Fibre
Composition
The fibre content of Textiles Materials is subject to a Statutory Instrument
2006 No.3298 The Textile Products (Determination of Composition) Regulations 2006. This regulation states the test methods used should be those given in European Directive 96/73/EC for binary textile fibre mixtures (ammendment 2006/2/EC) and European Directive 73/44/EC for ternary fibre mixtures. Previously the test methods referred to were those in BS 4007 (1988), this standard can still be referred to as an every day working document, even though it is no longer given any special status in the Regulations. The test methods in BS 4007 are basically the same as those within 96/73/EC and 73/44/EC.
The regulations cover all forms of textile materials
and gives details of the various labeling requirements for different garments
and fabrics, the inclusion or exclusion of decorative threads and fibres added
for a specific purpose are also covered. The indicated percentage may differ
from the actual percentage by not more than +/- 3% calculated on the total weight
of textile fibres in the finished product on which the indicated percentage
was calculated.
The actual quantitative analysis is carried out using the various test methods
from 96/73/EC and 73/44/EC. The test methods involve the separation of the different
fibres using a range of solvents and chemicals to remove specific fibres without
undue degradation of the remaining fibres. The sample to be analysed is given
a pretreatment to remove and non-fibrous material before analysis and the
calculations are based on the dry weight with the standard regain allowance
added after the addition of any loss factors for any insoluble components
which are partially dissolved in the reagent used to dissolve the soluble
component. Where possible the the fibre components being analysed should be
separated manually (i.e. where the warp and weft in a fabric are different
fibres). Certain fibre which mixtures cannot be separated manually or chemically
can sometimes be analysed microscopically, certain animal fibre mixtures (i.e.
Wool & Rabbit Hair) and certain cellulosic fibre mixtures (Cotton &
Flax).
The percentages of the fibres present in the sample are calculated using a
program developed in house which adds the regain allowance to the dry weight
of each fibre after the addition of any loss factors and produces the fibre
percentages to the nearest 0.1%.
There are a number of high performance fibres which are not covered by the
EC test methods, the Textile Institute book (Identification of Textile Materials)
is a useful additional reference for commonly used fibres and also for the identification
of certain high performance fibres.
Downloads EC Fibre Composition Regulations (Adobe PDF Documents)
S t a t u t o r y In s t r u m e n t s 2006 No. 3298
Trade Descriptions The Textile Products (Determination of Composition)
Regulations 2006
Directive 97/73/EC Certain Methods for the Quantitative Analysis of Binary Textile Fibre Mixtures
Directive 73/44/EC Certain Methods for the Quantitative Analysis of Ternary Textile Fibre Mixtures
Statutory Instruments 2006 No. 3297
The Textile Products (Indication of Fibre Content) (Ammendment and Cosolidation of Schedules of
Textile Names and Allowances) Regulations 2006
Wool
Wool Fibre Fineness
(Projection Microscope (BS 2043))
The
principle of the method is the projection onto a screen of a lengthwise image
of short pieces of fibre and the measurement and recording of the widths of
these images by a graduated scale. The magnification used is 500x, the stage
has motor driven controls for moving the slide linearly in two directions
at right angles in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. Calibration
of the projection microscope is undertaken periodically with a certified micrometer
scale, the method is applicable to woolen and worsted products at all stages
from raw materials to yarns.
The measurements from the test are input into a specially developed computer
program to calculate the mean fibre diameter in microns, the standard deviation,
coefficient of variation and confidence limits, a printout is supplied with
the test report together with a fibre diagram.
Wool Fibre Fineness
(Airflow (BS 3183)
A test specimen of fixed weight is compressed to a fixed volume in an air
permeameter. A current of air is drawn through the specimen and the fibre
diameter of the specimen is obtained from the flowmeter or manometer of the
permeameter. The method is applicable to clean wool noils, it is not suitable
for samples of wool that have not been opened and cleaned. The airflow apparatus
is calibrated using 8 wool slivers covering the range 17.1 to 37.4 microns,
these samples are measured for fibre diameter using the projection microscope
method, samples of measured slivers are available from the IWTO.
pH Value (BS EN 1413)
The method involves the electrometric measurement of the pH value
of the aqueous extract of textiles at room temperature by means of a glass
electrode. Test specimens of 2 g are taken from the laboratory sample and
agitated in a stoppered flask containing 100 ml of deionised water for 2 hours,
the water having a pH value between 5 and 7.5. The pH meter used for the subsequent
measurements of the aqueous extract is calibrated using standard buffer solutions.
