NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.

Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.

Designation: E 1077 – 01

Standard Test Methods for

Estimating the Depth of Decarburization of Steel
Specimens1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 1077; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

INTRODUCTION

These test methods may be used to estimate the average or greatest depth of decarburization in
hardened or non-hardened steel products. The test methods described range from simple screening
tests to more statistically rigorous test methods depending upon the needs of the investigation.

1. Scope A 919 Terminology Relating to Heat Treatment of Metals2

1.1 These test methods cover procedures for estimating the E 3 Practice for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens3
depth of decarburization of steels irrespective of the composi- E 7 Terminology Relating to Metallography3
tion, matrix microstructure, or section shape. The following E 340 Test Method for MicroIndention Hardness Metals
basic procedures may be used: and Alloys3
1.1.1 Screening methods. E 350 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Carbon Steel,
1.1.2 Microscopical methods. Low-Alloy Steel, Silicon Electrical Steel, Ingot Iron, and
1.1.3 Microindentation hardness methods. Wrought Iron4
1.1.4 Chemical analysis methods. E 384 Test Method for Microindention Hardness of Mate-
1.2 In case of a dispute, the rigorous quantitative or lineal rials3
analysis method (see 7.3.5 and 7.3.6) shall be the referee E 407 Practice for Microetching Metals and Alloys3
method. These methods can be employed with any cross- E 415 Test Method for Optical Emission Vacuum Spectro-
sectional shape. The chemical analytical methods generally metric Analysis of Carbon and Low-Alloy Steel5
reveal a greater depth of decarburization than the microscopi- E 1951 Guide for Calibrating Reticals and Light Micro-
cal methods but are limited to certain simple shapes and by scope Magnifications3
availability of equipment. These techniques are generally 3. Terminology
reserved for research studies. The microindentation hardness
method is suitable for accurate measurements of hardened 3.1 Definitions:
structures with relatively homogeneous microstructures. 3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in these test methods, see
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as Terminology E 7 and Definitions E 44.
standard. The inch-pound equivalents are in parentheses and 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
may be approximate. 3.2.1 average depth of decarburization—the mean value of
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the five or more measurements of the total depth of decarburiza-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the tion.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.2.2 average free-ferrite depth—the mean value of five or
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- more measurements of the depth of complete decarburization.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.2.3 complete decarburization—loss of carbon content at
the surface of a steel specimen to a level below the solubility
2. Referenced Documents limit of carbon in ferrite so that only ferrite is present.
2.1 ASTM Standards: 3.2.4 free-ferrite depth—the perpendicular distance from
the surface of the specimen to that location where the structure
is no longer fully ferritic, that is, other transformation products
1
are observed.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E04 on
Metallography and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E04.14 on
2
Quantitative Metallography. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.02.
3
Current edition approved March 10, 2001. Published May 2001. Originally Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.01.
4
published as E 1077 – 85. Last previous edition E 1077 – 91 (1997). Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.05.
5
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.06.

Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
 E 1077
NOTE 1—The term free ferrite has also been used to describe globular, 6.2 Specimens for screening tests using bulk hardness tests,
isolated grains of proeutectoid ferrite in the microstructure of medium- such as the Rockwell test, should be small enough so that they
carbon hypoeutectoid steels. can be properly supported on the anvil of the tester. The
3.2.5 maximum depth of decarburization—the largest mea- specimen surface should not be altered except for scale
sured value of the total depth of decarburization. removal (if present) using a method that will not alter the
3.2.6 partial decarburization—loss of carbon content at the subsurface metal.
surface of a steel specimen to a level less than the bulk carbon 6.3 Specimens for the microscopical methods or for micro-
content of the unaffected interior but greater than the room indentation hardness tests or for macroscopic screening meth-
temperature solubility limit of carbon in ferrite. ods should be cut from the bulk specimen perpendicular to the
3.2.7 total depth of decarburization—the perpendicular dis- longitudinal axis of the product so that measurements are made
tance from the specimen surface to that location in the interior on a transverse plane. This procedure permits determination of
where the bulk carbon content is reached; that is, the sum of the the variation of decarburization around the periphery of the
depths of complete and partial decarburization. specimen.
6.3.1 For specimens up to about 2.5-cm (1-in.) diameter, the
4. Summary of Test Method
entire cross section is polished and examined. For larger cross
4.1 These test methods are designed to detect changes in the sections, one or more specimens shall be prepared to assess
microstructure, hardness, or carbon content at the surface of variations in surface decarburization. Figs. 1-3 show examples
steel sections due to decarburization. The depth of decarbur- of typical sampling schemes that may be used for larger
ization is determined as the depth where a uniform microstruc- sections; the sampling scheme for large sections should be
ture, hardness, or carbon content, typical of the interior of the determined upon mutual agreement between manufacturer and
specimen, is observed. purchaser.
5. Significance and Use 6.4 Specimens for chemical analytical methods must be of
sufficient length so that the weight of incremental turnings is
5.1 These test methods are used to detect surface losses in adequate for chemical analysis or the size of milled surfaces is
carbon content due to heating at elevated temperatures, as in large enough for sparking yet small enough to fit in the
hot working or heat treatment. specimen holder.
5.2 Results of such tests may be used to qualify material for
shipment according to agreed upon guidelines between pur- 7. Procedure
chaser and manufacturer, for guidance as to machining allow-
ances, or to assess the influence of processing upon decarbur- 7.1 Screening Methods:
ization tendency. 7.1.1 Bulk Surface Hardness—For hardened specimens,
5.3 Screening tests are simple, fast, low-cost tests designed particularly those in the as-quenched condition, a short section
to separate non-decarburized samples from those with appre- of the material to be heat treated is cut and heat treated in the
ciable decarburization. Based on the results of such tests, the same manner, or along with, the material of interest. The test
other procedures may be utilized as applicable. specimen, however is not tempered. Any scale on the test piece
5.4 Microscopical tests require a metallographically pol- is removed by wire brushing, glass-bead blasting, etc., and
ished cross section to permit reasonably accurate determina- hardness tested, usually with the Rockwell C scale. The
tion of the depth and nature of the decarburization present. presence of decarburization is indicated by the difference
Several methods may be employed for estimation of the depth between the surface hardness and the theoretical maximum
of decarburization. The statistical accuracy of each varies with hardness for the carbon content of the steel. This method is
the amount of effort expended. most suitable for those steels with bulk carbon contents below
5.5 Microindentation hardness methods are employed on about 0.55 % carbon but will detect gross decarburization in
polished cross sections and are most suitable for hardened steels with higher bulk carbon contents. The method is not
specimens with reasonably uniform microstructures. This pro- suitable for steels that cannot be quench-hardened, for ex-
cedure can be used to define the depth to a specific minimum ample, low-carbon steels.
hardness or the depth to a uniform hardness. 7.1.2 Macroscopical Etch Appearance—The presence of
5.6 Chemical analytical methods are limited to specimens decarburization is indicated by a difference in etching contrast
with simple, uniform shapes and are based on analysis of between the surface and the interior of the specimen. A
incremental turnings or after milling at fixed increments. transverse section can be ground and macroetched or polished
5.7 Microscopical tests are generally satisfactory for deter- and microetched. The method is suitable for as-rolled, as-
mining the suitability of material for intended use, specification forged, annealed, normalized, or heat-treated specimens. The
acceptance, manufacturing control, development, or research. decarburized surface layer, if present, usually exhibits a light-
etching appearance. Suitable macroetchants are listed in Test
6. Sampling Method E 340.
6.1 Samples should be taken at locations that are represen- 7.2 Microscopical Methods:
tative of the bulk specimen. The location and number of 7.2.1 Microscopical methods are most suitable for measur-
samples taken depends on the nature of the material to be tested ing the depth of decarburization of as-hot rolled, as-forged,
and will be defined upon agreements between manufacturer annealed, or normalized specimens. These methods can also be
and purchaser. applied to heat-treated specimens, although with less certainty

