MIL-DTL-85981C_Published.pdf

INCH-POUND

MIL-DTL-85891C

23 JUN 2025

SUPERSEDING

MIL-DTL-85891B

11 MAR 2019

DETAIL SPECIFICATION

ENGINEERED MEDIA FOR REMOVAL OF ORGANIC COATINGS

This specification is approved for use by all Departments and Agencies of the Department of Defense.

Comments, suggestions, or questions on this document should be addressed to AFLCMC/EZSS, 2145 Monahan Way, Bldg. 28, Wright-Patterson AFB OH, 45433-7017 or e-mailed to ENGINEERING.STANDARDS@US.AF.MIL. Since contact information can change, you may want to verify the currency of this address information using the ASSIST Online database at https://assist.dla.mil/.

AMSC N/A FSC 5350

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

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1. SCOPE

1.1 Scope.

This specification covers five types of engineered media used for removal of organic coatings in an abrasive blast operation.

1.2 Classification.

The engineered media are of the following types, as specified (see 6.2):

Type I DELETED Type II Urea Formaldehyde (Thermoset) Type III Melamine Formaldehyde (Thermoset) Type IV DELETED Type V Acrylic (Thermoplastic) Type VI DELETED Type VII Starch Polymer Type VIII Multi-Plastic Chemical Blends

1.3 Part or identifying number (PIN).

PINs to be used for the plastic media acquired to this specification are created as follows:

M 85891 -X -XXXX -X

Quantity (see 6.2).

Particle size range (see 3.4.9 and Table

II).

Type II, III, V, VII, or VIII (see 1.2).

Specification number.

M is a prefix.

2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

2.1 General.

The documents listed in this section are specified in sections 3 and 4 of this specification. This section does not include documents cited in other sections of this specification or recommended for additional information or as examples. While every effort has been made to ensure the completeness of this list, document users are cautioned that they must meet all specified requirements of documents cited in sections 3 and 4 of this specification, whether or not they are listed.

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2.2 Government documents.

2.2.1 Specifications, standards, and handbooks.

The following specifications, standards, and handbooks form a part of this document to the extent specified herein. Unless otherwise specified, the issues of these documents are those cited in the solicitation or contract.

FEDERAL SPECIFICATIONS

CCC-C-440 Cloth, Cheesecloth, Cotton, Bleached and Unbleached

FEDERAL STANDARDS

FED-STD-313 Material Safety Data, Transportation Data, and Disposal Data for Hazardous Materials Furnished to Government Activities

COMMERCIAL ITEM DESCRIPTION

A-A-58054 Abrasive Mats, Non-Woven, Non-Metallic

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SPECIFICATIONS

MIL-PRF-23377 Primer Coatings: Epoxy, High-Solids MIL-DTL-81706 Chemical Conversion Materials for Coating Aluminum and

Aluminum Alloys MIL-PRF-85285 Topcoat, Aircraft and Support Equipment

(Copies of these documents are available online at https://quicksearch.dla.mil/.)

2.2.2 Other Government documents, drawings, and publications.

The following other Government documents, drawings, and publications form a part of this document to the extent specified herein. Unless otherwise specified, the issues of these documents are those cited in the solicitation or contract.

AIR FORCE TECHNICAL ORDER (TO)

TO 1-1-8 Application and Removal of Organic Coatings, Aerospace and Non-

Aerospace Equipment

(Copies of this document are available online at https://www.e-publishing.af.mil.)

NAVAL CIVIL ENGINEERING LABORATORY (NCEL)

NCEL Contract Report (CR) 87.011 Explosibility and Ignitability of Plastic Abrasive Media https://quicksearch.dla.mil/ https://www.e-publishing.af.mil/

(Copies of this document are available online at https://login.dtic.mil/.)

2.2.3 Non-Government publications.

The following documents form a part of this document to the extent specified herein. Unless otherwise specified, the issues of these documents are those cited in the solicitation or contract.

ASTM INTERNATIONAL

ASTM D792 Standard Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity

(Relative Density) of Plastics by Displacement ASTM D1921 Standard Test Methods for Particle Size (Sieve Analysis) of

Plastic Materials ASTM D2240 Standard Test Method for Rubber Property - Durometer

Hardness ASTM D2583 Standard Test Method for Indentation Hardness of Rigid Plastics by

Means of a Barcol Impressor ASTM D5630 Standard Test Method for Ash Content in Plastics

ASTM E11 Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves

ASTM E70 Standard Test Method for pH of Aqueous Solutions with the Glass Electrode

ASTM E2941 Standard Practices for Extraction of Elements from Ores and Related Metallurgical Materials by Acid Digestion

(Copies of these documents are available online at https://www.astm.org/.)

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION (ISO)

ISO/IEC 17025 General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and

Calibration Laboratories ISO 21627-3 Plastics – Epoxy Resins – Determination of Chlorine Content

(Copies of this document is available online at https://www.iso.org.)