Moisture Content (BS ISO 6741-1)
The method consists of drying weighed samples in an airtight container then
drying in an oven at a temperature of 105
degrees celsius, sealing the container, cooling and weighing, the operation
is repeated until the dry weight is constant, the moisture content is then
calculated as a percentage of the total weight or as a moisture regain (percentage
of the dry weight).
Clean Wool Fibre
Present/Wool Base & Yields (ASTM/IWTO)
Weighed sub-samples of the wool sample are scoured, dried and weighed, test
specimens of the scoured wool are then taken for the separate determinations
of vegetable matter, ash and alcohol extractives in the scoured wool. These
non-wool constituents are subtracted from the dry scoured wool content to
give the dry weight of wool fibres free from all impurities ('wool base').
The 'Wool Base' is finally converted to 'IWTO Clean Wool Content' or 'ASTM
Clean Wool Fibre Present' by the addition of standard amounts of ash, alcohol
extractives nd moisture. Other yields can be calculated from the 'Wool Base'
such as 'Theoretical Top and Noil Yield', 'Estimated Commercial Top and Noil
Yield' and 'Estimated Commercial Card Sliver Yield'. A specially developed
computer program is used for the calculations from the results of the analysis
to calculate the final result to any desired yield.
Oil Content (BS 8459)
A weighed sample is is enclosed in a cellulose thimble and placed in a Soxhlet
apparatus and the solvent added, the flask is heated on thermostatically controlled
electric heating element so that the solvent siphons at least six times per
hour for 4 hours. At the end of the prescribed time the specimen is removed
and the solvent is distilled, the extracted matter is then filtered dried
and weighed in a pre-weighed flask. Dichloromethane is recognised as a suitable
solvent for extracting oils and fats, other solvents may be used if the sample
contains certain synthetic fibres.
Alkali Solubility (BS 3568)
The solubility of wool in alkali provides a useful index of the extent
of change in its chemical properties brought about by certain agencies. Treatment
with acids or with oxidising or reducing agents, or exposure to heat or light,
causes an increase in the solubility, whereas treatment with mild alkali,
as used in normal processing, or with cross-linking agents causes
the solubility to decrease.
The sample is extracted with petroleum spirit and cut into lengths
of approximately 10mm and conditioned within the laboratory atmosphere. Two
1 g samples are then weighed for the test and another 1 g sample is dried
in an oven at 105 c (used in the calculation of the result). 100 ml of 0.1
M sodium hydroxide is placed in a stoppered flask and fixed
in a heated water bath at a temperature of 65 c. The test
specimen is introduced and the flask is shaken gently at intervals during
the duration of the test (1 hour). After this period the solution with the
specimen is filtered through a sintered glass crucible under suction washed
with water acidified with dilute acetic acid and water again before drying
at 105 c cooling in a dessicator and weighing. The alkali solubility is given
as the loss in mass and is calculated on the dry weight, if the pH of the
sample is below 4 an acid content determination is carried out and an allowance
for this is made in the calculation.
Urea Bisulphite Solubility (BS 3584)
The solubility of wool in urea-bisulphite solution provides an index
of the extent of change in its chemical properties brought about by certain
agencies. Treatment in neutral or alkaline solution, or steaming wool in a
neutral or alkaline condition, usually leads to a decrease in solubility.
Hence the method is particularly useful for investigating setting processes.
Dry heating or treatment with cross-linking agents also causes the solubility
to decrease, whereas oxidation or acid-dying increases the solubility. The
test method is similar to the alkali solubility (see above) except the test
solution used is a mixture of urea, disodium disulphite and sodium hydroxide.
Yarns
Linear Density(Mass/Unit
Length) (BS EN ISO 2060)
The linear density is calculated from the length and mass of suitable specimens.
Specimens of suitable length are prepared by reeling the lengths using a reel
with a diameter of 1 metre at a controlled tension of 0.5 +/- 0.1 cN/tex.
The mass of the yarn can be determined under various conditions (i.e. scoured
conditioned, conditioned or dry). The yarn count is then calculated using
a specially developed program which takes as input the yarn test weights,
lengths and other relevant test values and outputs the count in the required
system and calculation method.
Breaking Force
(BS EN ISO 2062)
A
specimen of yarn is extended until rupture by a suitable mechanical device,
and the breaking force and elongation at break are recorded. Two gauge lengths
are permitted: usually 500 mm (with a rate of displacement of 500 mm/min),
and exceptionally 250 mm (with a rate of displacement of 250 mm/min). We use
a Hounsfield Constant Rate of Specimen Extension (CRE) machine linked to a
computer running software supplied by Hounsfield to control the machine and
record the test results.
