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D584-10 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📐 Scope and Applicability of ASTM D584-10
This standard establishes a laboratory-scale procedure for determining the wool base content and the clean wool fiber present in samples of raw wool. While designed primarily for wool, this test method is also expressly applicable to other specialty animal fibers, including mohair, cashmere, alpaca, and camel hair.
⚠️ Trade Practice Note: Because of established trade practices, the term “weight” is used throughout this test method instead of the technically correct term “mass.” All values are stated in SI units.
The scope of the standard explicitly excludes commercial-scale testing, which is covered under Test Method D1334. For conversion factors related to commercial scoured wool, top, or noil equivalents, refer to Practice D2720. Core sampling of raw wool packages is governed by Practice D1060.
⚙️ Summary of Test Method and Calculations
The core procedure involves weighing the raw wool sample, scouring it under controlled conditions, oven-drying it, and reweighing the scoured fiber. The oven-dry scoured wool is then tested to determine its content of:
- Alcohol-extractable matter
- Mineral matter (ash)
- Vegetable matter base
- Other alkali-insoluble impurities
These data allow the calculation of several critical yield and composition values as percentages of the original raw wool mass:
| 🟦 Calculated Component | 📐 Definition from Standard Terminology |
|---|---|
| Wool Base | The oven-dry mass of pure wool fiber, theoretically free from all grease, mineral matter, and vegetable matter. |
| Clean Wool Fiber Present | The calculated amount of clean fiber obtained commercially, adjusting the wool base for residual alcohol-extractable matter and ash. |
| Vegetable Matter Present | The oven-dry mass of burrs, seeds, and other vegetable contaminants present in the raw wool. |
| Laboratory Scoured Yield | The percentage of the original sample weight that remains after the scouring and drying process. |
💡 Integrated Testing Workflow: While D584 defines the overall laboratory method, the specific determination of vegetable matter and alkali-insoluble impurities in the scoured wool is performed following Test Method D1113. Moisture testing for conditioning should reference Practice D2525 and Method E337.
📊 Referenced Documents and External Standards
ASTM D584-10 relies on a robust framework of industry standards to ensure accuracy across the testing process. Terminology is harmonized with Terminology D4845 (Wool and Wool Felt) and Terminology D123 (Textiles).
| ⚡ Standard | 📏 Specific Purpose in the D584 Workflow |
|---|---|
| D1060 | Practice for Core Sampling of Raw Wool in Packages |
| D1113 | Test Method for Vegetable Matter and Alkali-Insoluble Impurities |
| D2720 | Practice for Calculation of Commercial Weight and Yield |
| D4845 | Terminology Relating to Wool (primary definitions for this method) |
| IWTO-19-85 | Alternate international method for wool base determination |
All test results are calculated as percentages of the oven-dried mass of the raw wool sample, providing a standardized basis for evaluating clean fiber yield.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What specific fibers can be tested using this standard?
While primarily intended for raw wool, the scope of this test method explicitly includes other animal fibers such as mohair, cashmere, alpaca, and camel hair.
💡 How does the “Wool Base” differ from “Clean Wool Fiber Present”?
Wool Base is the theoretical oven-dry mass of pure fiber. Clean Wool Fiber Present is a more practical commercial yield calculation that factors in the small amounts of fatty matter and mineral ash that remain after commercial scouring.
⚡ What is the relationship between D584 and commercial testing?
D584 is strictly a laboratory-scale method. Commercial scale testing is covered in Test Method D1334. Additionally, Practice D2720 provides the factors for converting wool base content to its equivalent in scoured wool, top, or noil.
📌 Why does the standard use the term “weight” instead of “mass”?
As stated in the standard’s notes, “because of trade practice the term weight is used in this test method instead of the technically correct term mass.” This aligns the document with long-standing industry language.