American Society For Testing And Materials Standards Research Articles

A comparative study of direct transesterification of camelina oil under supercritical methanol, ethanol and 1-butanol conditions

Transesterifications of camelina oil under supercritical methanol, ethanol, and 1-butanol conditions are investigated and compared to find the suitable alcohols for the esters conversion process. The factors affecting the yields of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE), and fatty acid butyl eaters (FABE), such as reaction temperature and time, are studied and discussed in detail. The increase of the reaction temperature and time is proved to be favorable to the production of FAME, FAEE, and FABE initially since the transesterification is a reversible, endothermal reaction; however, the persistent increase of reaction temperature and time will decrease the yield of the Camelina sativa biofuels due to their thermal instability. The composition and thermal stability of biodiesel produced under various supercritical alcohol conditions are characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and thermogravimetric analysis methods. The saturated degree of fatty acid esters in C. sativa oil decreases with the increase of the alkyl chain of the alcohols from methanol, ethanol, to 1-butanol. The physical properties of biodiesels including the specific gravity, viscosity, calorific value, cold properties, and cetane number are tested and compared with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. According to the results, the specific gravity and the viscosity of the C. sativa biodiesels are comparable to the ASTM standards. The calorific value, cetane number, and cold properties of biodiesel are improved with the increase of the length of the carbon chain of alcohols, while they decrease with the increase of unsaturated degree of compositions of biodiesels.

Biodegradability and Compostability of Lignocellulosic Based Composite Materials

Lignocellulosic composites have attracted interest from both academia and industry due to their benefi cial environmental and sustainability attributes. The lignocellulosic industry has seen remarkable improvements in the development of composites for high performance applications. Both biodegradable as well as non-biodegradable polymers are used in the design and engineering of lignocellulosic composites. Biodegradability studies of lignocellulosic composites in soil and composting environments help in planning their end-life management. Biodegradability tests are complex and dependent on the environment in which the testing is carried out. Due to this, standards have been developed by international agencies such as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to adopt and test plastic materials in both composting and soil environments. The fi rst part of this intended review article deals with the classifi cation of lignocellulosic composites, biodegradation and composting concepts, biodegradability testing standards, and factors affecting biodegradation. A comparative analysis of ASTM and ISO biodegradability standards in terms of testing methodology and results interpretation is provided.. A special focus is given to the biodegradation mechanisms found in polymers and their composites. The second part of this review article is devoted to biodegradation studies of lignocellulosic composites under composting conditions and soil environments. The effect of fi ller type, environmental conditions, and compatibilization on the biodegradation of lignocellulosic composites is discussed in detail. Also, a special section on the biodegradability of lignin-based materials is given.

Effect of fiber type and combinations on the mechanical, physical and thermal stability properties of polyester hybrid composites

The effect of fiber types and their combinations on the properties of unsaturated polyester composite was studied experimentally in this work. Monolithic and hybrid composite samples were produced using hand lay-up method followed by compression and the samples were tested according to ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards. The results showed that the Kevlar reinforced composite (KFRP) had the highest tensile strength among the monolithic composites and hand woven nylon fiber reinforced composite (LNFRP) with the least value. The combination of fibers (hybridization), Kevlar and glass fibers composite (KGFRP) and Kevlar–glass–nylon fibers composite (KGNFRP) resulted in tensile strength and specific tensile strength improvement over the monolithic glass fiber composite (GFRP). The combination of fibers also improved the thermal stability of the hybrid composites. Positive effects of hybridization were also observed for density and water absorptivity.

Three dimensional analytical solution for finite circular cylinders subjected to indirect tensile test

