ASTM D6602-13 (2022)e2 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Practice for Sampling and Testing of Possible Carbon Black Fugitive Emissions or Other Environmental Particulate, or Both — ASTM designation D6602-13(2022)e2. This practice provides procedures for obtaining, preparing, and analyzing samples from surfaces or the air to determine whether deposited particulates are manufactured carbon black (N100–N900 series) or other environmental particulate matter, using light and electron microscopy and related techniques.

Abstract

This standard describes systematic sampling and laboratory testing methods to distinguish carbon black from soot and other environmental contaminants. It emphasizes microscopy-based identification (polarized light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy), sample preparation, terminology, and reporting, and highlights the expertise required for accurate morphological interpretation. The practice is intended to support environmental investigations, product contamination assessments, and regulatory/forensic analyses.

General information

• Status: Active — current edition approved June 1, 2022 (designation D6602-13(2022)e2).
• Publication date: Approved June 1, 2022 (published mid‑2022).
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 13.040.99 — Other standards related to air quality / particulate sampling and analysis.
• Edition / version: Designation D6602-13(2022)e2 — a reapproval/revision in the 2022 cycle (e2 amendment notation).
• Number of pages: 22 pages.

Scope

This practice covers sampling and laboratory testing methods intended to identify and distinguish manufactured carbon black (N100–N900 series) from soot (black carbon) and other environmental particulate matter deposited on surfaces or collected from the air. The methods include recommended sampling procedures, sample handling, microscopic examination (polarized light microscopy) and confirmatory transmission electron microscopy, plus criteria for interpretation and reporting. The standard notes that TEM is mandatory in cases where PLM cannot differentiate carbon black from ambient soots.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and terminology specific to carbon black morphology and environmental particulates (e.g., aciniform, char, fugitive dust).
• Recommended procedures for collecting representative surface and airborne samples to minimize contamination and preserve particle morphology.
• Sample preparation methods for polarized light microscopy (PLM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
• Criteria and morphological characteristics used to differentiate manufactured carbon black from soot, biofilms, mineral dust, and other darkening agents.
• Requirements for analyst competence: microscopy interpretation requires trained, experienced microscopists.
• Guidance on reporting results, units (SI), and safety/health considerations during sampling and testing.

Typical use and users

Used by environmental testing laboratories, industrial hygiene and environmental consultants, carbon black manufacturers, product quality and contamination investigation teams, and regulatory or forensic laboratories assessing fugitive emissions or surface contamination. Analysts are typically microscopists or materials scientists with experience in particle morphology and electron microscopy.

Related standards

Related documents include other ASTM standards and committee publications from ASTM Committee D24 (Carbon Black) addressing carbon black characterization, terminology, and air-quality sampling practices. Users should consult the referenced ASTM standards listed in the practice and other standards on particulate sampling and microscopy for complementary procedures.

Keywords

carbon black, fugitive emissions, particulate, soot, microscopy, polarized light microscopy (PLM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), sampling, environmental particulate, ASTM D6602.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D6602-13(2022)e2 is a practice that defines how to sample and test deposits or airborne particulates to determine whether they are manufactured carbon black or other environmental particulates.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sampling techniques, sample handling, microscopy-based examination (PLM and TEM), interpretive criteria for distinguishing carbon black from soot and other materials, reporting, and analyst competence requirements.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Environmental and materials testing laboratories, industrial hygienists, carbon black producers, quality and contamination investigators, and regulatory or forensic analysts.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document is the current ASTM reapproval/revision designated D6602-13(2022)e2, approved June 1, 2022. Users should verify whether any later amendments or reapprovals have been issued after that date before relying on it.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: The practice is maintained under ASTM Committee D24 on Carbon Black (Subcommittee D24.66 on Environment, Health, and Safety) and is associated with other ASTM standards covering carbon black characterization and air-quality/particulate sampling.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Carbon black, fugitive emissions, particulate sampling, PLM, TEM, soot, environmental particulate, microscopy, ASTM.