2
 E 1077

FIG. 1 Typical Sampling Schemes for Round Bars of Different Size

in determining the maximum affected depth. Spheroidize- changes in the microstructure due to decarburization. Ex-
annealed or cold-worked specimens can also be evaluated; but, amples of decarburization for as-rolled, heat treated, and
detection of structural variations due to decarburization is more spheroidize-annealed steels are shown in Figs. 4-9, respec-
difficult than with hot-worked or fully annealed structures. tively.
7.2.2 Measurement of the depth of decarburization is based 7.2.3 Specimen polishing must be conducted in a manner
on evaluation of the variation in microstructure at the surface that does not produce edge rounding. Unmounted, unprotected
due to the change in carbon content. The depth of complete specimens can be satisfactorily prepared using certain auto-
decarburization is easiest to assess due to the excellent contrast matic polishing devices. Low-nap cloths should be employed;
between the free-ferrite layer, when present, and the interior polishing with abrasives finer than 1-µm diamond is often
structure. The depth of partial decarburization can best be unnecessary. When such devices are not available, or when
assessed when this zone contains ferrite and pearlite. If the specimens are small or of an inconvenient shape for such
specimen has been spheroidized, the variation in carbide devices, specimens should be mounted in clamps or in various
content in the partially decarburized zone is used to assess the plastic media. With some mounting media, edge preservation
total depth of decarburization. For heat-treated specimens, the may be inadequate. The compression mounting epoxy materi-
presence of non-martensitic structures in the partially decar- als generally provide the best edge retention of the commonly
burized zone is used to estimate the total depth of decarbur- available plastics. Electrolytic or electroless plating provides
ization. Such measurements will generally underestimate the optimum edge retention and is recommended for critical work.
total depth of decarburization. For certain highalloy Polishing must be practiced using techniques that produce a
spheroidize-annealed tool steels, the depth of decarburization true representation of the surface microstructure, as described
can be estimated by changes in the etch color. For austenitic in Practice E 3.
manganese steels in the solution-annealed condition, depths 7.2.4 Etching should be conducted using standard etchants,
corresponding to certain carbon contents can be defined by (see Test Methods E 407) such as nital or picral, based on the

3
 E 1077

FIG. 2 Typical Sampling Schemes for Square Bars of Different Size

experience of the rater with the material being tested. Special desired accuracy. Measurements can be made using an ocular
etchants can be used if dictated by the situation encountered. In micrometer reticle, a screw (Filar) micrometer ocular, or with
such cases, agreement should be obtained between manufac- a scale placed against a ground-glass projection screen. Mea-
turer and purchaser. surements can be made on the image or on photographs.
7.2.5 For solution-annealed austenitic manganese steels, Measurements can also be made using image analysis tech-
epsilon martensite will be present in the surface region where niques. The accuracy of the measurement device should be
the carbon content is below about 0.5 % carbon. This structure established using a stage micrometer. Light microscope cali-
is best revealed by etching first with 2 % nital for 5 s and then bration procedures can be found in Guide E 1951.
with 20 % aqueous sodium metabisulphite for about 20 s. After 7.3.2 The optimum magnification for measurement must be
measurement of the depth of this layer, the specimen can be chosen based on the observed structure. It may be helpful to
aged at about 560°C (1040°F) for 1 h to precipitate pearlite at scan the specimen at low magnification for the measurement.
the grain boundaries in the core region where the carbon The magnification used should be high enough to permit
content is above 1.16 %. Etching with nital or picral will reveal adequate resolution of the structure and achieve the desired
the pearlite.6, 7 Figs. 10 and 11 illustrates these conditions. measurement precision and avoid bias.
7.3 Measurement:
7.3.1 The depth of complete or partial decarburization, or 7.3.3 Before performing the measurement, scan the entire
both, can be assessed in a variety of ways depending on the specimen surface at a suitable magnification(s) to ensure that
the specimen has been properly prepared, to evaluate the
uniformity of the decarburization present, and to assess the
6
Sedriks, A. J., and Mulhearn, T. O., “Austenitic Manganese Steel: Structure and nature of the decarburization present, that is, complete and
Properties of Decarburized Layer,” Journal of the Iron and Steel Institute, Vol 202, partial or only partial. If complete decarburization (free ferrite)
November 1964, pp. 907–911. is present, note the continuity of this condition.
7
Sedriks, A. J., “Austenitic Manganese Steel: A Technique for Measuring the
Extent of Decarburization,” Journal of the Iron and Steel Institute, Vol 204, 7.3.4 The simplest measurement procedure, adequate for
February 1966, pp. 142–145. many purposes, is to select for measurement those locations on

