid biofuels — Determination of moisture content — Oven dry method — Part 3: Moisture
in general analysis sample
ISO 18135, Solid biofuels — Sampling
ISO 1953, Hard coal — Size analysis by sieving
ISO 21625, Vocabulary related to bamboo and bamboo products
ISO 21626-1, Bamboo charcoal — Part 1: Generalities
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 21625, ISO 21626-1 and the
following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
bamboo-based activated carbon
BAC
carbonaceous material made from carbonization of bamboo materials and activation processing
3.2
granular bamboo-based activated carbon
GBAC
bamboo-based activated carbons with a particle size of >1,0 mm
3.3
powdered bamboo-based activated carbon
PBAC
small bamboo-based activated carbon particles with a size of ≤1,0 mm
1
© ISO 2022 – All rights reserved

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ISO 5946:2022(E)
3.4
formed bamboo-based activated carbon
FBAC
product made by mixing bamboo charcoal with or without a binder which is extruded at high pressure
into a particular shape and further activation in a specific condition
3.5
abrasion
loss of material from particle surfaces of a solid material or from other surfaces in contact with steel
balls under specified conditions, caused by friction between contacting surfaces
[SOURCE: ISO 1213-2: 2016, 3.1]
3.6
abrasion value
resistance to abrasion (3.5), measured as the percentage of a sample passing through a specified sieve
after tumbling under conditions specified known as ball-pan hardness
[SOURCE: ISO 1213-2:2016, 3.3, modified — the definition has been generalized to apply to bamboo-
based activated carbon]
4 Classification according to size and shape
Bamboo-based activated carbon (BAC) shall be classified as:
a) powdered bamboo-based activated carbon (PBAC);
b) granular bamboo-based activated carbon (GBAC);
c) formed bamboo-based activated carbon (FBAC).
FBAC can be further subdivided into cylinder BAC, bead BAC, cellular BAC, and other forms.
5 Requirements
5.1 Sensory inspection
The product shall appear black with no peculiar smell, contaminant, and foreign matter.
5.2 Requirements for physical and chemical properties of bamboo-based activated
carbon
The bamboo-based activated carbon shall conform to the requirements specified in Table 1.
Table 1 — Requirements for physical and chemical properties of BAC
Entry Item Unit Requirements
1 Moisture content % ≤10,0
2 Ash content % ≤15,0
3 Fixed carbon % ≥70,0
3
4 Apparent density g/cm ≥250,0
a
5 Abrasion value % ≥80,0
6 Iodine number mg/g ≥500
a
The item is used for GBAC.
2
  © ISO 2022 – All rights reserved

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ISO 5946:2022(E)
6 Sampling
Sampling of bamboo-based activated carbon shall be in accordance with ISO 18135. The sample for
analysis shall be randomly chosen from a batch of bulk products with a minimum mass of 2,0 kg.
7 Test methods
7.1 Visual inspection
Put no less than 100 g of bamboo-based activated carbon on a piece of white paper, then observe and
decide the sample by sense of sight.
7.2 Determination of moisture content
The moisture content shall be determined in accordance with ISO 18134-3.
7.3 Determination of ash content
The ash content shall be determined in accordance with ISO 18122.
7.4 Determination of fixed carbon
The fixed carbon shall be determined in accordance with ISO 21626-1.
7.5 Determination of apparent density
Bamboo-based activated carbon samples shall be oven-dried at (105 ± 2) °C for 3 h to remove moisture
prior to the determination of apparent density. Ground bamboo-based activated carbon samples to
powders or particles if necessary.
Load dry bamboo-based activated carbon samples into the funnel and allow to flow freely through
the discharge orifice into the receiver with a given volume. Enough samples shall be used so that the
samples spill evenly over the side of the receiver. The samples shall then be levelled off using a spatula.
Tap the receiver lightly on the side to settle the samples, and remove any excess samples from its
external wall. The filled receiver shall then be weighed to the nearest 0,01 g. The apparent density shall
then be calculated in compliance with Formula (1):
ρ = (m −m ) / V (1)
a 1 0
where
3
ρ is the apparent density of bamboo-based
...