SAE INTERNATIONAL

SAE-AMS-QQ-A-250/4 Aluminum Alloy 2024, Plate and Sheet

(Copies of these documents are available online at https://www.sae.org/.)

2.2.4 Order of precedence.

Unless otherwise noted herein or in the contract, in the event of a conflict between the text of this document and the references cited herein, the text of this document takes precedence. Nothing in

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https://login.dtic.mil/ https://www.astm.org/ https://www.iso.org./ https://www.sae.org/ this document, however, supersedes applicable laws and regulations unless a specific exemption has been obtained.

3. REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Qualification.

The engineered media furnished under this specification shall be products authorized by the qualifying activity for listing on the applicable qualified products list before the contract award (see 4.2).

3.2 Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

An SDS shall be prepared and submitted to the independent testing laboratory in accordance with

(IAW) FED-STD-313.

3.3 Materials.

The finished product for plastic media shall be made from cured plastic stock of urea formaldehyde for Type II, melamine formaldehyde for Type III, or acrylic plastic for Type V, by processing to the desired size distribution specified herein. The finished product for Type VII engineered media shall be made from wheat- or corn-based starch polymer by processing to the desired size distribution specified herein. The finished product for Type VIII engineered media shall be a multi-plastic blend (or urea/acrylic/melamine). All finished products shall be magnetically cleaned prior to shipment.

3.3.1 Composition of plastic stock.

The finished plastic media product shall be manufactured from selected plastic stock of the exact chemical type required by this specification. The finished product shall be manufactured from virgin plastic stock or from plastic stock formed from scrap plastic (material produced as a by-product of the manufacture of plastic items such as shirt buttons, dinnerware, etc.). Mixtures of different types of plastics or plastic stock material shall not be permitted except Type VIII. The use of antistatic agents, fillers, or other foreign materials for performance enhancement or product stability must be identified by the manufacturer and reported to the Government customer.

3.3.2 Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) attenuated total reflection (ATR).

All engineered media shall undergo FTIR ATR analysis to confirm that the material matches the description of the media type. The finished product shall be prepared for analysis by grinding to a 200-mesh or smaller powder with a suitable grinder. A background scan should always be run before analyzing the sample. For the most accurate results, ensure the sample covers the entire crystal and gently tightens the pressure anvil over the sample. The spectrum should then be obtained IAW the instructions for the FTIR-ATR. The finished product's spectrogram shall be similar in shape (peak intensities may differ slightly) to those on Figures 1-5 when verified IAW

4.11. The relevant peaks of interest have been highlighted in red on Figures 1-5.

FIGURE 1. Type II urea formaldehyde.

FIGURE 2. Type III melamine formaldehyde.

FIGURE 3. Type V acrylic.

FIGURE 4. Type VII starch polymer.

FIGURE 5. Type VIII Urea/melamine multi-plastic blends.

3.3.3 Explosibility and ignitability.

The Naval Civil Engineering Laboratory (NCEL) Contract Report (CR) 87.011 of June 1987 covers an investigation of Types II, III, V, VII, and VIII materials that shall be required prior to procurement. Finished product which satisfies the following criteria and verified IAW 4.12 are not considered explosive or ignitable hazards when used in a properly designed blast system:

Equipment Media size Parameter Limit

1.2-L Furnace 200 mesh or smaller

Minimum auto ignition temperature (MAIT) 350 °C (662 °F)

20-L Chamber with 2500 J igniter

200 mesh or smaller

Lean flammability limit (minimum) 40 g/cu M.

20-L Chamber with 2500 J igniter

200 mesh or smaller Maximum explosible size 40 mesh

3.3.4 Toxicity.

The finished product shall have no adverse effect on the health of personnel when used for its intended purpose when verified by reviewing the SDS. SDSs for the dyes or pigments used in the media, the media itself, and for any material added to the media after curing (such as antistatic agents) shall be prepared and submitted IAW FED-STD-313. When used for its intended purpose, questions pertinent to the finished product's effect on the health of personnel shall be referred by the acquiring activity to the appropriate medical service of the procuring agency as listed in FED-

STD-313.

3.4 Physical and chemical requirements.

The physical and chemical properties of the finished product shall be IAW Table I, when tested as specified in 4.5 through 4.10 and 4.14. The chemical and physical property requirements are strict and non-negotiable. Failure to comply with any requirement will result in automatic rejection.

TABLE I. Physical and chemical properties.