Twist (BS EN
ISO 2061)
The twist in a known length of yarn is removed by rotating one end of the
specimen with respect to the other until the components of the yarn being
tested are parallel. The exact number of turns required to remove the twist
is reported in terms of turns per unit length of yarn. The apparatus used
is a twist counter consisting of a pair of clamps, one of which is rotatable
in either direction and positively connected to a revolution counter. The
position of one of the clamps is adjustable to permit testing yarn lengths
from 10 mm to 500 mm.
Fabrics
Abrasion
Resistance (Martindale Method) (BS EN ISO 12947)
A
circular specimen, mounted in a specimen holder and subjected to a defined
load, is rubbed against an abrasive medium (standard wool fabric) in a translational
movement tracing a Lissajous figure, the specimen holder being additionally
freely rotatable around its own axis perpendicular to the plane of the specimen.
We use James Heals Martindale abrasion machines, calibrated by the manufacturer,
they also supply the standard consumable items used in the test. The normal
end point of the test is when two threads are broken or in the case of pile
fabrics when the pile has completely worn off. The inspection interval is
dependent on the end point of the fabric and is usually every 1,000 up to
5,000 rubs, every 2,000 between 5,000 & 20,000 every 5,000 between 20,000&
40,000 and every 10,000 above 40,000.
Lissajous Motion Diagram (16 Revolutions)
Tensile Properties
(Strip Method) (BS EN ISO 13934-1)
A fabric test specimen of specified dimensions is extended at a constant rate
until it ruptures. The maximum force and the elongation at maximum force are
recorded. Test samples are prepared for testing in both the warp and weft
directions and the results are recorded separately, the test specimens are
50 mm wide and long enough to allow a gauge length of 200 mm. We use a Hounsfield
Constant Rate of Specimen Extension (CRE) machine linked to a computer running
software supplied by Hounsfield to control the machine and record the test
results.
Seam Slippage Resistance
(BS EN ISO 13936-1)
A strip of fabric is folded and stitched across its width. The strip is cut
at a distance from the seam line and then extended at right angles to the
seam by using grab-test jaws, and the force required to cause a specified
seam opening is determined. Five specimens are prepared for warp ways and
weft ways seams each 100 mm wide and 350 mm long. A white 1005 polyester core
spun sewing thread is used for the test (ticket number 80) and the sewing
machine adjusted to give stitch rating of 5.0 stitches per centimetre. We
use a Hounsfield Constant Rate of Specimen Extension (CRE) machine linked
to a computer running software supplied by Hounsfield to control the machine
and record the test results.
Seam Tensile Properties(Fabrics
& Made up Textile Articles) (BS EN ISO 13935-1 & 2)
Part 1 (Strip Method) - A fabric test specimen of specified dimensions
having a sean in the middle is extended perpendicularly to the seam at a constsnt
rate until the seam ruptures, the maximum force to seam rupture is recorded.
Part 2 (Grab Method) - A fabric test specimen having a seam in the middle
is gripped in its centre part by jaws of specified dimensions and is extended
perpendicularly to the seam at a constant rate until the seam ruptures. The
maximum force to seam rupture is recorded.
Pilling Resistance
(Pilling Box Method) (BS EN ISO 12945-1)
Specimens are mounted on polyurethane tubes and tumbled randomly in a cork-lined
box at a constant rotational speed. Fuzzing and pilling is assessed visually
after a defined period of tumbling (typically 6 hours).
Pills are formed when fibres on a fabric surface "tease out" and
become entangled during wear. Such surface deterioration is generally undesirable,
but the degree of consumer tolerance for a given level of pilling will depend
on the garment type and fabric end use.
Rating (Visual Assessment):
5 = No change
4 = Slight surface fuzzing and/or partially formed pills
3 = Moderate surface fuzzing and/or moderate pilling
2 = Distinct surface fuzzing and/or distinct pilling
1 = Dense surface fuzzing and/or severe pilling
Sample Pilled Fabrics (Rating: 5 to 1)
Pilling
Resistance (Modified Martindale Method) (BS EN ISO 12945-2)
A circular test specimen is passed over a friction surface comprising the
same fabric at a defined force in the form of a lissajous figure, fuzzing
and pilling are assessed visually using the same rating system given above
for the pill box method after defined stages of rub testing. The test machine
used is a standard martindale abrasion tester which is modified to accommodate
the larger test specimen holders.