This paper derives a new three-dimensional (3-D) analytical solution for the indirect tensile tests standardized by ISRM (International Society for Rock Mechanics) for testing rocks, and by ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) for testing concretes. The present solution for solid circular cylinders of finite length can be considered as a 3-D counterpart of the classical two dimensional (2-D) solutions by Hertz in 1883 and by Hondros in 1959. The contacts between the two steel diametral loading platens and the curved surfaces of a cylindrical specimen of length H and diameter D are modeled as circular-to-circular Hertz contact and straight-to-circular Hertz contact for ISRM and ASTM standards respectively. The equilibrium equations of the linear elastic circular cylinder of finite length are first uncoupled by using displacement functions, which are then expressed in infinite series of some combinations of Bessel functions, hyperbolic functions, and trigonometric functions. The applied tractions are expanded in Fourier–Bessel series and boundary conditions are used to yield a system of simultaneous equations. For typical rock cylinders of 54mm diameter subjected to ISRM indirect tensile tests, the contact width is in the order of 2mm (or a contact angle of 4°) whereas for typical asphalt cylinders of 101.6mm diameter subjected to ASTM indirect tensile tests the contact width is about 10mm (or a contact angle of 12°). For such contact conditions, 50 terms in both Fourier and Fourier–Bessel series expansions are found sufficient in yielding converged solutions. The maximum hoop stress is always observed within the central portion on a circular section close to the flat end surfaces. The difference in the maximum hoop stress between the 2-D Hondros solution and the present 3-D solution increases with the aspect ratio H/D as well as Poisson’s ratio ν. When contact friction is neglected, the effect of loading platen stiffness on tensile stress in cylinders is found negligible. For the aspect ratio of H/D=0.5 recommended by ISRM and ASTM, the error in tensile strength may be up to 15% for both typical rocks and asphalts, whereas for longer cylinders with H/D up to 2 the error ranges from 15% for highly compressible materials, and to 60% for nearly incompressible materials. The difference in compressive radial stress between the 2-D Hertz solution or 2-D Hondros solution and the present 3-D solution also increases with Poisson’s ratio and aspect ratio H/D. In summary, the 2-D solution, in general, underestimates the maximum tensile stress and cannot predict the location of the maximum hoop stress which typically locates close to the end surfaces of the cylinder.

English

  Fuel properties of loofah oil and its ethyl ester blended with diesel were experimentally determined. Biodiesel blends (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100%) of loofah oil and its ethyl ester by volume with diesel was used. The fuel properties of the biodiesel blends were determined according to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. Pure Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) was used as a reference fuel. The viscosity in the blends of loofah oil and its ethyl ester with AGO from B10 to B100 ranged from 4.5 - 43.1 mm2/s. It was observed that the viscosities of 10 - 40% loofah ester-diesel blends fell within limit specified by ASTM standards. The cloud points, the pour points and the flash points increased as the percentage of loofah oil and its ethyl ester increased in the blends. The specific gravity of all the loofah biodiesel blends ranged from 0.863 - 0.89 and fell within limit specified by international standards. The heating values of the loofah biodiesel blends decreased from 42.55 - 28.75 MJ/L. All the loofah biodiesel blends had sulphur contents ranging from 9.16 - 13.2% and lower than that of reference AGO. The ash content of all the biodiesel samples produced from loofah oil ranged from 0.01 - 0.02% and were lower compared to AGO obtained as 0.12. The blends of loofah ethyl ester (LEE) of B10 and B20 were found to have acceptable fuel properties to power compression ignition engines.   Key words: Loofah ethyl esters, biodiesel, compression ignition engine, automotive gas oil (AGO)

Carbonation of fly ash concrete: laboratory and field data

The present study consists of investigating the carbonation resistance of two series of concrete mixtures designed for three classes of concrete (25, 35, and 45 MPa compressive strength at 28 d) and using American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) type I Portland cement and two commercially used fly ashes meeting the ASTM standards at the level of 20%, 35%, and 50% of the total weight of cementitious materials. The carbonation resistance was determined on samples moist cured for 3, 7, and 10 d and exposed to a CO2-enriched environment (3% CO2 at 23 °C and 65% relative humidity) for 140 d to accelerate the carbonation; it was also determined on samples moist cured for 7 d and exposed to an indoor and outdoor natural environments for 4 years. A mathematical model allowing the prediction of the depth of accelerated carbonation of fly ash concrete mixtures is presented.

Bioremediation of endosulfan contaminated soil and water—Optimization of operating conditions in laboratory scale reactors