4
 E 1077

FIG. 3 Typical Sampling Schemes for Flat and Rectangular Bars of Different Size

FIG. 4 Example of an As-Rolled, Fully Pearlitic Alloy Steel Microstructure With No Apparent Decarburization. Dark Layer at Surface Is
Iron Oxide (Mill Scale) (2003, 2 % Nital Etch)

the specimen that appear to represent average and worst be desired but with greater statistical precision. For such cases,
conditions of complete and partial decarburization. Measure- the decarburization condition can be measured with greater
ment of these conditions is made using the devices in 7.3.1. For statistical definition by making a number of measurements
section shapes that contain corners, decarburization at such around the specimen periphery at randomly selected locations.
locations is not measured unless required. In such cases, it is The mean, standard deviation, and 95 % confidence limits of
reported as a separate measurement. such measurements can be calculated. The number of measure-
7.3.5 For quality control or research studies, the average ments required depends on the size of the specimen and the
depth of decarburization, either complete, partial or total, may desired accuracy.

5
 E 1077

FIG. 5 Example of Partial Decarburization (Note Ferrite At and Near the Surface) in an As-Rolled, Fully Pearlitic Alloy Steel
Microstructure (2003, 2 % Nital Etch)

FIG. 6 Example of a Heat-Treated Alloy Steel Microstructure (Fully Martensitic) With No Apparent Decarburization (2003, 2 % Nital Etch)

7.3.6 For research studies, the lineal analysis method may steels, the variation in etch color has been utilized. The
be employed to determine the depth at any location where the polished specimen is etched about 60 s with 4 % nital (using
microstructure becomes uniform and representative of the methanol) until the surface color is blue-green. The total depth
interior microstructure. Lineal traverses are made at known of decarburization is measured as the depth at 1003 where the
increments parallel to the surface and the percentage of each color changes from blue-green to green-tan.9
constituent present is determined.8 7.4 Microindentation Hardness Method:
7.3.7 If any unusually deep localized penetration of decar- 7.4.1 The microindentation hardness method is most suit-
burization is observed, such as might be associated with a seam able for measuring decarburization depth in heat-treated speci-
or lap, the depth of decarburization at this imperfection should mens. It is not recommended for specimens containing two
be measured and reported separately with an explanation of the constituents of significantly different hardness.
nature of the condition observed. 7.4.2 Assessment of the total depth of decarburization is
7.3.8 For the determination of the depth of decarburization based on the variation in microindentation hardness with
of spheroidized high-alloy tool steels, for example, highspeed respect to the depth below the surface. The total depth of

8 9
Underwood, E. E., Quantitative Stereology, Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., Powell, J. R., “Measurement of a Decarburized Layer on High-Speed Steel,”
Reading, MA, 1970. Metallurgia, Vol 70, No. 422, December 1964, pp. 295–297.

6
 E 1077

FIG. 7 Example of Partial Decarburization at the Surface of a Heat-Treated Alloy Steel Martensitic Specimen (2003, 2 % Nital Etch)

FIG. 8 Example of Complete Decarburization (Free-Ferrite Zone 1 to 2) and Partial Decarburization (Dark Zone 2 to 3) in a Heat-Treated
Martensitic Alloy Steel. The Total Depth of Decarburization is the Sum of the Depths of Complete and Partial Decarburization
(1 to 3) (2003, 2 % Nital Etch)

