5.1 This method is intended to provide a generalized procedure for determining the stability of cellulosic pulp fibers exposed to alkaline environments. Specifically, this method allows various pulp types to be compared with respect to the effect of exposure to alkaline conditions on the strength of individual cellulosic fibers based on a zero-span tensile test. The time intervals listed in the procedure are not critical, and more intervals of shorter or longer duration may be added. In addition, the procedure may be simplified by removing some of the intermediate intervals so long as a range of intervals is determined. An example of a simplified procedure would be to determine 4 intervals (for example, 1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks; or 1 day, 3 day, 7 day, 14 day).

5.2 The specified solution (1N NaOH) is strongly alkaline. Although this alkali concentration is higher than some environments that would be simulated by this test, the stronger pH provides better differentiation between different cellulose fiber types. Although alkaline stability based on other alkalis (for example, KOH, Ca(OH)₂, etc.) at a different concentration could be determined by this method, 1N NaOH is to be considered the standard solution. Alkaline stability results from other treatments may be reported in addition to the standard solution if the additional solution(s) provide useful information.