ASTM D6942-03(2019)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Stability of Cellulose Fibers in Alkaline Environments
Standard Test Method for Stability of Cellulose Fibers in Alkaline Environments
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This method is intended to provide a generalized procedure for determining the stability of cellulosic pulp fibers exposed to alkaline environments. Specifically, this method allows various pulp types to be compared with respect to the effect of exposure to alkaline conditions on the strength of individual cellulosic fibers based on a zero-span tensile test. The time intervals listed in the procedure are not critical, and more intervals of shorter or longer duration may be added. In addition, the procedure may be simplified by removing some of the intermediate intervals so long as a range of intervals is determined. An example of a simplified procedure would be to determine 4 intervals (for example, 1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks; or 1 day, 3 day, 7 day, 14 day).
5.2 The specified solution (1N NaOH) is strongly alkaline. Although this alkali concentration is higher than some environments that would be simulated by this test, the stronger pH provides better differentiation between different cellulose fiber types. Although alkaline stability based on other alkalis (for example, KOH, Ca(OH)2, etc.) at a different concentration could be determined by this method, 1N NaOH is to be considered the standard solution. Alkaline stability results from other treatments may be reported in addition to the standard solution if the additional solution(s) provide useful information.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes a procedure for determining the effect of exposure to alkaline environments on the strength of cellulose fibers. An alkaline environment is defined to be any matrix in which the pH is greater than 8 for a period of 2 or more hours.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 30-Nov-2019
- Technical Committee
- D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
- Drafting Committee
- D01.36 - Cellulose and Cellulose Derivatives
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2003
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2001
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2001
- Referred By
ASTM D7357-07(2019) - Standard Specification for Cellulose Fibers for Fiber-Reinforced Concrete - Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2019
Overview
ASTM D6942-03(2019): Standard Test Method for Stability of Cellulose Fibers in Alkaline Environments defines a systematic procedure for evaluating how cellulose fibers withstand exposure to alkaline conditions. Developed by ASTM International, this method enables comparison of different cellulosic pulp types by measuring the effect of alkaline environments-specifically environments with pH greater than 8 for two or more hours-on fiber strength, using a zero-span tensile test. The standard provides both flexibility and repeatability, supporting practical applications in the pulp, paper, and material sciences industries.
Key Topics
- Purpose: Evaluates the alkaline stability of cellulose fibers, focusing on strength retention after exposure.
- Standard Alkaline Solution: Uses 1N sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as the reference alkaline solution for consistent and differentiable results.
- Zero-span Tensile Test: Strength of fibers after treatment is measured using a zero-span tensile test, comparing test samples to untreated controls.
- Time Intervals: Multiple exposure durations can be used (e.g., 1 day, 1 week, up to 4 weeks), and the procedure may be simplified for practicality.
- Stability Ratio: The zero-span stability ratio (ZSSR) is calculated as the ratio of tensile strength of alkali-treated fibers to that of untreated fibers, reported as a decimal or percentage.
- Applicability: The procedure is suitable for a wide range of cellulose fiber types, including kraft, sulfite, and mechanical pulps.
- Customizability: Other alkaline solutions (such as KOH or Ca(OH)₂) may be used, but results must specify solution composition; 1N NaOH results are considered the standard reference.
Applications
- Pulp and Paper Industry: Assessing the durability and performance of raw cellulose pulp under alkaline handling, processing, or storage conditions.
- Material Development: Comparing stability between various cellulose fiber sources for use in specialty papers, filters, textiles, or composites.
- Quality Control: Ensuring fiber materials maintain required strength after alkaline exposure, vital for product reliability in competitive markets.
- Research and Development: Supporting the development of cellulose-based products that perform in high-pH or chemically aggressive environments, such as packaging subject to alkaline migration or specialty papers for laboratory or archival use.
- Comparative Testing: Determining suitability of new or modified fiber types by direct comparison against standardized alkaline degradation benchmarks.
