106.3.2.60 TM-60, Test of Cellulose and Mineral Fibers for SMA Mixtures

This method covers testing cellulose and mineral fibers for use in SMA mixtures. This test procedure is an adaptation of the NAPA procedure IS 118, printed August 1994.

106.3.2.60.1 Procedure

106.3.2.60.1.1 Alpine Sieve Analysis

This test is performed using an Alpine Air Jet Sieve (Type 200 LS). A representative 5 g sample of fiber is sieved for 14 minutes at a controlled vacuum of 75 kPa. The mass of the portion remaining on the screen is determined.

106.3.2.60.1.2 Mesh Screen Analysis

This test is performed using standard 850, 425, 250, 180 150, 106 μm sieves, nylon brushes and a shaker. A representative 10 g sample of fiber is sieved, using a shaker and two nylon brushes on each screen. The mass of the amount retained on each sieve is determined and the percentage passing calculated.

106.3.2.60.1.3 Ash Content

A representative 2 - 3 g sample of fiber is placed in a tarred crucible and heated between 595° and 650° C for not less than two hours. The crucible and ash are cooled in a desicator and the mass redetermined.

106.3.2.60.1.4 pH

Five grams of fiber is added to 100 ml of distilled water, stirred and let sit for 30 minutes. The pH is determined with a probe calibrated with pH 7.0 buffer.

106.3.2.60.1.5 Oil Absorption Test

A mass of five grams of fiber is accurately determined and suspended in an excess of mineral spirits for not less than five minutes to ensure total saturation. It is then placed in a screen mesh strainer (approximately 0.5 square millimeter hole size) and shaken on a wrist action shaker for ten minutes (approximately 30 mm motion at 240 shakes/minute). The shaken mass is then transferred without touching, to a tared container and the mass determined. Results are reported as the amount (number of times its own mass) the fibers are able to absorb.

106.3.2.60.1.6 Moisture Content

Ten grams of fiber is measured out and placed in a 120° C forced air oven for two hours. The mass of the sample is then redetermined immediately upon removal from the oven.

106.3.2.60.1.7 Fiber Length

The fiber length is determined according to the Bauer McNett fractionation.

106.3.2.60.1.8 Fiber Thickness

The fiber diameter is determined by measuring at least 200 fibers in a phase contrast microscope.

106.3.2.60.1.9 Shot Content

Shot content is a measure of non-fibrous material. The shot content is determined on vibrating sieves. Two sieves, 250 μm and 63 μm, are typically utilized. For additional information see ASTM C612.

106.3.2.60.2 Report

The report shall show the tests performed and the results of the tests.