NOTES:

1. Hardness values for Type VIII are a range encompassing Types II, III, and V medias.

2. Heavy particulates: LST Heavy Fluid 100 (Density = 2.85 ±1%) for all media types except Type VII

3. HT-110 (Density = 1.70 ±1%) for Type VII only.

4. Mixture B for light particulates: subtract 0.10 from the specific gravity of the finished product.

3.4.1 Hardness of plastic stock.

The Barcol hardness (Shore D hardness for Type VII) of the plastic stock (approx. 5 in. x 5 in. x 1

in. stock) prior to crushing shall meet the limits specified in Table I when tested IAW 4.14.

3.4.2 Chlorine content.

The finished product shall contain no more chlorine than specified in Table I when tested IAW

4.5. Excessive chlorine content on an aluminum substrate can harm the material's integrity and performance over time.

3.4.3 Ash content.

The purpose of ash content testing is to burn off the organic matter and determine the inorganic

Property II III V VII VIII Test Para

Hardness Barcol Barcol Barcol Shore D Barcol1 3.4.1 Minimum 54 64 46 72 46 Maximum 62 74 54 90 74 Cl content, max (ppm or mg/L), max (% by weight)

0.04

0.04

0.04

0.04

0.04

3.4.2

Ash content, max (% by wt.) 4.0 4.0 0.5 1.0 4.0 3.4.3 Iron content, max (% by wt.) 0.10 0.10 0.05 0.05 0.10 3.4.4 pH of Water Extract 3.4.5 Minimum 4 4 4 4 4 Maximum 8 8 8 8 8 Specific Gravity 3.4.6 Minimum 1.40 1.47 1.10 1.38 1.36 Maximum 1.57 1.63 1.25 1.49 1.46 Heavy particulates (% by wt.), max2, 3, 4 (ref. 4.10.4)

0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 3.4.7

Light particulates (% by wt.), max 1.0 1.0 0.1 1.0 1.0 3.4.8 matter, i.e., minerals, remaining in the finished product. The finished product shall have an ash content no greater than the allotted amount in Table I for each media type when tested IAW 4.6.

3.4.4 Iron content.

The finished product shall have an iron content no greater than the allotted amount in Table I for each media type when tested IAW 4.7. The purpose of iron content testing is to determine the amount of iron in the finished product. Excessive iron content can compromise substrate integrity and contribute to part failure over time.

3.4.5 pH of water extract.

The pH of water extract is essential to understanding the chemical composition and potential reactivity of materials. The pH of the water extract shall meet the requirements of Table I when tested IAW 4.8.

3.4.6 Specific gravity.

The finished product shall have a specific gravity with the range allotted in Table I for each media type when tested IAW 4.9. Be cautious that significant changes in pressure and temperature could affect specific gravity of the sample.

3.4.7 Heavy particulates.

The finished product shall have a heavy particle content no greater than 0.02% when tested IAW

4.10. This stringent requirement underscores the commitment to delivering a product free from excessive heavy particulate matter, affirming the purity of the product received.

3.4.8 Light particulates.

The finished EMB products shall meet the light particulate requirements of Table I when tested

IAW 4.10.

3.4.9 Particle size distribution.

Particle size distribution shall meet the requirements of Table II when verified IAW 4.13. All screens used shall be qualified to ASTM E11. The finished product shall have a mesh particle size distribution as specified in Table II. The supplier shall identify the intended particle size for testing.

The maximum amount that may pass through or be retained by a given sieve size (left column) is noted is for each particle size distribution.

TABLE II. Particle size distribution.

US Standard Particle Size Distribution

US 12-20 12-16 16-20 20-30 20-40 20-50 30-40 30-60 40-60 60-80

Standard Screen Size

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Retain Pass Retain Pass Retain Pass Retain Pass Retain Pass Retain Pass Retain Pass Retain Pass Retain Pass Retain Pass

10 0.1 0.1 12 5.0 5.0 0.1 16 20 15 0.1 0.1 0.1 20 20 5.0 20 15 15 15 25 0.1 0.1 30 5.0 5.0 20 60 75 15 5.0 35 0.1

40 5.0 20 20 5.0 50 20 0.1 60 5.0 5.0 20 20 5.0 80 20 100 1.0 1.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 3.0 5.0 5.0 5.0

3.5 Performance properties.

The finished product shall conform to the performance property requirements of Table IV and the anti-static behavior requirements of 3.5.1 when tested using the finished product conforming to the 20-30 particle size distribution for all media types except Type VII, which is 20-50 particle size distribution. Other sizes of finished products shall be manufactured from the same plastic stock and shall differ only in size distribution resulting from the manufacturer's screening operation. Blasting parameters and requirements shall be as specified in Table III.

3.5.1 Anti-static behavior.

The finished product shall not cling to the interior walls of a well-grounded blast booth or glove box during the consumption test specified in 4.15.

3.5.2 Storage stability.

After storage for one year under normal conditions of storage, the finished product shall meet all the requirements of this specification.

