Ash test

Sulfated ash tests found in BP and EP are considered equivalent to the USP residue on ignition test, except where noted (19). ... 

Fruchter, J. S., Rai, D., Zachara, J. M. Schmidt, R. L. 1988. Leachate Chemistry at the Montour Fly Ash Test Cell, EPRT-EA-5922. Electric Power Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA. 

Figure 1 Control/performance chart for the sulfated ash test on a gasoline additive.

Perhaps the simplest test method for the evaluation of antistatic finishes is the ash test. A piece of the fabric to be evalnated is mbbed briskly on a piece of plastic or rubber (the vinyl covered arms of a chair, for example). The fabric is then placed over an ashtray containing cigarette ash. The amount of ash transferred to the fabric is an indication of the amount of static charge imparted to the fabric. Owing to the difficulty in quantifying the results, this test is mainly nsed as a qualitative tool to distinguish between antistatic-treated and untreated fabrics. 

Ash testing (shown in Table 7) measures non-combustible residues left behind when concentrate samples are burned in air under controlled conditions. They are indicative of the original composition of the sample and can be used to evaluate the degree to which components have been successfully incorporated or lost to dust collection systems, etc. No clear trends emerged from these trials with HIDM and twin screw samples exhibiting similar variability, however. 

Typically, the partially acidified (10 to 15% salt remaining after one acidification as determined by an ash test) monomer was washed one to two more times with 1500 ml of hydrochloric acid and 1500 ml of distilled water, as described above, until an ash free product was formed. 

The injection machine was injecting 15 maximum shot size shots for HIPS. The first shot was injected with mixed mica materials. After injection the first shot, some mica particles still remained in both the barrel and the hot runner manifold. Those particles are assumed to simulate a color or contamination. The second to fifteenth shots used virgin material to purge the previous one and the mica particles. The purged materials were put into a water bath to cool down. Then, they were cut into small pieces and weighed and then put in a crucible for ash testing. 

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