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filler@godaddy.com
Scope:
An Ash test is used to determine if a material is filled. The test will identify the total filler content. It cannot identify individual percentages in multi-filled materials without additional test procedures being performed. An ash test cannot be used to determine the percent carbon fiber or percent carbon black since carbon burns off during the Ash test.
Procedure:
An Ash test involves taking a known amount of sample, placing the weighed sample into a dried / pre-weighed porcelain crucible, burning away the polymer in an air atmosphere at temperatures above 600°C, and weighing the crucible after it has been cooled to room temperature in a desiccator. Ash residue remaining in the crucible is considered filler unless the residue is less than 1%. Residues of less than 1% are typically the result of additives that did not burn off.
Data:
The Ash test result is expressed as % ash. A magnified optical examination of the ash residue is performed to determine if the ash is glass, mineral, or a combination of both. The total ash content equals the weight of the ash divided by the weight of the original sample multiplied by 100%.
Specimen size:
10g or larger required. Smaller sample weights can be tested but accuracy diminishes with smaller sample sizes.
Further Analysis
Identification of Filler
If the supplied material has mineral filler an analysis by FTIR of the ash residue can help to further identify the type of mineral.
This test description is generic, and standards should be obtained from relevant authorities.