3.5.3 Panel preparation.

An aluminum alloy sheet conforming to QQ-A-250/4 (T3 temper) approximately 12 inches by 12 inches by at least 0.06 inch thick (40 cm by 40 cm by at least 0.15 cm) shall be sheared and used for testing

3.5.4 Blasting parameters.

Performance testing shall be conducted in a direct pressure blasting device. The blasting parameters shall be as specified in Table III.

TABLE III. Blasting parameters.

Parameter Type II Type III Type V Type VII Type VIII Nozzle distance from substrate

9-15 inches

12 inches minimum

9-15 inches

6-12 inches

9-15 inches

Nozzle angle (from horizontal)

45-80 degrees

45-80 degrees

20-40 degrees

3.5.5 Product consumption.

Product consumption requirements shall meet the values for each respective media Type in Table IV when tested IAW 4.15.

TABLE IV. Operational and consumption properties.

Property Type I

Type

II

Type

III

Type

IV

Type V

Type

VI

Type

VII

Type VIII Ref. Para

¼ in. inner diameter nozzle pressure (psi)*

N/A 25 25 N/A 30 N/A 30 25 3.5.4

Consumption % for 4 cycles, max.**

N/A 38 40 N/A 40 N/A 38 40 4.15

NOTES:

*Air pressure in the hose immediately adjacent to the nozzle as measured with a hypodermic needle.

**Consumption rate is based on a 60-mesh screen.

3.5.6 Storage stability.

After storage for one year under normal storage conditions of a climate-controlled environment at 21 ±8 °C (70 ±15 °F) and 50 ±10 percent relative humidity, the finished product shall meet all the requirements of this specification.

4. VERIFICATION

4.1 Classification of inspection.

The inspection requirements specified herein are classified as follows:

a. Qualification inspection (see 4.2).

b. Conformance inspection (see 4.3).

4.2 Qualification inspection.

Qualification inspection shall be performed on aluminum alloy 2024-T3 material conforming to SAE-AMS-QQ-A-250/4 as specified in each test.

4.2.1 Qualification samples.

The initial qualification will be completed by a laboratory approved by the United States Government, with the request submitted to AFLCMC/EZPT-CPCO (see 6.4). Re-qualification will take place at either a lab approved by the United States Government, or an independent third-party lab certified to ISO 17025. Product sampling shall be conducted utilizing a sampling apparatus such as the Humboldt Riffle Splitter or equivalent. Each sample shall be identified as follows:

a. Qualification test sample.

b. Specification MIL-DTL-85891C.

c. Engineered Media for Removal of Organic Coatings.

d. Manufacturer’s name and product type.

4.3 Conformance inspection.

Conformance inspections shall include tests in accordance with 4.6, 4.10, 4.13, and 4.14. Failure to meet any conformance test shall result in rejection of the batch and may constitute justification for removal of the product from the qualified products list. Rejected material shall not be resubmitted for acceptance without prior approval of the procuring activity. Each batch supplied to the US Government shall come with a Certificate of Conformance (CoC) showing passing results to all conformance testing. The resubmission application shall contain full details concerning previous rejections and measures taken to correct the deficiencies.

4.4 Inspection conditions.

Unless otherwise specified, all inspections shall be performed IAW the test conditions IAW this specification.

4.5 Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) procedure for chlorine content.

4.5.1 Sample preparation.

a. Under the fume hood, set the hot plate at a temperature of 95 ±5 ℃ (203 ±9 °F).

b. Using a scale, tare out the weigh boat, weigh 1-2 grams of media, and record weight to the nearest 0.01g.

c. Transfer the media to a 50 mL sample tube and, using a pipette, add 10 mL on nitric acid (HNO3). Slowly mix the contents, place the sample tube on the hot block, and cover with a disposable watch glass.

d. Let the sample digest for 10-15 minutes.

e. Allow the sample to cool for five minutes and add another 5 mL of nitric acid.

f. Let the sample digest for 30 minutes.

g. After that allow the solution to evaporate to approximately 5 mL; this may take up to two hours.

h. Allow the sample to cool again for five minutes and add 2 mL of deionized water and 3 mL of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Put the sample tube back on the hot block to start the peroxide reaction.

i. Allow the sample to heat until the volume has evaporated to approximately 5 mL or heat without boiling for two hours.

j. Let the sample cool and dilute the digested product to the 50 mL mark using deionized (DI) water only.

4.5.2 Sample introduction and procedure.

NOTE: Detailed ICP-MS operating instructions are not provided because of differences between Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Instead, the analyst/operator shall follow the instructions provided by the OEM of the instrument.

a. Shake the digestive sample in the 50 mL tube for at least 15 seconds. Slowly pour contents into the filter funnel.

b. Once the desired amount of sample has been filtered, remove the filter funnel from the tube.

c. Discard the filter paper in the solid-acids waste bin and place the loading tray into the autosampler.

d. Open the valve to the argon gas tank and open the ICP-MS program. Turn on the plasma and move the autosampler to the tuning solution to condition the instrument for analysis.

e. During this time, the ICP-MS instrument will warm up and do its daily performance tune.

f. Select the chlorine batch template to start analysis.

g. In the sample list, ensure the chlorine standards are in the correct positions and modify the unknown samples to be analyzed.

h. Once the analytical run begins the system will run the “semi auto tune” process.

