The Exchange Test Method
LABORATORY TEST METHOD NO. H-11: WAX CONTENT IN DENTAL FLOSS
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PURPOSE:
To determine wax content in waxed dental floss.
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PRINCIPLE:
Wax is dissolved in tetrachloroethylene and its % wax content is calculated using waxed dental floss weight vs unwaxed dental floss weight.
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APPARATUS AND MATERIALS:
- 3.1 Precision scale that can weigh as low as one thousandth of a gram such as the Mettler Scale AE-200
- 3.2 Stainless steel cylinders 7.6 by 12.7 cm ( 3 by 5 in.) with lids.
- 3.3 Tetrachloroethylene.
- 3.4 Two 4.5 m (5 yd) specimens from each package to be tested.
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PROCEDURE:
- 4.1 Weigh each specimen and record result to the nearest hundredth of a gram.
- 4.2 Place specimens in stainless steel cylinder and cover completely with tetrachloroethylene.
- 4.3 Close cylinder and allow specimen to submerge for 1 hour at room temperature 25°C (78°F) .
- 4.4 Shake cylinder well, remove specimens and allow to air dry for 3 hours at room temperature 25°C (78°F).
- 4.5 Weigh dry specimens and record results to the nearest hundredth of a gram.
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EVALUATION:
Determine wax content using this formula:
- {(A-B)/A } x 100 = % wax content by weight
- A = Original weight of the specimen
- B = Weight of the specimen after wax is dissolved
REPORT
Report the result as an average of five specimens.