2022-08-10 Style Definition
...
ISO/DIS 5946:2022(E)
Formatted
...
2022-08-22
ISO TC 296/WG 3 Formatted
...
Secretariat: SAC Formatted: Font: Bold
Formatted: Space After: 12 pt, Adjust space between
Bamboo-based activated carbon — General specifications
Latin and Asian text, Adjust space between Asian text
and numbers
Charbon actif à base de bambou — Spécifications générales
Formatted: Font: 12 pt
Formatted: Font: 12 pt, Bold
Formatted: Adjust space between Latin and Asian text,
Adjust space between Asian text and numbers

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
© ISO 2022 Formatted
Formatted: Default Paragraph Font
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation,
Formatted: No page break before, Adjust space
no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means,
between Latin and Asian text, Adjust space between
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on the internet or an intranet,
Asian text and numbers
without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
Formatted: Default Paragraph Font
below or ISO’sISO's member body in the country of the requester.
Formatted: Adjust space between Latin and Asian text,
ISO copyright office Copyright Office
Adjust space between Asian text and numbers
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Formatted: Adjust space between Latin and Asian text,
Adjust space between Asian text and numbers
Phone: + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.orgwww.iso.org
Formatted: English (United Kingdom)
Formatted: Adjust space between Latin and Asian text,
Published in Switzerland.
Adjust space between Asian text and numbers
Formatted: English (United Kingdom)

---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO/DIS 5946:2022(E)
Contents
Foreword . iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Classification . 2
5 Requirements . 2
6 Sampling . 3
7 Test methods . 3
8 Marking and Labelling . 4
9 Packaging, transport and storage . 4
Bibliography . 11

Foreword . iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Classification according to size and shape . 2
5 Requirements . 2
5.1 Sensory inspection . 2
5.2 Requirements for physical and chemical properties of bamboo-based activated carbon. 2
6 Sampling . 3
7 Test methods . 3
7.1 Visual inspection . 3
7.2 Determination of moisture content . 3
7.3 Determination of ash content . 3
7.4 Determination of fixed carbon . 3
7.5 Determination of apparent density . 3
7.6 Determination of abrasion value . 4
7.7 Determination of iodine number . 4
8 Marking and labelling. 4
Formatted: Font: 11 pt
9 Packaging, transport and storage . 4
Formatted: Line spacing: single
© ISO 2022 – All rights reserved 3
© ISO 2022 – All rights reserved iii

---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
ISO/DIS 5946:2022(E)
Annex A (normative) Determination of abrasion value . 5
Annex B (normative) Determination of iodine number . 9
Bibliography . 13
Formatted: Font: 11 pt
Formatted: Line spacing: single
4 © ISO 2022 – All rights reserved
iv © ISO 2022 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
ISO/DIS 5946:2022(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national
standards bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally
carried out through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a
technical committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee.
International organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in
the work. ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all
matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directiveswww.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patentswww.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.htmlwww.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 296, Bamboo and Rattan.
Formatted: English (United Kingdom)
Formatted: English (United Kingdom)
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
Formatted: Don't adjust space between Latin and Asian
complete listing of these bodies can be found at
text, Don't adjust space between Asian text and numbers
www.iso.org/members.htmlwww.iso.org/members.html.
Formatted: Font: 11 pt
Formatted: Line spacing: single
© ISO 2022 – All rights reserved 5
© ISO 2022 – All rights reserved v

---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
ISO/DIS 5946:2022(E)
Introduction
Activated carbon is a carbonaceous material with a complex porous structure, manufactured from
materials such as coal, wood and coconut shell. It is highly valued for its various applications in the
environment, industry, food, pharmaceutical, and agriculture. These applications include water
treatment and filtration, air and gaseous purification, beverage, fuel storage, solvent recovery, and
electroplating solutions. Bamboo is an alternative renewable source to produce activated carbons. The
rapid growth and development of bamboo-based activated carbons make it necessary to establish an
international standard to guide production, quality requirements, and international trade.
Formatted: Font: 11 pt
Formatted: Line spacing: single
6 © ISO 2022 – All rights reserved
vi © ISO 2022 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 6 ----------------------
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 5946:2022(E)

Formatted: Different first page header
Bamboo-based activated carbon — General specifications
1 Scope
This document specifies general requirements and test methods for bamboo-based activated carbon.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 18122, Solid biofuels — Determination of ash content
ISO 18134--3, Solid biofuels — Determination of moisture content — Oven dry method — Part 3: Moisture
in general analysis sample
ISO 18135, Solid Biofuels — Sampling
Formatted: Default Paragraph Font
Formatted: Default Paragraph Font
ISO 1953, Hard coal — Size analysis by sieving
Formatted: Default Paragraph Font
ISO 21625, Vocabulary related to bamboo and bamboo products
Formatted: Default Paragraph Font
ISO 21626--1, Bamboo charcoal — Part 1: Generalities
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 21625, ISO 21626-1 and the
following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/