Ensure the autosampler for the Internal Standard (ISTD) is in the 500-ppb chlorine ISTD vial.

i. Review the tune report for sensitivity and RSD’s.

j. After the calibrations are complete, review curves and samples to ensure all data is valid and acceptable. After analysis, the results may need to be reprocessed for accurate data.

k. After analysis, save results in specified folder.

l. Turn off instrument and close the valves to the argon gas tank.

m. The analyst can either discard the remaining sample in the liquid acids-waste bin or parafilm the sample for reanalysis.

4.5.3 Alternate qualification or conformance procedure.

a. Weigh 0.05 g of finished product into a disposable glass test tube.

b. Add a piece of sodium metal (about 0.15 g) to the tube, then heat over a Bunsen burner to a dull red.

c. Allow the test tube content to cool, then add 0.50 mL ethanol to the tube and allow it to react until there is no evidence of residual sodium metal.

d. Heat the test tube carefully to evaporate the ethanol and continue to heat until it glows a dull red.

e. Immediately drop the test tube into 50 mL of distilled water, crush the lower end of the tube, and stir to dissolve any sodium chloride that has formed.

f. Filter the solution into a 250 mL beaker, acidify with 10 or more drops of concentrated nitric acid, add 10 drops of 0.1 M silver nitrate, and swirl the beaker for several seconds. The presence of chlorine is indicated by the development of a white precipitate (silver chloride), which disappears upon the addition of several drops of concentrated ammonium hydroxide.

The finished product shall be defined as having no more than a trace of chlorine when the white precipitate is less than that produced when 50 mL of a 16.5 ppm sodium chloride solution (0.0165g) in distilled water is treated with acid and silver nitrate as stated. After completion of the analysis, verify the results are IAW 3.4.2.

NOTE: As an alternative if the independent third-party test laboratory has the appropriate equipment, ISO 21627-3 may be used for testing chlorine content.

4.6 Ash content procedure.

The step-by-step procedure for conducting ash content in plastics IAW ASTM D5630 is as follows:

a. Ensure the analytical balance is calibrated.

b. Place a clean, dry ceramic crucible onto the balance and record the weight.

c. Tare the crucible weight, add three grams of the finished product to the nearest 0.001 g (unit may vary based on balance settings), and record weight.

d. The sample should be weighed as quickly as possible to avoid moisture absorption, which could result in an inaccurate sample weight.

e. After weighing, the sample should be covered with a crucible lid to prevent loss of material and moisture absorption.

f. To remove water and char the sample, the sample shall be ignited with a Fisher burner until no material loss is visually apparent.

g. To ash the sample, the crucible shall be placed in a muffle furnace at 850 °C (1560 °F) for four hours.

h. Remove the crucible from the muffle furnace and allow it to cool in a desiccator.

i. Once cooled, weigh the crucible and its contents. The ash residue shall be calculated as a percent of the initial sample weight. Keep ash for iron content determination.

𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎ℎ 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 (%) =

𝑊𝑊3 (𝑔𝑔) − 𝑊𝑊1 (𝑔𝑔)

𝑊𝑊2 (𝑔𝑔) −𝑊𝑊1 (𝑔𝑔)

𝑥𝑥 100%

Where, W1 = Weight of empty crucible (g) W2 = Weight of crucible + sample before ashing (g) W3 = Weight of crucible + ash after ashing (g)

4.7 Iron content procedure.

The step-by-step procedure for conducting iron content IAW ASTM E2941 is as follows:

a. The total iron content of the finished product shall be determined using the ash from

3.4.4 via acid digestion with aqua regia (a 3:1 molar ratio mixture of HCl and HNO3).

b. Weigh 350 mg of ash into a weigh boat and transfer it into a 150 mL beaker.

c. Add 15 mL of aqua regia solution (10 mL of HCL followed by 5 mL of HNO3).

d. Allow the sample to digest for 12-24 hours.

e. After the 12-24-hour digestion period, heat the sample on a hot plate (under a ventilated hood) at 95 ±5 ℃ (203 ±9 °F) for 30 minutes to ensure complete digestion.

f. Next, transfer to a clean, dry 100 mL volumetric flask using a glass funnel lined with filter paper.

g. Rinse the sample flask with DI water to remove all the sample.

