Standard test method, definition

There are several standard tests for determining the flammability of materials (ASTM, 2004). For example, the upper and lower concentration limits for the flammability of chemicals and waste can be determined by standard test methods (ASTM D4982, E681), as can the combustibility and the flash point (ASTM D1310, E176, E502). With these definitions in mind it is possible to divide ignitable materials into two subclasses ... 

Infrared absorption is one of three standard test methods for sulfur in the analysis sample of coal and coke using high-temperature tube furnace combustion methods (ASTM D-4239). Determination of sulfur is, by definition, part of the ultimate analysis of coal (Chapter 4), but sulfur analysis by the infrared method is also used to serve a number of interests evaluation of coal preparation, evaluation of potential sulfur emissions from coal combustion or conversion processes, and evaluation of the coal quality in relation to contract specifications, as well as other scientific purposes. Infrared analysis provides a reliable, rapid method for determining the concentration of sulfur in coal and is especially applicable when results must be obtained rapidly for the successful completion of industrial, beneficiation, trade, or other evaluations. 

Remember that British Standard BS 5532 [CAULCUTT and BODDY, 1983] provides qualitative and quantitative definitions of both reproducibility and repeatability. The determination of repeatability and reproducibility for a standard test method by interlaboratory tests is given in [ISO 5725]. 

A standard test method is a definitive procedure for the identifica-... 

Each section opens up with standard test methods such as ASTM, BS, DIN and ISO for each property evaluation and is summarized. Since presentation of all test methods for each property is beyond the scope of this chapter, one popular test method is described in detail while others are discussed with reference to it. The factors controlling each property are also examined. Each section concludes with an outline of the state of the art pertinent to the aspect in focus. Definitions of all terms from each section are grouped together in an Appendix. 

Many expressions are used in connection with drying (e.g., dust-free, tack-free, surface-dry, dry-to-touch, dry-to-handle, dry-through, dry-to-recoat) but these terms do not have accurate definitions. However, equipment is available for measuring drying times in the laboratory under defined temperature and humidity conditions (Fig. 9.6). Internationally standardized test methods also exist ... 

The rate of flame propagation is usually referred to in the combustion of solids as well as of gases. In this case, it signifies an empirical value determined by a standardized test method for a specimen of definite shape under specified conditions. Alternatively the rate of burning can be characterized by the mass of the combustible material burnt in unit time, instead of the rate of flame propagation. 

ASTM A 370-86a, Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products , American Society for Testing and Materials. 

ASTM D4092-01 (ISO 6721) is entitled Standard Terminology for Dynamic Mechanical Measurements on Plastics, DoD Adopted. It contains descriptions of the technical terms for dynamic mechanical property measurements on plastics including solids, melts, and solutions. It is also relatable to ISO 472 Definitions and certain items in ISO 6721-01, Plastics—Determination of Dynamic Mechanical Properties, Part 1, General Principles. Other ASTM/ISO standard test methods for dynamic mechanical analyses are... 

According to ISO definition [4] degradable plastic means A plastic designed to undergo a significant change in its chemical stmcture under specific environmental conditions resulting in a loss of some properties that may vary as measured by standard test methods appropriate to the plastic and the application in a period of time that determines its classification. ... 

Although a standard worldwide definition for biodegradable plastics has not been established, the definitions already in place (ASTM, CEN, ISO) correlate the degradability of a material to a specific disposal environment and to a specific standard test method. The method must simulate such an environment for a time-span that determines the material classification. 

American Society for Testing and Materials n ASTM. A nonprofit corporation formed for the development of standards on characteristics and performance of materials, products, systems, and services, and the promotion of related knowledge. In ASTM terminology, standards include test methods, definitions, recommended practices, classifications, and specifications. 

Since by definition a tacky material must be sticky to the touch, all standardized testing methods of tackiness seek to reproduce in one way or another the test of a thumb being brought in contact and subsequently removed from the adhesive surface. 

Several products made with biodegradable polymers are not made to be disposed of via composting at the end of their commercial life but rather to end up directly in soil. The biodegradable plastics used in agriculture are intended to biodegrade in soil. Since the agricultural soil is the medium for the production of food for humans and farm animals, the absence of negative effects linked to the in situ disposal of plastics and the absence of residue build-up are matters of concern. The definition of standard test methods and... 

The success of such highly innovative products is linked to the achievement of high quality standards. In the field of bioplastics, quality mainly means environmental quality. Standardisation Committees at national and international level have been working for many years in the definition of standard test methods to assure the biodegradability and full environmental compatibility of the new bio-plastics. Standards such as the European EN 13432 on the compostability of packaging (CEN TC261SC4WG2) and other related norms at international level are now in place, whereas standards on biodegradation of bioplastics in soil are still under discussion. 

Permeability is defined as the product of the diffusion constant and the solubility coefficient. Water vapor permeability (WVP] is defined as the time rate of water vapor transmission through unit area of flat material with a definite unit thickness induced by unit vapor pressure difference between two specific surfaces, and under indicated temperature and humidity conditions. (ASTM E 96, Standard Test Method for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials]. 

The maximum material gauge of a plastic is determined by its compostability in standard practice composting operations. AU tests must be passed. Success in individual tests will not be sufficient The EN standard test methods are based on the scientific definitions of the ISO standards 14851 [26], 14852 [24] (aerobic degradability in water), 14853 [27] (anaerobic degradability in water), and 14855 [5] (aerobic composting). The tests must be conducted by recognized test laboratories. 

Standards also give definitions for the characteristics of a material or product, or they provide the means and methods to implement quality tests for them. The difference lies in their method of preparation, therefore, in their legal status. A standard is the result of a consensus between all parties concerned. These parties represent the manufacturers of the product or material, the consumers who are the industries or user services or, ultimately, consumer associations, as well as, finally, governments. 

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) 1916 Race Street Philadelphia, Pa. 19103 The ASTM MnnualBook ofMSTM Standards contains all up-to-date formally approved (ca 9000) ASTM standard specifications, test methods, classifications, definitions, practices, and related materials, eg, proposals. These are arranged in 15 sections plus an index volume as follows. 

Static performance measurements related to positioner/ac tuator operation are conformity, measured accuracy, hysteresis, dead baud, repeatability, and locked stem-pressure gain. Definitions and standardized test procedures for determining these measurements can be found in ISA-S75.13-1989, Method of Evaluating the Performance of Positioners with Analog Input Signals and Pneumatic Output . 

A. Standard series method (Section 17.4). The test solution contained in a Nessler tube is diluted to a definite volume, thoroughly mixed, and its colour compared with a series of standards similarly prepared. The concentration of the unknown is then, of course, equal to that of the known solution whose colour it matches exactly. The accuracy of the method will depend upon the concentrations of the standard series the probable error is of the order of + 3 per cent, but may be as high as + 8 per cent. 

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