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D3344-90 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📐 Specimen Preparation and Geometry
ASTM D3344‑90 (Reapproved 2021) provides a definitive test method for determining the total wax content in wax‑treated corrugated paperboard. The procedure is applicable to specimens that have been waxed by impregnation (saturation), coating operations, or a combination of both. Accurate specimen preparation is paramount; the standard mandates the use of a trimming board or template equipped with a razor‑edge knife to ensure the specimens have parallel sides and are of the correct size. Importantly, a guillotine‑type paper cutter is not recommended for this test, as it can compromise the board edges and wax layer.
The dimensions of the specimen must be measured using a steel‑edged rule capable of readings to within 0.5 mm. All conditioning and testing are conducted under strictly controlled environmental conditions: 23 °C (73 °F) and 50 % relative humidity.
⚠️ Equipment Caution: A guillotine‑type paper cutter is explicitly not recommended for this method due to the risk of shearing the wax matrix or crushing the fluted medium.
| 🟦 Parameter | 📏 Specification | 🎯 Tolerance / Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Ambient Temperature | 23 °C | 73 °F (Standard Conditioning) |
| Relative Humidity | 50 % | Standard Conditioning |
| Measuring Rule Precision | Steel‑edged rule | ± 0.5 mm |
| Extraction Vessel | Griffin‑type beaker | 1000 cm³ capacity |
⚙️ Test Procedure and Solvent Extraction
The core of the method is a solvent extraction technique. A conditioned, pre‑weighed corrugated board specimen is fully immersed in a chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent. The standard specifically designates 1,1,1‑trichloroethane as the extraction solvent. The solvent dissolves the wax present in all three elements of the board—the medium and the two facings. Following complete extraction, the solvent is carefully evaporated to dryness, leaving only the extracted wax residue. The total wax content is then calculated from the mass of this residue relative to the initial specimen weight and area.
🔬 Technical Note: The reporting of results depends on the board type. If the specimen is wax‑coated only (no impregnation), results are expressed as “Weight of Applied Wax Coating” in grams per square metre (g/m²) or pounds per thousand square feet (lb/1000 ft²). If the board is wax‑saturated or impregnated, results are reported as “Weight Percent Wax Content.”
The standard also includes a safety warning for the solvent: “May cause irritation. Avoid contact with…” Users must establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices in compliance with regulatory limitations before proceeding with the test.
📊 Key Measured Properties and Calculations
The significance of this test lies in the direct correlation between wax content and functional performance. For saturated boards, the weight percent pickup (wax weight relative to the unwaxed substrate) is the critical quality metric. For coated boards, the weight of wax per unit area dictates the barrier and decorative properties. The standard provides a clear methodology for calculating both values based on the dry residue from the extraction.
| 🔍 Property | ⚡ Unit of Measure | 📐 Application |
|---|---|---|
| Weight of Applied Wax Coating | g/m² or lb/1000 ft² | Wax‑coated board (no impregnation) |
| Weight Percent Wax Content | % (weight/weight) | Impregnated / Saturated board |
| Functional Property Dependence | Varies by design | Barrier properties, sealing, surface finish |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What is the primary purpose of ASTM D3344?
The purpose is to determine the total weight of wax present in a specimen of wax‑treated corrugated paperboard, whether applied by impregnation (saturation), coating, or a combination of both operations.
💡 What is the difference between “weight of coating” and “weight percent wax”?
“Weight of Applied Wax Coating” is expressed as weight per unit area (g/m² or lb/1000 ft²) and is used for coated boards. “Weight Percent Wax Content” is the weight of wax relative to the weight of the unwaxed board substrate (%), used for saturated or impregnated boards.
⚡ What equipment is specifically recommended for cutting specimens?
A trimming board or template arrangement equipped with a razor edge knife is required to ensure smooth, parallel sides. A guillotine‑type paper cutter is explicitly not recommended for this procedure.
📌 What are the standard environmental conditions for testing?
The standard specifies that measurements and conditioning must be conducted at 23 °C (73 °F) and 50 % relative humidity.