4.7.1 Sample introduction and procedure.

NOTE: Detailed ICP-MS operating instructions are not provided because of differences between Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Instead, the analyst/operator shall follow the instructions provided by the OEM of the instrument.

a. Shake the digestive sample that is in the 50 mL tube for at least 15 seconds. Slowly pour contents into the filter funnel.

b. Once the desired amount of sample has been filtered, you can remove the filter funnel from the tube. Discard the filter paper in the solid-acids waste bin and place the loading tray into the autosampler.

c. Open the valves to the air compressor and acetylene gas tank, open the analysis program, and start up FAA instrument.

d. Make sure your burner head is clean, and the tank has no leaks in it.

e. Ignite the burner head.

f. Select the samples you wish to analyze in the Autorun.

g. Click START and the autorun will begin at the first selection.

h. After analysis, save results in specified folder by clicking.

i. Turn off instrument and close the valves to the air compressor and acetylene gas tank.

j. The analyst can either discard the remaining sample in the liquid acids-waste bin or parafilm the sample for reanalysis.

After analysis, the results may need to be reprocessed for accurate data and shall be compared with the requirements of 3.4.4.

4.8 pH of water extract procedure.

The step-by-step procedure for conducting the pH test IAW ASTM E70 is as follows:

a. Place the weigh boat on the scale and tare it.

b. Fill the weigh boat with 25 grams of the selected media, rounding to the nearest 0.01 g.

c. Once verified, place the glass funnel on top of the graduated cylinder.

d. Use DI water in a 1000 mL beaker and pour water into the graduated cylinder up to the 100 mL mark.

e. Tightly cover the top of the cylinder with Parafilm.

f. Shake the mixture for five seconds, ensuring all EMB media is dislodged and wet.

g. Allow the mixture to sit for five minutes, verified with a timer.

h. Shake the mixture for an additional five seconds.

i. Use a calibrated pH meter to measure the pH of the solution, noting the temperature reading on the meter.

After analysis, the results shall be compared with the requirements of 3.4.5.

4.9 Specific gravity procedure.

The step-by-step procedure for conducting specific gravity IAW ASTM D792 is as follows:

a. Use n-butyl alcohol as the immersion liquid.

b. Using the scale, weigh the specimen in air and record the results on the provided sheet.

This result will be the mass of the equation.

c. Fill a 400 mL beaker with approximately 250 mL of n-butanol.

d. Place beaker on scale and then hit TARE button to read zero.

e. Secure the sample using a string. Keeping sample off the sides and bottom of the beaker.

f. Submerge the sample in the n-butanol until the sample is fully submerged.

g. Document the volume of the displaced n-butanol on provided form and this will be the volume in the equation.

h. After completing the equation, verify specific gravity meets the requirements of 3.4.6.

Solve for 𝑆𝑆.𝐺𝐺. = 𝑃𝑃(𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠) ÷ 𝑃𝑃(𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟). Use a Mettler Toledo density meter or equivalent to verify results.

*S.G. = specific gravity *P(substance) = density of the substance being measured *P(reference) = density of water NOTE Since n-butanol is being instead of water, P(reference) will be 0.81 instead of 1.

4.10 Heavy and light particulate test procedures.

4.10.1 Heavy particulate sampling procedure.

a. Using weigh boat, measure 400 grams of the selected EMB media.

b. Utilizing the Humbolt Riffle Splitter or equivalent (see 4.2.1) cycle 400 g of the selected media through the riffler.

c. This step will be repeated a minimum of four times to ensure each 100 g sample is randomized.

d. After completion, weigh and record 100 g of the final media to the nearest 0.01g.

4.10.2 Types II, III, V, and VIII - preparation of solvent mixture.

a. Using a graduated cylinder, measure the required amounts (mL) of LST Heavy Fluid and DI water in a 1000 mL beaker. Amounts may vary depending on which media type is being utilized.

b. Place the 1000 mL beaker on the hot plate/stirrer.

c. Set stirrer to 300-400 rpm and stir for five minutes.

d. Adjust the specific gravity by adding LST Heavy Liquid to increase specific gravity or DI water to decrease specific gravity.

e. Verify LST Heavy Fluid mixture specific gravity using the Mettler Toledo Density Meter or equivalent.

NOTE: Required Specific Gravity for Heavy Particulate Testing:

Media Type II: 1.620-1.625 Media Type III: 1.620-1.625 Media Type V: 1.400-1.405 Media Type VIII: 1.620-1.625

4.10.3 Type VII - preparation of solvent mixture.

a. Using a graduated cylinder, measure 400 mL of HT-110 in a 1000 mL beaker.

b. Place the 1000 mL beaker on the hot plate/stirrer.

c. Heat the solution to 45 °C (113 °F).

d. While stirring HT-110, pour 15-20 mL of n-hexane to achieve the desired specific gravity and cover.

e. After five minutes, verify specific gravity with Mettler Toledo Density Meter or equivalent.