3.1
bamboo-based activated carbon
BAC
carbonaceous material made from carbonization of bamboo materials and activation processing
3.2
granular bamboo-based activated carbon
GBAC
bamboo-based activated carbons with a particle size of >1,0 mm
3.3
© ISO 2022 – All rights reserved 1

---------------------- Page: 7 ----------------------
ISO 5946:2022(E)
powdered bamboo-based activated carbon
PBAC
small bamboo-based activated carbon particles with a size of ≤ 1,0 mm
3.4
formed bamboo-based activated carbon
FBAC
product made by mixing bamboo charcoal with or without a binder which is extruded at high pressure
into a particular shape and further activation in a specific condition
3.5
Abrasion
abrasion
loss of material from particle surfaces of a solid material or from other surfaces in contact with steel
Formatted: Definition
balls under specified conditions, caused by friction between contacting surfaces
[SOURCE: ISO 1213-2: 2016, 3.1]
Formatted: std_publisher
Formatted: std_docNumber

Formatted: std_docPartNumber
3.6
abrasion value
Formatted: std_year
resistance to abrasion (3.5), measured as the percentage of a sample passing through a specified sieve
Formatted: std_section
after tumbling under conditions specified known as ball-pan hardness
Formatted: TermNum
[SOURCE: ISO 1213-2:2016, 3.3, — modified. The — the definition has been generalized to apply to
Formatted: Font: Italic
bamboo-based activated carbon.]]
Formatted: cite_sec
4 Classification according to size and shape Formatted: Default Paragraph Font
Bamboo-based activated carbon (BAC) shall be classified as:
(a) powdered bamboo-based activated carbon (PBAC);
Formatted: List Number 1, Don't adjust space between
Latin and Asian text, Don't adjust space between Asian
(b) granular bamboo-based activated carbon (GBAC); text and numbers, Tab stops: 0.7 cm, Left + 1.4 cm, Left
+ 2.1 cm, Left + 2.8 cm, Left + 3.5 cm, Left + 4.2 cm,
(c) formed bamboo-based activated carbon (FBAC). Left + 4.9 cm, Left + 5.6 cm, Left + 6.3 cm, Left + 7
cm, Left
FBAC can be further subdivided into cylinder BAC, bead BAC, cellular BAC, and other forms.
5 Requirements
5.1 Sensory inspection
The product shall appear black with no peculiar smell, contaminant, and foreign matter.
5.2 Requirements for physical and chemical properties of bamboo-based activated
carbon
The bamboo-based activated carbon shall conform to the requirements specified in Table 1.
Table 1 — Requirements for physical and chemical properties of BAC Formatted: Font: 11 pt
Formatted: Space Before: 0 pt, Line spacing: single
2 © ISO 2022 – All rights reserved
2 © ISO 2022 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 8 ----------------------
ISO 5946:2022(E)
Formatted: Right
Entry Item Unit Requirements
1 Moisture content % ≤10,0
2 Ash content % ≤15,0
3 Fixed carbon % ≥70,0
3
4 Apparent density g/ cm ≥250,0
a
5 Abrasion value % ≥80,0
Formatted Table
6 Iodine number mg/g ≥500
a
  The item is used for GBAC.
Formatted: Justified
6 Sampling
Sampling of bamboo-based activated carbon shall be in accordance with ISO 18135. The sample for
analysis shall be randomly chosen from a batch of bulk products with a minimum mass of 2,0 kg.
7 Test methods
7.1 Visual inspection
Put no less than 100 g of bamboo-based activated carbon on a piece of white paper, then observe and
decide the sample by sense of sight.
7.2 Determination of moisture content
The moisture content shall be determined in accordance with ISO 18134-3.
7.3 Determination of ash content
The ash content shall be determined in accordance with ISO 18122.
7.4 Determination of fixed carbon
The fixed carbon shall be determined in accordance with ISO 21626-1.
7.5 Determination of apparent density
Bamboo-based activated carbon samples shall be oven-dried at (105 ± ± 2) °C for 3 hours to remove
moisture prior to the determination of apparent density. Ground bamboo-based activated carbon
samples to powders or particles if necessary.
Load dry bamboo-based activated carbon samples into the funnel and allow to flow freely through the
discharge orifice into the receiver with a given volume. Enough samples shall be used so that the
samples spill evenly over the side of the receiver. The samples shall then be levelled off using a spatula.
Formatted: Don't adjust space between Latin and Asian
Tap the receiver lightly on the side to settle the samples, and remove any excess samples from its
text, Don't adjust space between Asian text and
external wall. The filled receiver shall then be weighed to the nearest 0,01 g. The apparent density shall
numbers, Tab stops: 0.7 cm, Left + 1.4 cm, Left + 2.1
then be calculated in compliance with Formula (1):
cm, Left + 2.8 cm, Left + 3.5 cm, Left + 4.2 cm, Left +
4.9 cm, Left + 5.6 cm, Left + 6.3 cm, Left + 7 cm, Left
ρ ρ = (m -m ) / V (1)
a a 1 0
Formatted: Font: 11 pt
where
Formatted: Line spacing: single
© ISO 2022 – All rights reserved 3
© ISO 2022 – All rights reserved 3