A mixed bacterial culture consisted of Staphylococcus sp., Bacillus circulans-I and -II has been enriched from contaminated soil collected from the vicinity of an endosulfan processing industry. The degradation of endosulfan by mixed bacterial culture was studied in aerobic and facultative anaerobic conditions via batch experiments with an initial endosulfan concentration of 50 mg/L. After 3 weeks of incubation, mixed bacterial culture was able to degrade 71.58 ± 0.2% and 75.88 ± 0.2% of endosulfan in aerobic and facultative anaerobic conditions, respectively. The addition of external carbon (dextrose) increased the endosulfan degradation in both the conditions. The optimal dextrose concentration and inoculum size was estimated as 1 g/L and 75 mg/L, respectively. The pH of the system has significant effect on endosulfan degradation. The degradation of alpha endosulfan was more compared to beta endosulfan in all the experiments. Endosulfan biodegradation in soil was evaluated by miniature and bench scale soil reactors. The soils used for the biodegradation experiments were identified as clayey soil (CL, lean clay with sand), red soil (GM, silty gravel with sand), sandy soil (SM, silty sand with gravel) and composted soil (PT, peat) as per ASTM (American society for testing and materials) standards. Endosulfan degradation efficiency in miniature soil reactors were in the order of sandy soil followed by red soil, composted soil and clayey soil in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. In bench scale soil reactors, endosulfan degradation was observed more in the bottom layers. After 4 weeks, maximum endosulfan degradation efficiency of 95.48 ± 0.17% was observed in red soil reactor where as in composted soil-I (moisture 38 ± 1%) and composted soil-II (moisture 45 ± 1%) it was 96.03 ± 0.23% and 94.84 ± 0.19%, respectively. The high moisture content in compost soil reactor-II increased the endosulfan concentration in the leachate. Known intermediate metabolites of endosulfan were absent in all the above degradation studies.

Adsorption and desorption characteristics of hydrophobic pesticide endosulfan in four Indian soils

Adsorption and desorption characteristics of endosulfan in four Indian soils were studied extensively. The soils used were clayey soil (CL—lean clay with sand), red soil (GM—silty gravel with sand), sandy soil (SM—silty sand with gravel) and composted soil (PT—peat) as per ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards. Adsorption and desorption rates were calculated from kinetic studies. These values varied for alpha and beta endosulfan depending on the soil type. Maximum specific adsorption capacities ( q max) for different soils were calculated by Langmuir model. The values varied from 0.1 to 0.45 mg g −1 for alpha endosulfan and 0.0942–0.2722 mg g −1 for beta endosulfan. Maximum adsorption took place in clay soil followed by composted soil and red soil. Adsorptions of alpha and beta endosulfan were negligible in sand. The binding characteristics of various functional groups were calculated using Scatchard plot. Effect of functional groups was more predominant in clayey soil. Organic matter also played a significant role in adsorption and desorption of endosulfan. Endosulfan adsorption decreased drastically in clay soil when the pH was reduced. Desorption was higher at both acidic and alkaline pH ranges compared to neutral pH. Results indicated that alpha endosulfan is more mobile compared to beta endosulfan and mobility of endosulfan is maximum in sandy soil followed by red soil. It can be inferred that crystal lattice of the clay soil plays a significant role in endosulfan adsorption and desorption. Immobilization of endosulfan is more advisable in clay soil whereas biological and or chemical process can be applied effectively for the remediation of other soil types.

Summary: Update to ASTM guide E 1523 to charge control and charge referencing techniques in x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

An updated version of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) guide E 1523 to the methods to charge control and charge referencing techniques in x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy has been released by ASTM [Annual Book of ASTM Standards Surface Analysis (American Society for Testing and Materials, West Conshohocken, PA, 2004), Vol. 03.06]. The guide is meant to acquaint x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) users with the various charge control and charge referencing techniques that are and have been used in the acquisition and interpretation of XPS data from surfaces of insulating specimens. The current guide has been expanded to include new references as well as recommendations for reporting information on charge control and charge referencing. The previous version of the document had been published in 1997 [D. R. Baer and K. D. Bomben, J. Vac. Sci. Technol. A 16, 754 (1998)].

C-Specimen Fracture Toughness Testing: Effect of Side Grooves and η Factor

Elastic-plastic crack front fields in arc-shaped tension specimens (C-specimens) were analyzed by a three-dimensional finite element method. The effect of side grooves on the ductile fracture behavior was investigated by studying the J-integral distribution, plane-strain constraint parameter, and development of plastic zones and comparing to experimental data. The applicability of the η factor (derived for use with compact tension specimens) for the calculation of J-integral values for the C-specimen was also investigated. The results show that side grooves promote and establish near plane strain conditions at the crack front in sub-size specimens. It was also found that a two-dimensional plane-strain analysis in conjunction with the standard American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) tests was sufficient to determine the fracture toughness values from side-grooved C-specimen. The results indicate the η factor for compact tension specimen as specified in the ASTM standards appears to produce reliable results for the calculation of J of C-specimens.