Make sure the mixture becomes homogeneous before taking measurement.

f. Adjust the specific gravity by adding HT-110 to increase specific gravity or n-hexane to decrease specific gravity.

g. Verify solvent mixture using the Mettler Toledo Density Meter or equivalent.

NOTE: Required Specific Gravity for Heavy Particulate Testing:

Media Type VII: 1.620-1.625

4.10.4 Heavy particulate procedure.

a. Cover the separatory funnel and swirl it for 15 seconds, let the material settle, and repeat until an appreciable amount of heavy particulate material is no longer suspended.

b. Let it stand for five minutes.

c. Drain settled material onto a 200-mesh sieve with an 800 mL beaker underneath.

If using mixture from 4.10.1 (LST Heavy Liquid) rinse the sieve and settled materials several times with DI water to remove excess of LST Heavy Liquid retained on the sieve.

NOTE: Steps a - c can be repeated once using a second funnel to allow any settled material that was not removed during the first pass on the second pass.

d. Dry the material in an oven at 105 ±2 °C (221 ±4 °F) for 4-5 minutes.

e. Weigh the dried media in a weigh boat to the nearest 0.001 gram. Use the following formula for heavy particulate contamination percentage:

Particulate Contamination % = �𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤ℎ𝑡𝑡

𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤ℎ𝑡𝑡

�× 100

NOTE: The amount of LST Heavy Liquid to add may vary and can be calculated at the following website: https://www.heavyliquids.com/software.html

4.10.5 Light particulate sampling procedure.

a. Using weigh boat, measure 400 grams of the selected EMB media.

https://www.heavyliquids.com/software.html

b. Utilizing the Humbolt Riffle Splitter or equivalent (see section 4.2.1) cycle 400 g of the selected media through the riffler.

c. This step will be repeated a minimum of four times to ensure each 100 g sample is randomized.

d. After completion, weigh and record 100g of the final media to the nearest 0.01g.

4.10.6 Types II, III, and VIII - preparation of solvent mixture.

a. Using a graduated cylinder, measure the required amounts (mL) of LST Heavy Fluid and DI water in a 1000 mL beaker. Amounts may vary depending on which media type is being utilized.

b. Place the 1000 mL beaker on the hot plate/stirrer.

c. Set stirrer to 300-400 rpm and stir for five minutes.

d. Adjust the specific gravity by adding LST Heavy Liquid to increase specific gravity or DI water to decrease specific gravity.

e. Verify LST Heavy Fluid mixture specific gravity using the Mettler Toledo Density Meter or equivalent.

NOTE: Required Specific Gravity for Heavy Particulate Testing:

Media Type II: 1.620-1.625 Media Type III: 1.620-1.625 Media Type V: 1.400-1.405 Media Type VIII: 1.620-1.625

4.10.7 Type VII - preparation of solvent mixture.

a. Heat the solution to 45 °C (113 °F) on a hot plate with 400 rpm.

b. Warm and stir 400 mL of HT-110 in a 2000 mL beaker on the hot plate.

c. While stirring HT-110, pour 175-200 mL of n-hexane to achieve the desired specific gravity (1.280-1.285 for Type VII) and cover.

d. Adjust the specific gravity by adding HT-110 to increase specific gravity or n-hexane to decrease specific gravity.

e. Verify solvent mixture specific gravity using the Mettler Toledo Density Meter or equivalent.

4.10.8 Light particulate procedure

a. One hundred grams of the finished product shall be added to a tall form, 600 mL beaker, followed by 400 mL of Mixture B. Mixture B- follow method 4.10.1 and 4.10.2 with target specific gravity to be 0.10 less than the specific gravity of the finished product (see 4.9).

b. The contents shall be stirred for one minute and then allowed to stand for five minutes.

c. Any floating particulate shall be decanted onto a 200-mesh screen, tared to the nearest 0.001 gram.

d. *If using mixture B from 4.10.1 (LST Heavy Liquid) rinse the sieve and materials several time with DI water to remove excess of LST Heavy Liquid retained on the sieve.

e. The sieve shall be dried to constant weight in an oven maintained at 105 ±2 °C (221 ±4 °F).

f. The light contaminant particulate shall be calculated as follows:

Particulate Contamination % = �𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤ℎ𝑡𝑡

𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤ℎ𝑡𝑡

� × 100

After completion of the procedures, verify the requirements of 3.4.7 and 3.4.8 have been met for heavy particulates and light particulates, respectively.

4.11 Procedure for FTIR/AR.

Using the manufacturer’s standard procedures, generate FTIR/AR spectroscopy plots similar to Figures 1-5 for each applicable EMB type as required by 3.3.2. Failure to generate the same peaks and valleys shall be cause for rejection. Sixty-four scans should be performed at a resolution of 4 with data spacing of 0.482 cm-1.