Related Standards
- ASTM D1695: Terminology of Cellulose and Cellulose Derivatives - provides definitions and terminology referenced throughout the test method.
- TAPPI T 205: Standard for forming handsheets for physical pulp tests, cited for sample preparation.
- TAPPI T 231: Method for measuring the zero-span breaking strength of pulp, essential for strength evaluation in this standard.
- ASTM D1348: (Historical) Test methods for moisture in cellulose.
- International Standardization: The standard aligns with principles established by the World Trade Organization’s Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee, supporting global harmonization in testing cellulose fiber stability.
Practical Value
Implementing ASTM D6942-03(2019) helps laboratories and manufacturers ensure cellulose fibers remain strong and reliable under alkaline conditions, essential for product quality in various industrial and technical applications. Using a recognized and repeatable methodology enhances material consistency, facilitates product development, and supports compliance with international quality expectations.
Keywords: alkaline stability, cellulose fibers, zero-span tensile, pulp strength, ASTM D6942, alkaline test, fiber durability, cellulose pulp testing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D6942-03(2019) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Stability of Cellulose Fibers in Alkaline Environments". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 This method is intended to provide a generalized procedure for determining the stability of cellulosic pulp fibers exposed to alkaline environments. Specifically, this method allows various pulp types to be compared with respect to the effect of exposure to alkaline conditions on the strength of individual cellulosic fibers based on a zero-span tensile test. The time intervals listed in the procedure are not critical, and more intervals of shorter or longer duration may be added. In addition, the procedure may be simplified by removing some of the intermediate intervals so long as a range of intervals is determined. An example of a simplified procedure would be to determine 4 intervals (for example, 1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks; or 1 day, 3 day, 7 day, 14 day). 5.2 The specified solution (1N NaOH) is strongly alkaline. Although this alkali concentration is higher than some environments that would be simulated by this test, the stronger pH provides better differentiation between different cellulose fiber types. Although alkaline stability based on other alkalis (for example, KOH, Ca(OH)2, etc.) at a different concentration could be determined by this method, 1N NaOH is to be considered the standard solution. Alkaline stability results from other treatments may be reported in addition to the standard solution if the additional solution(s) provide useful information. SCOPE 1.1 This test method describes a procedure for determining the effect of exposure to alkaline environments on the strength of cellulose fibers. An alkaline environment is defined to be any matrix in which the pH is greater than 8 for a period of 2 or more hours. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 This method is intended to provide a generalized procedure for determining the stability of cellulosic pulp fibers exposed to alkaline environments. Specifically, this method allows various pulp types to be compared with respect to the effect of exposure to alkaline conditions on the strength of individual cellulosic fibers based on a zero-span tensile test. The time intervals listed in the procedure are not critical, and more intervals of shorter or longer duration may be added. In addition, the procedure may be simplified by removing some of the intermediate intervals so long as a range of intervals is determined. An example of a simplified procedure would be to determine 4 intervals (for example, 1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks; or 1 day, 3 day, 7 day, 14 day). 5.2 The specified solution (1N NaOH) is strongly alkaline. Although this alkali concentration is higher than some environments that would be simulated by this test, the stronger pH provides better differentiation between different cellulose fiber types. Although alkaline stability based on other alkalis (for example, KOH, Ca(OH)2, etc.) at a different concentration could be determined by this method, 1N NaOH is to be considered the standard solution. Alkaline stability results from other treatments may be reported in addition to the standard solution if the additional solution(s) provide useful information. SCOPE 1.1 This test method describes a procedure for determining the effect of exposure to alkaline environments on the strength of cellulose fibers. An alkaline environment is defined to be any matrix in which the pH is greater than 8 for a period of 2 or more hours. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM D6942-03(2019) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 85.040 - Pulps. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D6942-03(2019) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D6942-03(2012), ASTM D1695-07(2019), ASTM D1695-07(2012), ASTM D1348-94(2008), ASTM D1695-07, ASTM D1348-94(2003), ASTM D1695-96(2001), ASTM D1695-96, ASTM D7357-07(2019), ASTM C1116/C1116M-23. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D6942-03(2019) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D6942 − 03 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Stability of Cellulose Fibers in Alkaline Environments
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6942; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This test method describes a procedure for determining
3.1 Definitions—For standard terminology of cellulose and
the effect of exposure to alkaline environments on the strength
cellulose derivatives, see Terminology D1695.
of cellulose fibers. An alkaline environment is defined to be
any matrix in which the pH is greater than 8 for a period of 2
4. Summary of Test Method
or more hours.
