Significance and Use

This test method specifies sampling and testing procedures for the measurement of average fiber diameter and variation in diameter of animal fibers.

This test method is considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments of wool and other animal fibers in raw and sliver form because current estimates of between-laboratory precision are acceptable. In cases of disagreement arising from differences in values reported by two or more laboratories when using this test method for acceptance testing, the statistical bias, if any, between the laboratories should be determined with each comparison being based on the testing of specimens randomly drawn from one sample of material of the type being evaluated. Test Method D2130 shall be used as a referee test method.

This test method may be used for determining compliance with average fiber diameter and diameter variation to assign grades when determining conformance of shipments to material specifications given in Specifications D2252 , D3991 , and D3992 , and Test Method D2816 .

The procedures for determining mean fiber diameter and standard deviation of fiber diameter provided in this test method and in IWTO Method 47-98 are in essential agreement.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers a procedure that uses an Optical Fiber Diameter Analyser (OFDA) for the determination of the average fiber diameter and the fiber diameter variation in wool and other animal fibers in their various forms.

Note 1This test method may also be applied to other fibers having a round cross section such as some polyamides, polyesters, and glass; it may also be applied to a limited number of polyacrylics and regenerated cellulose-type fibers.

Note 2In subsequent sections of this test method, the term wool also signifies other animal fibers where applicable.

Note 3For fineness specifications of wool, wool top, mohair, mohair top, alpaca, and cashmere, refer to Specifications D3991 , D3992 , D2252 , and Test Method D2816 , respectively.

1.2 The OFDA reports average fiber diameter and standard deviation of fiber diameter in micrometer units ( ? m). The coefficient of variation of fiber diameter is reported as a percentage.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles

D584 Test Method for Wool Content of Raw Wool--Laboratory Scale

D1060 Practice for Core Sampling of Raw Wool in Packages for Determination of Percentage of Clean Wool Fiber Present

D1776 Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles

D2130 Test Method for Diameter of Wool and Other Animal Fibers by Microprojection

D2252 Specification for Fineness of Types of Alpaca

D2816 Test Method for Cashmere Coarse-Hair Content in Cashmere

D3991 Specifications for Fineness of Wool or Mohair and Assignment of Grade

D3992 Specifications for Fineness of Wool Top or Mohair Top and Assignment of Grade

D4845 Terminology Relating to Wool

Keywords

animal fibers (except wool); diameter; diameter distribution; wool;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 59.060.10 (Natural fibres)

DOI: 10.1520/D6500-00R12E01

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.

ASTM D6500