---------------------- Page: 9 ----------------------
ISO 5946:2022(E)
3
 ρ ρ apparent density of bamboo-based activated carbon, expressed in g/cm ;
a a Formatted Table
 m mass of bamboo-based activated carbon samples-filled receiver, expressed in grams;
1
 m mass of empty receiver, expressed in grams;
0
3 3
 V volume of the receiver, expressed in cm ; usually 100 cm , as specified in ISO 60.
The test shall be repeated three times using fresh samples for each test, and an average result obtained
3
and rounded to the nearest 0,01 g/cm for reporting, with an error less than 2,0 %. Otherwise, it shall
be re-determined.
7.6 Determination of abrasion value
The abrasion value shall be determined in accordance with Annex A of this document.
7.7 Determination of iodine number
The iodine number shall be determined in accordance with Annex B of this document.
8 Marking and Labellinglabelling
8.1 The following information shall appear on the face of the containers:
a) name and address of the manufacturer;
b) a reference to this document, i.e. ISO 5946;
Formatted: std_publisher
Formatted: std_docNumber
c) date of production and batch identification;
d) net mass;
e) grade of the bamboo-based activated carbon.
8.2 A product’s use instructions shall be printed on the back of the containers. The information shall
include the name of the product, method of usage, storage, and usage precautions.
9 Packaging, transport and storage
9.1 The BAC products shall be handled with utmost care during transportation and shipping to avoid
damage, moisture, and exposure to sunlight.
9.2 The products shall be stored in a cool, ventilated, dry place (ambient temperature). Exposure to
sunlight, moisture, and ignition shall be avoided.
Formatted: Font: 11 pt
Formatted: Space Before: 0 pt, Line spacing:
...

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 5946
First edition
Bamboo-based activated carbon —
General specifications
Charbon actif à base de bambou — Spécifications générales
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
Reference number
ISO 5946:2022(E)
© ISO 2022

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO 5946:2022(E)
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2022
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
PROOF/ÉPREUVE © ISO 2022 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO 5946:2022(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Classification according to size and shape . 2
5 Requirements . 2
5.1 Sensory inspection. 2
5.2 Requirements for physical and chemical properties of bamboo-based activated
carbon . 2
6 Sampling . 3
7 Test methods . 3
7.1 Visual inspection . 3
7.2 Determination of moisture content . 3
7.3 Determination of ash content . 3
7.4 Determination of fixed carbon . 3
7.5 Determination of apparent density . 3
7.6 Determination of abrasion value . 3
7.7 Determination of iodine number . 4
8 Marking and labelling . 4
9 Packaging, transport and storage .4
Annex A (normative) Determination of abrasion value . 5
Annex B (normative) Determination of iodine number . 8
Bibliography .11
iii
© ISO 2022 – All rights reserved PROOF/ÉPREUVE

---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
ISO 5946:2022(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to
the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 296, Bamboo and Rattan.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
PROOF/ÉPREUVE © ISO 2022 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
ISO 5946:2022(E)
Introduction
Activated carbon is a carbonaceous material with a complex porous structure, manufactured from
materials such as coal, wood and coconut shell. It is highly valued for its various applications in the
environment, industry, food, pharmaceutical, and agriculture. These applications include water
treatment and filtration, air and gaseous purification, beverage, fuel storage, solvent recovery, and
electroplating solutions. Bamboo is an alternative renewable source to produce activated carbons. The
rapid growth and development of bamboo-based activated carbons make it necessary to establish an
international standard to guide production, quality requirements, and international trade.
v
© ISO 2022 – All rights reserved PROOF/ÉPREUVE

