scope:

This part of ISO 4661 includes a number of factors of importance in the preparation of samples for chemical testing, in order to ensure the best use of the relevant ISO methods of test. When preparing samples of vulcanized rubber for chemical testing, care should be taken that any test portion is representative of the sample with respect to the property or constituent to be determined. Thus, if it is desired to deduce the composition of the original mix, any surface bloom should be incorporated, but if the final bulk composition is required, bloom should be removed preferably by using mechanical means. In the case of tests carried out with test pieces taken from manufacturer's products, it may be necessary first to separate vulcanized rubber from other possible components of the manufactured products avoiding any heat generation.