5.1 The ash content of the degradable ECP may consist of various residues from chemicals used in its manufacture, metallic matter from piping and machinery, mineral matter in the ECP fibers from which the degradable ECP was made, and filling, coating, pigmenting or other added materials. The amount and composition of the ash is a function of the presence or absence of any of these materials or others singly or in combination. No specific qualitative meaning is attached to the term “ash” as used in this test method.

5.2 In most cases, the ash content of ECPs will contain inorganic residues from the ECP fibers, inorganic residues from any added chemicals, and loading or filling materials deliberately added.

5.3 For ECP fibers containing cellulose and clays, or materials having variable chemical composition, variable thermal decomposition behavior, or both, the ash level may necessitate significant confirmation regarding the materials added.

Note 1: The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the ash and organic matter contents of degradable Erosion Control Products (ECPs) by ignition at 900 ± 25°C. This test method is primarily used to determine the ash and organic matter contents of degradable erosion control products (ECPs) to satisfy specifications set forth by various agencies.

1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.

1.3.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded and calculated in the standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering data.

1.4 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.

1.5 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.