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PSTC-Appendix C - Cleaning Test Surfaces

This document provides cleaning procedures for test surfaces. It outlines using absorbent materials and specified solvents like diacetone alcohol, heptane, or methyl ethyl ketone to clean surfaces. The process involves washing surfaces with these solvents four times and discarding panels showing stains or scratches. Handling instructions are also provided to protect cleaned surfaces from damage. Revisions over time have added acetone as a solvent and clarified cleaning steps. An addendum also provides a high-heat process for deeply cleaning new test panels.

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80 views

PSTC-Appendix C - Cleaning Test Surfaces

This document provides cleaning procedures for test surfaces. It outlines using absorbent materials and specified solvents like diacetone alcohol, heptane, or methyl ethyl ketone to clean surfaces. The process involves washing surfaces with these solvents four times and discarding panels showing stains or scratches. Handling instructions are also provided to protect cleaned surfaces from damage. Revisions over time have added acetone as a solvent and clarified cleaning steps. An addendum also provides a high-heat process for deeply cleaning new test panels.

Uploaded by

Chung Le
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Call Letters

Appendix C

Date of Issuance 06/66


Revised 11/70
Revised 08/85
Revised 08/89
Revised 06/00
Revised 10/03
Revised 05/07
Cleaning Test Surfaces

1. SCOPE
1.1 This method defines a cleaning procedure for use whenever the test method requires a clean
panel or surface.

2. MATERIALS
2.1 Absorbent cleaning material, either surgical gauze or tissue.

2.1.1 To be suitable, materials must be lint free during use, absorbent, contain no additives
that are soluble in the solvents listed in section 2.2, and be made exclusively from virgin
materials.

2.2 Solvents

2.2.1 Diacetone alcohol

2.2.2 Reagent grade of one of the following:

normal heptane (n-heptane)

methyl alcohol (95%)

methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)

methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK)

acetone

2.2.3 Where toxicity and flammability requirements are paramount, a suitably blended mixture
of n-heptane and fluorinated hydrocarbon such as a refrigerant may meet requirements.

3. PROCEDURE
3.1 Dispense one of the solvents listed in 2.2 onto the panel, wiping it to dryness with fresh absor-
bent cleaning material. Repeat for a total of four washes with this solvent. See Figure 1.

3.2 Discard cleaned panels showing stains, discoloration, or numerous scratches.

3.3 Avoid contacting panel surface with fingers.

3.4 During storage, panels should be protected from damage by covering with any non-stretching,
non-contaminating material such as tissue, soft felt or heavy fabric.

A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this appendix.

C-1
ADDENDUM

Procedure for Cleaning New Test Panels


1 New panels have residual machining oils and possible surfactants remaining from the protective
covering. All new panels should be cleaned by wiping in the machine direction with a strong
solvent such as methyl ethyl ketone or acetone and then placed in an oven at 350˚F (175˚C)
for about 1 hour. The initial wash will remove some of the impurities, and the baking will
cause any additional materials to discolor on the surface. After the panels have cooled, clean
them again with methyl ethyl ketone or acetone. At this point, a standard cleaning method can
be followed such as PSTC Appendix C or ASTM D 3330. (Solvents should be used in well-
ventilated area or vent hood.)

2 It is advisable to mark the “grip” end of each panel when using a tensile tester to do adhesion
testing. One should avoid gathering data from a scratched or roughened surface.

3 Handle test panels by the edges whenever possible. This will help keep skin oils out of the
testing area of the panels.

4 If you stack your panels when not using them, put a soft lint free tissue between the panels to
avoid scratching the testing surface. Or, consider using a test panel holder for storing these
panels – see Figure 2.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

• Added acetone to the list of solvents in 2.2.2.


• Clarified the procedure in section 3.1.
• Added the addendum for cleaning new test panels.

C-2
Figure 1. Panel cleaning procedure

Figure 2. Test panel holder

C-3

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