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D2118-18 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📜 Scope and Applicability
ASTM D2118-18 provides a standardized practice for assigning a uniform commercial moisture content to wool and its products. This practice applies to scoured wool, carbonized and neutralized wool, noils, top (oil or dry combed), worsted yarn, woolen yarn, hand knitting yarn, and fabric.
The practice specifically excludes grease wool, pulled wool, and wool with a pH below 5.0. The standard also notes that it does not address all safety concerns, and users are responsible for determining appropriate practices and regulatory limitations before use.
| 🟦 Wool Form | 📏 Included in Standard |
|---|---|
| Scoured | Yes |
| Carbonized and Neutralized | Yes |
| Noils (Uncarbonized) | Yes |
| Top (Oil or Dry Combed) | Yes |
| Yarn (Worsted, Woolen, Hand Knitting) | Yes |
| Fabric | Yes |
| Grease Wool / Pulled Wool | No (Excluded) |
| Wool with pH Below 5.0 | No (Excluded) |
⚙️ Standard Moisture Content Recommendations
The core recommendation of this practice is the adoption of a single, unified value of 12.0% as the commercial moisture content for all forms of wool listed in its scope. This standard was created to resolve inconsistencies caused by various trade practices that recognized different moisture allowance values depending on the specific form of the wool.
Tip: Using the single 12.0% value simplifies calculations and avoids discrepancies in determining moisture-free fiber content when wool changes form during processing, such as transitioning from scoured wool (previously 12.0%) to worsted yarn dry spun (previously 13.04%).
| 📐 Wool Form | 🎯 Previous Commercial Moisture | ⚡ D2118-18 Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Scoured Wool | 12.00% | 12.00% |
| Worsted Yarn (Dry Spun) | 13.04% | |
| Top (Dry Combed) | Various | |
| Fabric | Various |
📊 Significance and Practical Use
The primary significance of ASTM D2118-18 is to bring uniformity of commercial moisture standards across all ASTM specifications relating to wool and its products. By standardizing at 12.0%, it eliminates the difficulties encountered when calculating the amount of moisture-free fiber present in a given mass of wool as it is processed through different forms. This practice is essential for laboratories and trade organizations aiming for consistent weight and yield calculations. Developed following WTO TBT principles, it ensures global coherence in textile standardization.
Important Limitation: This practice does not apply to grease wool, pulled wool, or wool with a pH below 5.0. Refer to Terminology D4845 and D123 for further definitions.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What is the commercial moisture content value defined by D2118-18?
The standard practice defines a single commercial moisture content of 12.0% for all applicable forms of wool and its products.
💡 Which wool forms are covered under this practice?
Covered forms include scoured wool, carbonized and neutralized wool, noils, top (oil or