Non-standard test

The contribution wws elaborated in frame of complex program of the GA CR No. 101/96/K264 - Limit states of construction materials with utilisation of non-standard test methods. 

In fact, there is a recognition that a range of different test data may be required to support label claims. An applicant for authorisation of a biocidal product can confirm their efficacy claim with the provision of data from simple laboratory studies, laboratory simulated-use tests, pilot system studies or field studies according to either standard and/or non-standard test methods. 

It has been stated previously that hardness readings are influenced by test piece thickness. Consequently, the term standard hardness refers to measurements made on standard test pieces, and measurements on non-standard test pieces are called apparent hardness. 

Either for quality control purposes or to estimate degree of cure, a variety of non-standard experimental procedures have been reported. Generally, the intention is to simplify the test, speed up quality control or to use very small non-standard test pieces. An example which has gained acceptance as a... 

V 3(1945) "Small Arms Ammunition and v4(1957) "Instrumentation 97a)Anon, "Summary of Test Firing No 54, Jefferson Proving Ground, 15 Nov 1957(Digest of test results for unusual or non-standard tests of simmo and ammo items) 98)"ColIier s Encyclopedia, Collier Son,NY(l957),... 

The third section is a brief invited presentation of several non-standardized test methods currently in use. These methods are thermal analysis, analytical pyrolysis, and molecular-weight determination and distribution. 

Chapter 10 on test methods is an expansion of the listings of standard test methods presented in Chapter 11. The first section of this chapter lists, in alphabetic order, 130 properties of cellular plastics and elastomers and tabulates the standard test methods used for each. Only number designations are given. The second section is a somewhat detailed discussion, also in alphabetical order, of 22 foam properties tested by standard test methods. The third section is a brief invited presentation of several non-standardized test methods currently in use. Chapter 11 on standardization documents lists published specifications, test methods and other related standards used in the U.S., in addition to British standards and ISO International Standards. A total of 361 standards are covered. A glossary of 221 terms is included. 

Karmiloff-Smith I would like to come back to the issue about whether it is possible to differentiate different phenotypes on the basis of psychometric tests. In my field we have to use psychometric tests because there is no other acceptable way of matching different phenot ypes. Take the Wechsler adult intelligence scale (WAIS) if you look at the pattern of scores on individual subtasks, we find different patterns for Down s syndrome, Williams syndrome and autism, for example, despite the same overall score. But non-standardized tests differentiate these phenotypes far better. 

Standardized test methods should be considered validated for their intended application range and thus good enough for that purpose although their repeatability and reproducibility are not known in detail. The testing laboratory must, however, check that they apply the method correctly. For non-standardized test methods it is up to the testing laboratories to determine how far they go in defining the level of repeatability and reproducibility. 

Can I officially declare that my material is biodegradable based on one or several (non-) respirometric and (non-) standardized tests of biodegradation ... 

The number of tests to be carried out will be stated in any standard test method. When agreed non-standard tests are used, at least 5 specimens representative of the batch should be tested. If the measured behaviour of individual test specimens varies significantly from the mean value, additional specimens should be tested so that statistical methods may be used to determine a characteristic response. 

A biocide eannot be advertised as having certain effects unless these elaims have been supported by testing. Various standard and non-standard test methods can be used to evaluate how effective a specific biocide is at protecting materials and users. They inelude agar plate tests, direct contamination of a test specimen and in-service tests, such as soil burial. Different test methods may be preferred for different biocide types. ISO 846, ISO 16869, ASTM G-2I and G-22, ASTM E-I428, DIN 53793, JIS Z 2911, NF-X4I-5I4 and EMPA 223/23 are some of the standards used. Articles discussing the available tests in an introductory fashion are available in the books of papers presented at recent Rapra Addcon World conferenees (www.polymer-books.com). 

In an effort to develop an ideal test method, many different standard and non-standard tests were evaluated. Most of these were based on a hardness test of one sort or the other because it was found that generally the more crystalline the material, the harder it was. Test methods investigated included ... 

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