decarburization is at that depth where the hardness becomes 7.4.5 A series of microindentation hardness impressions are
constant and equal to that of the interior. Alternatively, the made at known increments from the surface inward using
depth to some specified hardness, based on an agreement either Knoop or Vickers test impressions until a constant
between manufacturer and purchaser, can be determined to hardness is obtained within the normal scatter of test values.
estimate an “effective depth of decarburization.” This method These test methods are described in Test Method E 384.
is best suited for steels with carbon contents below about 7.4.6 The Knoop indentation is more suitable for such tests
0.55 %. Above that carbon content, the hardness will not because the hardness gradient will distort the shape of the
change unless there is a variation in residual carbide content or Vicker’s indentation along the diagonal perpendicular to the
retained austenite. surface. When using the Knoop indenter, the long axis of the
7.4.3 Specimen preparation is conducted in the same man- indenter should be parallel to the specimen surface. Knoop
ner as defined in 7.2.3. Care must be taken to ensure that the indentations can be spaced more closely than Vickers indenta-
preparation does not alter the hardness. tions without danger of altering the hardness value by the strain
7.4.4 Specimens should be etched and examined before field from an adjacent impression because of the smaller strain
hardness testing to select typical areas or specific areas of field around a Knoop indentation.
interest for hardness testing. Caution should be taken whenever 7.4.7 The applied test load should be as high as possible to
completing hardness determination (see 7.12 in Test Method E minimize diagonal measurement inaccuracy and to avoid
384) low-load measurement problems. Loads under 25 grams force

7
 E 1077

FIG. 9 Example of Partial Decarburization in a Spheroidize-Annealed Carbon Tool Steel. The Partially Decarburized Region Contains
Less Carbide than the Matrix and Much of the Carbide is Pearlitic Rather than Spheroidal. The White Layer at the Surface is
Electroless Nickel Used for Edge Preservation (1003, 4 % Picral Etch)

FIG. 10 Example of Epsilon Martensite Formation in the Decarburized Surface Zone of a Solution-Annealed Austenitic Manganese
Steel Where the Carbon Content is Less than 0.5 % (1003, Etched With 2 % Nital for 5 s, then 20 % Aqueous Sodium
Metabisulphite for 20 s)

should be avoided, if possible. based on the observed microstructure and an average can then
7.4.8 Impressions should be spaced apart a distance at least be computed.
2.53 the diagonal length in the direction perpendicular to the 7.5 Chemical Analysis Methods:
surface, that is, along the transverse direction. If intermediate 7.5.1 Chemical analysis methods provide a direct measure
measurements are required, they can be made on a closely of the carbon concentration as a function of depth. These
spaced parallel traverse. methods are applicable to any steel composition and micro-
7.4.9 To determine the total depth of decarburization or the structure but they are restricted by the specimen shape. These
effective depth, it is not necessary to make a complete hardness methods are generally used only in research studies. Measure-
traverse from the surface inward. A partial traverse can be ments by such methods will usually produce greater estimates
made based on the observed microstructural condition to of the total depth of decarburization than the other methods.
minimize the required effort. 7.5.2 Combustion Method:
7.4.10 A single hardness traverse will define the total depth 7.5.3 In this method, the specimen is turned or milled
or effective depth of decarburization at only one location. To incrementally at known depths and the chips are analyzed
obtain greater statistical accuracy in defining these depths, using standard analytical methods for carbon. This method is
several partial traverses can be made at locations selected restricted to simple shapes, for example, rounds or flats.

8
 E 1077

FIG. 11 Example of a Solution Annealed Austenitic Manganese Steel Aged 1 h at 560°C to Precipitate Pearlite at the Grain Boundaries
in Regions Where the Carbon Content is Above 1.16 % (Nominal Carbon Content about 1.3 %) (503, 2 % Nital Etch)