4.1 This test method can be used to compare different
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
cellulose pulp fiber types based on their response to a standard
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
alkaline solution. The stability factor defined below can be
standard.
usedtomeasuretheeffectofexposuretoalkalineconditionson
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
fiber strength.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.2 Cellulose fibers are treated with a standard alkaline
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
solution for a specified interval, washed free of alkali, and then
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
formed into standard handsheets (see TAPPI T 205) for
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
strength testing. Zero-span tensile testing (see TAPPI T 231) is
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
used to determine the effect on fiber strength.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.3 A stability ratio is defined based on the ratio of the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
zero-span tensile of alkali treated fibers divided by the zero-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
span tensile of untreated (control) fibers.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5. Significance and Use
2. Referenced Documents
5.1 This method is intended to provide a generalized pro-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
cedure for determining the stability of cellulosic pulp fibers
D1348 Test Methods for Moisture in Cellulose (Withdrawn
exposed to alkaline environments. Specifically, this method
2017)
allows various pulp types to be compared with respect to the
D1695 Terminology of Cellulose and Cellulose Derivatives
effect of exposure to alkaline conditions on the strength of
2.2 TAPPI (Technical Association of the Pulp & Paper
individual cellulosic fibers based on a zero-span tensile test.
Industry) Standards:
The time intervals listed in the procedure are not critical, and
T 205 Forming Handsheets for Physical Tests of Pulp
more intervals of shorter or longer duration may be added. In
T 231 Zero-span Breaking Strength of Pulp (Dry Zero-span
addition,theproceduremaybesimplifiedbyremovingsomeof
Tensile)
the intermediate intervals so long as a range of intervals is
determined.An example of a simplified procedure would be to
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint
determine 4 intervals (for example, 1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4
and Related Coatings, Materials, andApplications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.36 on Cellulose and Cellulose Derivatives.
weeks; or 1 day, 3 day, 7 day, 14 day).
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2019. Published December 2019. Originally
approved in 2003. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D6942 – 03 (2012).
5.2 The specified solution (1N NaOH) is strongly alkaline.
DOI: 10.1520/D6942-03R19.
Although this alkali concentration is higher than some envi-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
ronments that would be simulated by this test, the stronger pH
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
provides better differentiation between different cellulose fiber
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
types. Although alkaline stability based on other alkalis (for
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
example, KOH, Ca(OH) , etc.) at a different concentration
www.astm.org.
4 could be determined by this method, 1N NaOH is to be
Available from TechnicalAssociation of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI),
15 Technology Parkway South, Norcross, GA 30092, http://www.tappi.org. consideredthestandardsolution.Alkalinestabilityresultsfrom
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6942 − 03 (2019)
other treatments may be reported in addition to the standard but the starting consistency must still be 30 %.) The sample
solution if the additional solution(s) provide useful informa- may be placed in an uncovered beaker to simulate an environ-
tion. ment that is open to the atmosphere, or placed in a sealed bag
to simulate an environment in which the consistency would
6. Interferences
remain constant.
6.1 There are no known interferences for this method.
13.3 Repeat step 13.2 to prepare five more samples that will
be left to age for time intervals of 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days,
7. Apparatus
respectively. Once the time interval has been met, work-up of
7.1 Handsheeting Apparatus, as defined in TAPPI T 205.
the samples is accomplished by collecting fibers on a wire
screen (100 mesh), washing with tap water until washings are
7.2
...
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