What is an Ash/Filler Content % Test?

This test is conducted as a means to quantify certain fillers and inorganic pigments. Ash % is widely used to verify filler content, which if out of spec may cause severe degradation in the field performance of the product. When testing for Ti02, for outdoor performance, it would necessary for the matrix to contain an adequate amount of filler to withstand the environment. The material is weighed in porcelain crucible to the nearest 0.0001 gms., and placed in a muffle furnace at a specified temperature & time.

Once the resin has burned off (totally white or natural residue left behind), the sample is then taken out and placed in a desiccant unit for a minimum of 30 minutes. The ash/crucible is then re-weighed to the nearest 0.0001 gms., and the percentage of ash/filler is calculated. Most materials require this procedure to confirm incoming materials, in addition to quality control measures.

Specimens: Any size or shape will be adequate. Pellets form is usually used in this procedure.