High-hardness specimens must be back-tempered (but not conditions. List the depth observed at any imperfection and the
annealed) at 600–650°C (1112–1202°F) to permit machining. nature of the condition. If information on decarburization at
7.5.4 Round bars must be accurately centered before turn- corners is required by the purchaser, list the depth of complete
ing. Dry machining is recommended. Remove any surface or total decarburization, or both. If only a portion of the surface
scale before machining. When milling flat specimens, avoid the is decarburized, this should be noted.
corners. The weight of the chips must be sufficient to permit 8.1.5 If the microindentation hardness method was used, list
accurate analysis, and a recheck, if necessary. the depth of total or effective (and the hardness criterion)
7.5.5 The total depth of decarburization is defined as that decarburization.
depth where the bulk carbon content is reached within the 8.1.6 If the chemical analysis method was used, list the
accuracy of the analytical method. Test Method E 350 covers depth of total decarburization and the method used.
the analytical details. 8.1.7 If the lineal analysis, microindentation hardness, or
7.5.6 Spectrometric Method: chemical analysis methods are employed, a plot of the data as
7.5.7 In this method, the specimen is ground to known a function of depth can be prepared as desired or required
depths and the surface is sparked to determine the carbon based on agreements.
content using an optical emission vacuum spectrometer. The 8.1.8 Any manufacturer-purchaser agreements regarding the
method is restricted to flat surfaces. tests should be documented.
7.5.8 Before the initial grind, remove any surface scale. The
specimen is ground incrementally at known depths. Depth 9. Precision and Bias
measurements are made using a micrometer to measure the 9.1 Screening Methods:
specimen thickness after each grind. 9.1.1 Screening methods are “go, no-go” tests designed to
7.5.9 After each grind, the surface is sparked and the carbon save time. Under highly controlled conditions, the bulk surface
content is determined. Successive sparkings should not be hardness test can be developed to give a reasonably accurate
superimposed and corners should be avoided. Test Method estimate of the total depth of decarburization. The macroscopi-
E 415 describes the analytical technique. cal etch method cannot be used to give a reliable estimate of
7.5.10 The total depth of decarburization is at that depth the depth of decarburization.
where the carbon content becomes constant and equal to the 9.2 Microscopical Methods:
bulk carbon content within the accuracy of the method. 9.2.1 The simple scanning method to pick out areas that
appear to be typical or worst is subject to some error. Specimen
8. Reporting Test Results preparation, for example, poor edge retention, can reduce the
8.1 The test report shall include the following information: measurement accuracy. In general, the depth of complete
8.1.1 Identification of the specimen, heat, lot, etc. decarburization can be estimated more accurately than the
8.1.2 Number and location of the test specimens. depth of partial or total decarburization.
8.1.3 Method used to measure decarburization and relevant 9.2.2 For microscopical measurements based on the aver-
test variables, for example, magnification, etchant, indenter age of a number of measurements made at randomly selected
type, and test load. areas, the accuracy and reproducibility increases as the number
8.1.4 For microscopical methods, list the depth of complete of measurements increases. For 20 or more measurements,
or total decarburization, or both, for average and worst decarburization depths can be estimated to within 0.025 mm

9
 E 1077
(0.001 in.) with a relative accuracy of 10 to 20 %. Estimates of results are representative of the specimen because each incre-
the depth of complete decarburization (that is, the free-ferrite ment samples a substantial surface area. Accuracy is decreased
depth) are more accurate and more reproducible than estimates if the turnings are not concentric with the bar diameter, or if
of the depth of partial decarburization or the total depth of millings are not made parallel to the surface.
decarburization. 9.2.6 For the incremental sparking method, an area about 5
9.2.3 For any of the measurements, somewhat different mm (0.2 in.) in diameter and about 1 mm (0.04 in.) deep is
values will be obtained on specimens from different locations, sampled. This gives reasonable accuracy but is not as good as
even if they are adjacent. the incremental turning-milling method.
9.2.4 Estimates of total or effective decarburization by
microindentation hardness at a given location are generally
10. Keywords
accurate within 0.025 mm (0.001 in.). However, because only
one or a few areas are tested, these measurements may not be 10.1 carbon content; complete decarburization; decarbur-
typical of the overall specimen. ization; ferrite; microindentation hardness; partial decarburiza-
9.2.5 For the analysis of incremental turnings or millings, tion; steels; total decarburization

The American Society for Testing and Materials takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection
with any item mentioned in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such
patent rights, and the risk of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible
technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should make your
views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above address or at
610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or [email protected] (e-mail); or through the ASTM website (www.astm.org).

10