Tear Properties of Fabrics
(Wing-Shaped) (BS EN ISO 13937-3)
This is a single tear method to determine fabric tear force, known as the
wing test using a test specimen cut to form two wings for clamping inclined
at a defined angle to the thread direction in a CRE tensile testing machine.
The tear force measured is the force required to propogate a previously started
tear. The tear force is calculated from force peaks of the autographic trace,
or by on-line electronic means.
Trapezoid Tearing Strength (ASTM D4533)
An outline of an iscosceles trapezoid is marked on a rectangular specimen
cut for the determination of tearing strength, and the non parallel sides
of the trapezoid marked on the specimen are clamped in parallel jaws of a
CRE tesile testing machine. The seperation of the jaws is continuously increased
so the tear propogates across the specimen. At the same time , the force developed
is recorded. The tearing strength, which is the maximum value of the tearing
force, is obtained from the autographic force-extension curve.
Synthetics
Linear Density
(Gravimetric Method) (BS EN ISO 1973)
50 Specimens of a measured length are weighed on a balance after conditioning
in a standard atmosphere the linear density (Denier/Decitex) is calculated
from the total weight and overall length of the fibres under test.
An alternative method is to measure the fibre diameter using a projection
microscope and calculate the linear density taking into account the density
of the fibre being tested, this method is only accurate for fibres of circular
cross section.
Staple Length
(BS 6176)
Method A: Measurement of the individual length of each fibre
on a straightened fibre on a graduated rule, under a light tension applied
with the aid of forceps and grease (Reference Method).
Fire
Tests
Furniture
and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988
The regulations cover filling material, Looses fillings, permanent covers
and covers other than permanent covers.
The test methods are those given in BS 5852 Part 1 & 2 (1979/1982) with
certain slight modifications.
Deviation of FR Polyester From Standard
Guide To Furniture & Furnishings Fire Safety Regulations (PDF)
SCHEDULE 1 (Part I):
Ignitability test for polyurethane foam in slab or cushion form.
SCHEDULE 1 (Part II):
Ignitability test for polyurethane foam in crumb form.
SCHEDULE 1 (Part III):
Ignitability test for latex rubber foam.
SCHEDULE 2 (Part I):
Ignitability test for non-foam filling materials singly.
SCHEDULE 2 (Part II):
Ignitability test for composite fillings for furniture other than mattresses,
bed bases, cushions and pillows.
SCHEDULE 2 (Part III):
Composite test for ignitability of pillows and cushions with primary covers.
SCHEDULE 2 (Part IV):
Ignitability test for composite fillings of mattresses and bed-bases.
SCHEDULE 3:
Ignition resistance test for interliner.
Mattresses
and Upholstered Bed Bases
(Smouldering Cigarette & Match Flame Equivalent) (BS EN 597-1,2) (BS 6807)
The
BS EN 597-1, 2 standards lay down the test methods to assess the ignitability
of mattresses, upholstered bed bases or mattress pads when subjected to a
smouldering ignition cigarette and a gas flame equivalent to a match. The
upper surface of the test specimen are are used for the tests, the cigarette
is an un tipped with a smouldering rate of 12 +/- 3 min/50 mm, the match flame
equivalent is provided through a stainless steel tube connected through a
flowmeter to a cylinder containing butane, the gas flow rate is 45 ml/min
and the burn time is 15 sec.
BS 6807 describes the method of test for the assessment of the ignitability
of mattresses, upholstered divans and upholstered bed bases when subjected
to flaming types of primary ignition sources of varying severity. The ignition
sources 2 to 7 from BS 5852 (see below) are used for the tests. The test rig
consists of a platform of expanded steel or open mesh supported at least 75
mm above a solid base.
Upholstered
Seating (BS 5852)
This standard describes methods for assessing the ignitability of material
combinations, e.g. covers and fillings used in upholstered seating, when subjected
to either a smouldering cigarette or to flaming ignition sources of thermal
output ranging from that of a burning match to that approximating to the burning
of four double sized sheets of full-size newspaper, as might be applied accidentally
to any item of furniture. If the proposed item of furniture comprises different
combinations of materials in the seat, back and arms, all such combinations
are tested separately on the rig. The test rig consists of two rectangular
frames hinged together and capable of being locked at right angles to each
other, the frames hold expanded steel platforms consisting of a steel mesh.
