ASTM_D_3959_-_91_2001.pdf

Designation:D 3959 91(Reapproved 2001)Standard Test Method forRubber-and Plastic-Coated FabricsDiscolorationSensitivity to Tobacco Smoke1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3959;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon(e)indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This test method describes a procedure to visuallyevaluate the discoloration sensitivity of a coated fabric due tocigarette smoke and the fabrics ability to be cleaned.1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as thestandard.1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Significance and Use2.1 Tobacco smoke may form a film and discolor rubber-and plastic-coated fabrics,affecting their ability to be cleaned.2.2 This test method is quite suitable for comparing severalkinds of coated fabrics for their discoloration by smoke.3.Apparatus and Materials3.1 Smoking ApparatusA modified desiccator(removedrying agent),approximately 250 mm in diameter with aperforated porcelain plate(A).NOTE1All of the apparatus referenced by letters(A,B,C,etc.)pertain to Fig.1.3.2 Metal Cigarette Holder(B).3.3 Glass Tube,extending almost to the bottom of thesmoking apparatus with stopcock(C)connected with a waterjet vacuum pump by means of a Woulff bottle.3.4 Drop Collector(D)under the cigarette tube(B).3.5 Masking Tapeapproximately 10 mm wide.3.6 Sponge suitable for use with ethanol(95%).3.7 Ethanol(95%).3.8 Desiccator with chalk as drying agent.3.9 Cigarettes approximately 85 mm long without filter,dried 16 h in the desiccator.4.Test Specimens4.1 Cut three 25 by 60-mm specimens of equal color anddesign from the coated fabric sample to be tested.4.2 Place the specimens on a glass plate that fits the bottomof the smoking apparatus and wipe them with a sponge wettedwith ethanol for 30 s.4.3 Rinse the test specimens thoroughly with water.Avoidtouching the coating with the fingers.Let the coating of the testspecimens dry at room temperature.4.4 Fasten two of the test specimens to the glass plate withmasking tape.Save the third specimen for comparison.5.Procedure5.1 Place the glass plate with the test specimens attached onthe bottom plate of the smoking apparatus(A)and close.Put acigarette in the holder(B)so that a length of 60 mm is exposedand start the vacuum pump.Tighten the cigarette and adjust thesuction so that the cigarette burns completely in 1 min 6 10 s.Close the stopcock(C)as the fire reaches the metal tube(B).Allow the smoking apparatus to stand for 1 h to give the smokecomponents the opportunity to deposit on the coated fabric.5.2 Repeat 5.1 four times.Allow the smoke to remain in thesmoking apparatus for 24 h.5.3 Remove the test specimens from the smoking apparatusand clean one specimen as follows:5.3.1 Wipe with sponge wetted with ethanol.5.3.2 Allow 10 min of wetting with ethanol.5.3.3 Repeat the wiping.5.3.4 Rinse thoroughly with water.5.3.5 Blot lightly with filter paper and allow to dry at roomtemperature.5.4 Compare the smoke coated,the smoke coated butcleaned,and the untested control test specimens for discolora-tion differences.The intensity of discoloration to the untestedcontrol shall be designated as:5.4.1 No discoloration.5.4.2 Slight discoloration.5.4.3 Medium discoloration.5.4.4 Heavy discoloration.5.4.5 Very heavy discoloration.1This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D11 on Rubberand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D11.37 on Coated Fabrics andRubber Thread.Current edition approved March 15,1991.Published May 1991.Originallypublished as D 3959 80.Last previous edition D 3959 86.1Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959,United States.6.Report6.1 Report the following information:6.1.1 Description of material tested,6.1.2 Description of smoked coated test specimens beforeand after cleaning as outlined in 5.4,and6.1.3 Date of test.7.Precision and Bias7.1 Precision and bias data for this test method cannot beobtained.This test method does not produce quantitative data.It is a qualitative test.8.Keywords8.1 coated fabrics;discoloration;tobacco smokeASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentionedin this standard.Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights,and the riskof infringement of such rights,are entirely their own responsibility.This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five ye