4.1 Purchasers of polymer-modified asphalt need guidelines on proper storage and handling procedures to maintain the integrity of material they have purchased. This practice provides a significant tool for understanding the characteristics of these materials as well as comparing various sources of supply.

Note 1: The quality of the results produced by this standard are dependent on the competence of the personnel performing the procedure and the capability, calibration, and maintenance of the equipment used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Specification D3666 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing, sampling, inspection, etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Specification D3666 alone does not completely ensure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; following the suggestions of Specification D3666 or some similar acceptable guideline provides a means of evaluating and controlling some of those factors.

1.1 This practice describes a laboratory procedure for determining the tendency of polymer to separate from polymer-modified asphalt under static heated storage conditions. The results of testing on material prepared according to this practice may be used as a guideline when formulating products or to establish field handling procedures. Large differences in test results between top and bottom specimens indicate that there is a degree of incompatibility between the polymer and the base asphalt.

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

1.3 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.

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.