The cigarette used in the tests is an un tipped with a smouldering rate of
12 +/- 3 min/50 mm.
The butane flame sources are provided through a stainless steel tube connected
through a flowmeter to a cylinder containing butane, for ignition source 1
the gas flow rate is 45 ml/min and the burn time is 20 sec, for ignition source
2 the gas flow rate is 160 ml/min and the burn time is 40 sec, for ignition
source 1 the gas flow rate is 350 ml/min and the burn time is 70 sec. These
flow rates are measured at 25 degrees Celsius and correspond to flame heights
of 35 mm, 145 mm, and 240 mm respectively. The ignition sources 4 to 7 consist
of pine wood sticks glued together forming a square structure with a piece
of surgical lint in the bottom to which Propan-2-ol is applied to ignite the
crib at the start of the test. The cribs increase in size from the smallest
crib 4 to the largest crib 7 to provide increasing levels of ignition source,
all the tests are conducted in purpose built draught free stainless steel
cabinet permitting an adequate supply of air.
Bedcovers and
Pillows (BS 7175)
This standard describes the methods of test for the ignitability of bedcovers
and pillows when subjected to smouldering and flaming types of ignition sources.
A test specimen is placed on a mineral wool fibre pad and subjected to smouldering
and flaming ignition sources placed on top of and/or below the test specimen.
The test rig consists of a platform of expanded steel or open mesh supported
at least 75 mm above a solid base. The ignition sources are the same as those
given in BS 5852 (see above).
Upholstered
Furniture
(Smouldering Cigarette & Match Flame Equivalent) (BS EN 1021-1,2)
These standards describe the method of test for the ignitability of upholstered
furniture using the same ignition sources as BS EN 597-1,2 and use the same
test rig as BS 5852, the method is applicable to covers and fillings used
in upholstered seating.
Fillings
Cleanliness of
Fillings and Stuffing's
Bedding Upholstery and Other Domestic Articles (BS
1425-Part 1)
The method specifies the cleanliness
requirements for filling and stuffings used for bedding, upholstery and other
domestic articles, the tests involved are bioburden, insoluble extract and oil
content (the bioburden test is only applicable to materials containing used vegetable fibre and/or fibres of animal origin).
The bioburden test uses a dip slide coated with two different types
of agar (CLED & MacConkey) which are selective for the cultivation of
urinary pathogens and coliforms respectively. Test samples are immersed in
a sterile salt solution and the diploid is introduced briefly and then incubated
at 37 c for 16 hours, the dip slide is then examined and the number of colony
forming units (cfu) are counted. The maximum bioburden levels are 5 cfu for
MacConkey and 10 cfu for CLED. The insoluble extract percentage is determined
by shaking a test specimen in a closed glass jar under controlled conditions,
the resultant liquid is poured through a test sieve and measured portions
of the fluid are evaporated before and after filtration and the insoluble
extract is the difference between the two. The maximum insoluble extract allowed
is 2.8%. The oil content is determined by extracting a test specimen with
petroleum spirit in a soxhlet apparatus and the solvent evaporated to determine
the percentage oil. The maximum oil content allowed is 5.0%.
Colour
Fastness
General Principles
(BS EN ISO 105-AO1)
This
part of the standard provides general information about the methods for testing
colour fastness of textiles for the guidance of users. Colour fastness is
meant as the resistance of the colour of textiles to the different agents
to which these materials may be exposed during manufacture and their subsequent
use. The change in colour and staining of undyed adjacent fabrics are assessed
as fastness ratings. The conditions in the tests have been chosen to correspond
closely to treatments usually employed in manufacture and to conditions of
ordinary use. An adjacent fabric is a small piece of undyed cloth of a single
fibre or more usually a multifibre strip made from yarns of various generic
kinds of fibres (acetate, bleached cotton, polyamide, polyester. acrylic and
wool). The grey scales used for assessing the change in colour of the test
specimen and the staining of adjacent fabrics cover a range of 1 to 5 with
half grades, 1
being severe staining/change and 5 being no staining/change.
Washing (BS EN
ISO 105-CO6)
This
part of the standard specifies the methods intended for determining the resistance
of the colour of textiles to domestic or commercial laundering procedure used
for normal household articles. A specimen of the textile in contact with specified
adjacent fabrics is laundered, rinsed and dried. Specimens are laundered under
appropriate conditions of temperature, alkalinity, bleaching and abrasive
action such that the result is obtained in a conveniently short time. The
abrasive action is accomplished by the use of a low liquor ratio and an appropriate
number of steel balls. A suitable mechanical device consisting of a thermostatically
controlled water bath containing a rotatable shaft which supports stainless
steel containers, we use a J Heals Gyrowash for these tests. The change in
colour of the specimen and the adjacent fabric is are assessed by comparison
with the grey scales.