ASTM standards for fire debris analysis: a review

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) recently updated its standards E 1387 and E 1618 for the analysis of fire debris. The changes in the classification of ignitable liquids are presented in this review. Furthermore, a new standard on extraction of fire debris with solid phase microextraction (SPME) was released. Advantages and drawbacks of this technique are presented and discussed. Also, the standard on cleanup by acid stripping has not been reapproved. Fire debris analysts that use the standards should be aware of these changes.

ASTM standards on environmental sampling, 2nd ed. ASTM (American Society For Testing and Materials), ASTM, west Conshohocken, PA, (1997), 1010 Pages, [ISBN No.:0‐8031‐1835‐X], U.S. List Price: $99.00

ASTM standards on environmental sampling, 2nd ed. ASTM (American Society For Testing and Materials), ASTM, west Conshohocken, PA, (1997), 1010 Pages, [ISBN No.:0‐8031‐1835‐X], U.S. List Price: $99.00

Standards for Fracture Toughness Testing of Rock and Manufactured Ceramics: What Can We Learn for Concrete?

AbstractThis paper presents a review of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM) standards for determining the plane-strain fracture toughness of cemented carbides and rocks, respectively, with an eye toward applicability to concrete. The evolution of the chevron-notched test specimen used in these standards is briefly reviewed. A discussion of a particular chevron-notched configuration, the short rod test specimen, and associated test methods follows. The ASTM and ISRM standards are then described. The paper evaluates the potential for learning from, modifying, or adapting these standards for use on a standard fracture toughness test for concrete. The potential advantages and disadvantages of using the short rod geometry and testing methods on concrete are discussed, taking into account fracture response, shape, volume, preparation, precracking, symmetry, and subsize specimen effects. Preliminary research into the applicability of the short rod geometry and testing procedures on concrete is discussed.

Heat Flux Transducers Measure in-situ Building Thermal Performance

This paper presents an overview of heat flux transducers (HFTs) used for in-situ measurements of building performance. HFTs that are mounted in labora tory testing apparatuses are beyond the scope of the paper. The overview is based on HFT literature from the past five years. The overview covers how HFTs are constructed to measure heat flow and touches on the near relatives of HFTs, portable calorimeters and thermal probes. The question of calibration is key to the appropriate use of HFTs. The paper discusses the range of building thermal performance applications for HFTs from roofs to foundations to mechanical systems. A variety of ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards exist that relate to characterizing the building thermal context the HFT is used in. They pertain to: • Using thermography • HFT measurements • Calculatmg thermal resistance from in-situ data • Calibrating the HFT The paper discusses key elements to consider in the use of HFTs for in-situ measure ments and addresses current developments in the construction and use of HFTs.

OIL SPILL AND HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE RESPONSE EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS STANDARDIZATION PROGRAM

ABSTRACT The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) requires vessel and facility owners and operators to prepare oil spill response plans to remove a worst case discharge (total loss of cargo in adverse weather). It requires the Coast Guard to review response plans for approval. Plan preparers need objective standards for selecting and assigning sufficient response resources to facilitate plan approval. All parties must have common, national standards for matching oil spill response resources to anticipated response needs. The Coast Guard has solicited the assistance of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) to develop consensus technical standards for oil spill response equipment and systems. ASTM Committee F20 on Hazardous Substances and Oil Spill Response formed separate work groups to develop standards for such things as booms, skimmers, temporary storage devices, sorbents, dispersants, pumps, and bioremediants. ASTM standards take the form of test methods, guidelines, specifications, terminology, practices, classifications, and other standards pertaining to performance, durability, strength of systems, and techniques for the control and removal of oil and hazardous substances spills. The Coast Guard is working closely with Environment Canada on this process to ensure that resulting standards apply equally well across North America. This paper will discuss the Coast Guard's role and progress being made in the development of consensus standards to facilitate the enforcement of the regulations that implement OPA 90.