4.12. Procedure for verifying explosibility and ignitability.

The finished EMB products shall be tested IAW the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines recommended practice for determining such hazards as set forth in NCEL CR 87.011 for meeting the requirements of 3.3.3.

4.13. Particle size distribution verification procedure.

Particle size distribution shall be determined IAW ASTM D1921, Test Method B, and shall conform to the requirements in 3.4.9.

4.14 Hardness testing procedure.

Hardness of the different EMB Types shall be tested to meet the requirements of 3.4.1 when testing IAW ASTM D2583 (Barcol) and ASTM D2240 (Shore D).

4.15 Consumption rate.

A representative sample of the finished product shall be obtained, and the percentage (a) of material retained on a U. S. Standard 60 mesh screen determined IAW 3.4.9.

a. 750 grams, weighed to the nearest 1 gram of finished product shall be charged to the same blast equipment used for stripping rate tests.

b. The blasting equipment shall be operated using the same parameters specified in 3.5.4 and the applicable pressure and feed rate specified in Tables III and IV, with the reclaim system off.

c. The use of a device (i.e., 60 mesh screen) shall be permitted to prevent blow-by losses during recovery of the media.

d. An aluminum plate at least 12 by 12 by 0.25 inch (38 by 38 by 0.6 cm) conforming to SAE-AMS-QQ-A-250/4, T3 temper, shall be blasted until all the charged media is expended.

e. The expended product shall be collected and recharged to the hopper.

f. This procedure shall be repeated for a total of 4 cycles, after which the recycled product shall be recovered and weighed.

g. Using a representative sample of the recycled product, the percentage of material retained on a 60-mesh screen shall be determined as shown in Table IV. Consumption shall be calculated as follows to show compliance with 3.5.5:

Consumption (%) = �𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤ℎ𝑡𝑡 −𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹 𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊ℎ𝑡𝑡

𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤ℎ𝑡𝑡

5. PACKAGING

5.1 Packaging.

For acquisition purposes, the packaging requirements shall be as specified in the contract or order (see 6.2). When packaging of materiel is to be performed by DoD or in-house contractor personnel, these personnel need to contact the responsible packaging activity to ascertain requisite packaging requirements. Packaging requirements are maintained by the Inventory Control Point’s packaging activities within the Military Department or Defense Agency, or within the military service’s system commands. Packaging data retrieval is available from the managing Military Department’s or Defense Agency’s automated packaging files, CD-ROM products, or by contacting the responsible packaging activity.

6. NOTES

(This section contains information of a general or explanatory nature that may be helpful but is not mandatory.)

6.1 Intended use.

The engineered media covered by this specification is intended as an abrasive blasting material for paint removal. The requirements for engineered media as detailed in this specification are military unique to ensure media performance is acceptable when used IAW T.O. 1-1-8.

6.2 Acquisition requirements.

Acquisition documents should specify the following:

a. Title, number and date of this specification.

b. Classification (see 1.2).

c. Quantity required. (Used for procurement only (see 1.3)).

d. Certificate of conformance (see 4.3).

e. Packaging requirements (see 5.1).

6.3 Batch definition.

A batch is defined as a homogenous quantity of finished product, manufactured at one time or representing a blend of several manufactured units of finished product of the same formulation.

6.4 Qualification.

With respect to products requiring qualification, awards will be made only for products which are, at the time of the award of contract, qualified for inclusion in Qualified Products List QPL No.

85891 whether or not such products have actually been so listed by that date. The attention of the contractors is called to these requirements, and manufacturers are urged to arrange to have the products they propose to offer to the Federal Government tested for qualification in order that they may be eligible for awarded contracts or orders for the products covered by this specification.

Information pertaining to qualification of products may be obtained from AFLCMC/EZPT-CPCO, 325 Richard Ray Blvd, Bldg. 165, Robins AFB, GA 31098-1640 or by email at afcorr@us.af.mil.

An online listing of products qualified to this specification may be found in the Qualified Products Database (QPD) at https://assist.dla.mil.

6.5 Subject term (keyword) listing.

Environmental Media blasting Plastic media Paint removal Thermoset Thermoplastic

6.6 Changes from previous issue.

Marginal notations are not used in this revision to identify changes with respect to the previous issue due to the extent of the changes.

Source: http://assist.dla.mil -- Downloaded: 2025-07-17T13:54Z Check the source to verify that this is the current version before use.

mailto:afcorr@us.af.mil https://assist.dla.mil/

CONCLUDING MATERIAL

Custodians: Preparing Activity:

Army - AV Air Force - 11 Navy - AS Air Force - 11 (Project 5350-2025-002)

Reviewers:

Air Force - 20

DLA - CQ

NOTE: The activities listed above were interested in this document as of the date of this document.

Since organizations and responsibilities can change, you should verify the currency of the information above using the ASSIST Online database at https://assist.dla.mil.

https://assist.dla.mil/