Rubbing (BS EN
ISO 105-X12)
This method is intended for determining the resistance of the colour of textiles
to rubbing off and staining other materials. Specimens of the textile are
rubbed with dry rubbing cloth and with wet rubbing cloth. The staining of
the rubbing cloths is assessed with the grey scale. The testing device known
as a crockmeter comprises a rubbing finger cylinder moving to and fro in a
straight line along a 10 cm track on the specimen with a downward force of
9 N. The test duration is 10 times to and fro in 10 seconds.
Perspiration
(BS EN ISO 105-EO4)
This method is intended for determining the resistance of the colour of textiles
to the action of human perspiration.
Specimens of the textile in contact with adjacent fabric are treated in two
different solutions containing histidene, drained and placed between two plates
under a specific pressure in a suitable testing device. The specimens and
the adjacent fabric are dried separately. The change in colour of each specimen
and the staining of the adjacent fabric are assessed with the grey scales.
The two solutions used in the test are buffered to pH 5.5 & 8.0. The test
duration under pressure is 4 hours at a temperature of 37 c, a suitable testing
device is a Perspirometer.
Water (BS EN
ISO 105-EO1)
This method is intended for determining the resistance of the colour of textiles
to immersion in water. A specimen of the textile in contact with the adjacent
fabric is immersed in water, drained and placed between two plates under a
specified pressure. The specimen and the adjacent fabrics are dried separately.
. The change in colour of the specimen and the staining of the adjacent fabrics
are assessed with grey scales. The test duration under pressure is 4 hours
at a temperature of 37 c, a suitable testing device is a Perspirometer.
Chlorinated
Water (BS EN ISO 105-EO3)
This method determines the resistance of the colour of textiles to the action
of active chlorine in concentrations such as are used to disinfect swimming-bath
water. A specimen of the textile is treated with a weak chlorine solution
of a given concentration and dried. The change in colour of the specimen is
assessed with the grey scale. The test duration is 1 hour at a temperature
of 27 c a suitable testing device is a Gyrowash as used for the colour fastness
to washing tests.
Oils &
Solvents
Flash Point
(Abel (Closed Cup) (BS EN ISO 13736)
This test method involves the use of the Abel Closed Cup Apparatus, the test
portion is placed in the cup of the apparatus and heated at specified rates.
A small test flame is directed into the cup at regular intervals and the flash
point is taken as the lowest temperature at which the application of the test
flame causes the vapour above the test portion to ignite with a distinct flash
inside the cup. Separate test procedures are defined for liquids flashing
between - 30 c and 18.5 c inclusive and between 19 c and 70 c inclusive.
Flash Point
(Pensky-Martens (Closed Cup (
BS EN ISO 2719))
This test method involves the use of the Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Apparatus,
the test portion is heated at a slow, constant rate with continual stirring
in a cup closed by a lid. A small flame is directed through an opening (kept
closed at other times) into the cup at regular temperature intervals with
simultaneous interruption of stirring. The flash pint is the lowest temperature
at which application of the test flame causes the vapour above the test portion
to ignite. This method is generally used for flash point above the range of
the Abel Apparatus.
Concrete
& Mortar
Concrete (BS 1881 Part
124)
This part of the standard describes the sampling procedures and analytical
methods used to determine the cement content. The insoluble matter, calcium
oxide and soluble silica are the three main constituent percentages required
to determine the percentage of portland cement. The procedures
apply to concretes made with portland cement and, in favourable
circumstances, concretes containing ground granulated blastfurnace slag.
The analysis of concretes made with other cements and the determination
of pulverized-fuel ash are outside the scope of this part of the standard.
Mortars Screeds &
Plasters (BS 4551 Part 2)
This part of the standard specifies the methods
of chemical analysis and aggregate grading of mortars for bricklaying, screeding,
plastering and rendering. Methods of interpretation of chemical analysis results
are also specified, the methods given are not intended to
be applied to to mortars containing high alumina cement. The
standard covers the analytical methods for the determination of Insoluble
Matter, Calcium Oxide, Soluble Silica and Sulphate and the subsequent interpretation
of these figures to obtain the mix proportions of the mortar screed or plaster.