Application of quantitative microscopy to specialty metals

Quantitative microscopy methods have been utilized for the characterization of specialty metal microstructures for many years. Initially, most work was more qualitative than quantitative because all methods were manual. However, since the introduction of more capable image analyzers in the 1980s, with vastly improved computer software and hardware, automated techniques have gained favor. With the implementation of automated image analysis equipment, users have quickly realized that specimen preparation techniques must be improved and also automated. The primary applications of quantitative microscopy methods in the specialty steel industry are: inclusion ratings, grain size measurement, volume fraction determination, and carbide distribution studies.The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has been a leader in the development of microscopical test methods, chiefly through Committee E-4 on Metallography, which recently celebrated its 75th anniversary. Other technical societies, companies, organizations in other countries, and international organizations have also made notable contributions. ASTM standards are developed by volunteers from industry (both producers and purchasers), equipment manufacturers and academia using a consensus approach requiring voting at three levels.

Intertidal endolithic fauna and it's relationship to the mineralogical, physical and chemical characteristics of the substrate

Mineral composition, granulometry, cohesion, relative and absolute density, and the pH of samples of the Santa Elena sedimentary rock shoal (37°56′02″ S; 58°11′35″ W; Argentina) were determined in order to relate the endolithic fauna with the properties of the substrate. Twenty three samples were collected in December 1987, applying a systematic sampling method to an intertidal area of 5 500 m2. The mineral composition was determined using x-ray diffraction. Cohesion was determined by visual evaluation of the disintegration of the sample following various periods of immersion in water and by recording the resistance to compressive fracture according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard. The ASTM standard was also followed for measurement of absolute and relative densities and porosity. The rock was ground up in distilled water and the pH of the resulting liquid measured over a period of 24 h. The data were analysed using numerical taxonomy, and in a supplementary study a granulometric analysis was attempted using five representative samples. The endolithic species selected were: the sipunculanThemiste petricola; the polychaetesPolydora sp. andPherusa sp., and the bivalvesLithophaga patagonica, Petricola patagonica, Saxicava solida, Barnea lamellosa, andPholadidea darwini. The mineral analysis indicated heterogeneous composition and spatial distribution characteristic of a loess. In terms of cohesion, the substrate displayed varying degrees of disintegration, with resistance ranging from zero to very high (254.6 kg/cm2). The endolithic faunaThemiste petricola, Polydora sp.,Pherusa sp.,Lithophaga patagonica, Petricola patagonica, andSaxicava solida were found in areas of low to very high cohesion, with or without calcite. The Pholadidae were found in areas of zero to low cohesion, with absence or traces of calcite. This study indicates the important role of cohesion in determining the distribution of the endolithic fauna.

The Iosipescu shear test method as used for testing polymers and composite materials

AbstractThe Iosipescu shear test, developed initially in the 1960s for use with homogeneous, isotropic structural materials such as metals, has been adapted during the past ten years for use with composite materials. Much of this development work has taken place at the University of Wyoming, where a very efficient test fixture configuration has been developed, and extensive test results have been generated. Many other research groups have also adopted the test method during the past five years. As a result, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is presently in the final stages of making the Iosipescu shear test an ASTM standard. The test method is described and its range of applications indicated, including examples of typical data.

ASTM standards on color‐difference measurements

AbstractFor some time, the only documentary standard on color‐difference measurements within the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has been D 2244, “Method for Calculation of Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates.” It was developed by ASTM Committee D–1 on Paint and Related Coatings and Materials, and currently includes only the three color–difference equations of particular interest in the paint industry, namely CIELAB, Hunter Lab, and FMC‐2. ASTM Committee E‐12 on Appearance plans to prepare a comprehensive standard, probably a Guide to the Selection and Use of Color‐Difference Equations. It will contain not only the three equations mentioned above but also a number of others. The Guide will also include tutorial discussion on the selection of equations for various color‐difference evaluation purposes. This article documents the history of color‐difference standards within ASTM. It also invites readers to contribute suggestions for material to be included in the proposed Guide.

Mapping and GIS Standards Meeting

The Mapping and GIS Standards Section D18.01.05, under Subcommittee D18.01 Surface and Subsurface Reconnaissance, met on January 24 as part of the Spring Meeting of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Committee D18 on Soil and Rock, in Orlando, Fla., January 22–27, 1989. The section was recently established to develop standards for mapping and GIS for ASTM publication. ASTM standards are voluntary full consensus standards, normally accepted by all sectors having an interest in the subject area and, when adopted, can become a basis for commercial and regulatory actions. Six presentations were given at the session followed by a discussion on mapping and GIS standards.