3.1 The major portion of carbon black consumed by the rubber industry is used to improve the physical properties, life expectancy, and utility of rubber products. These test methods provide an SBR recipe and directions for evaluating all types of carbon black intended for use in rubber products. Other procedures are available elsewhere in the ASTM standards for the evaluation of carbon black itself.

3.2 These test methods may be used to characterize carbon black in terms of specific properties of the standard compound. These test methods are useful for the quality assurance of carbon black production. They may also be used for the preparation of reference compounds, to confirm the day-to-day reliability of testing operations used in the rubber industry, for the evaluation of experimental compounds, and quality control of production compounds.

1.1 These test methods cover the standard materials, test formula, mixing procedure, and test methods for the evaluation and production control of carbon blacks in styrene butadiene rubber (SBR).

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.