---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 5946:2022(E)
Bamboo-based activated carbon — General specifications
1 Scope
This document specifies general requirements and test methods for bamboo-based activated carbon.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 18122, Solid biofuels — Determination of ash content
ISO 18134-3, Solid biofuels — Determination of moisture content — Oven dry method — Part 3: Moisture
in general analysis sample
ISO 18135, Solid Biofuels — Sampling
ISO 1953, Hard coal — Size analysis by sieving
ISO 21625, Vocabulary related to bamboo and bamboo products
ISO 21626-1, Bamboo charcoal — Part 1: Generalities
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 21625, ISO 21626-1 and the
following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
bamboo-based activated carbon
BAC
carbonaceous material made from carbonization of bamboo materials and activation processing
3.2
granular bamboo-based activated carbon
GBAC
bamboo-based activated carbons with a particle size of >1,0 mm
3.3
powdered bamboo-based activated carbon
PBAC
small bamboo-based activated carbon particles with a size of ≤1,0 mm
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ISO 5946:2022(E)
3.4
formed bamboo-based activated carbon
FBAC
product made by mixing bamboo charcoal with or without a binder which is extruded at high pressure
into a particular shape and further activation in a specific condition
3.5
abrasion
loss of material from particle surfaces of a solid material or from other surfaces in contact with steel
balls under specified conditions, caused by friction between contacting surfaces
[SOURCE: ISO 1213-2: 2016, 3.1]
3.6
abrasion value
resistance to abrasion (3.5), measured as the percentage of a sample passing through a specified sieve
after tumbling under conditions specified known as ball-pan hardness
[SOURCE: ISO 1213-2:2016, 3.3, modified — the definition has been generalized to apply to bamboo-
based activated carbon]
4 Classification according to size and shape
Bamboo-based activated carbon (BAC) shall be classified as:
a) powdered bamboo-based activated carbon (PBAC);
b) granular bamboo-based activated carbon (GBAC);
c) formed bamboo-based activated carbon (FBAC).
FBAC can be further subdivided into cylinder BAC, bead BAC, cellular BAC, and other forms.
5 Requirements
5.1 Sensory inspection
The product shall appear black with no peculiar smell, contaminant, and foreign matter.
5.2 Requirements for physical and chemical properties of bamboo-based activated
carbon
The bamboo-based activated carbon shall conform to the requirements specified in Table 1.
Table 1 — Requirements for physical and chemical properties of BAC
Entry Item Unit Requirements
1 Moisture content % ≤10,0
2 Ash content % ≤15,0
3 Fixed carbon % ≥70,0
3
4 Apparent density g/cm ≥250,0
a
5 Abrasion value % ≥80,0
6 Iodine number mg/g ≥500
a
The item is used for GBAC.
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ISO 5946:2022(E)
6 Sampling
Sampling of bamboo-based activated carbon shall be in accordance with ISO 18135. The sample for
analysis shall be randomly chosen from a batch of bulk products with a minimum mass of 2,0 kg.
7 Test methods
7.1 Visual inspection
Put no less than 100 g of bamboo-based activated carbon on a piece of white paper, then observe and
decide the sample by sense of sight.
7.2 Determination of moisture content
The moisture content shall be determined in accordance with ISO 18134-3.
7.3 Determination of ash content
The ash content shall be determined in accordance with ISO 18122.
7.4 Determination of fixed carbon
The fixed carbon shall be determined in accordance with ISO 21626-1.
7.5 Determination of apparent density
Bamboo-based activated carbon samples shall be oven-dried at (105 ± 2) °C for 3 hours to remove
moisture prior to the determination of apparent density. Ground bamboo-based activated carbon
samples to powders or particles if necessary.
Load dry bamboo-based activated carbon samples into the funnel and allow to flow freely through
the discharge orifice into the receiver with a given volume. Enough samples shall be used so that the
samples spill evenly over the side of the receiver. The samples shall then be levelled off using a spatula.
Tap the receiver lightly on the side to settle the samples, and remove any excess samples from its
external wall. The filled receiver shall then be weighed to the nearest 0,01 g. The apparent density shall
then be calculated in compliance with Formula (1)
...