AUSTROADS Modified Binder Test MBT 01:2001

Method of sampling polymer modified binders,

polymers and crumb rubber

PREFACE

This Modified Binder Test Method was prepared by an APRG Working Group on behalf of
AUSTROADS. Representatives of AUSTROADS, ARRB Transport Research and Industry through
the Australian Asphalt Pavement Association (AAPA) have been involved in the development and
review of this test method.

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FOREWORD

Specification limits for polymer modified binders (PMBs) have been set on the basis of a
representative sample taken at the point of delivery for use and reheated to enable testing in
accordance with the test methods set out by AUSTROADS. The adoption of a uniform and practical
sampling method will ensure consistent and reliably representative samples are obtained.

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METHOD

1 SCOPE

This test method applies to polymer modified binders, polymers and crumb rubber. Materials are
sampled according to this protocol to ensure that correct sampling procedures are followed and that
test results provide the required information on consignment quality. The purpose of sampling is to
enable subsequent testing to:

(a) Represent, as nearly as practicable, an average of a consignment or batch, or

(b) Detect any variation within a consignment or batch.

2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

The following documents are referred to in this test method:

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AUSTROADS

• MBT 02 Protocol for handling polymer modified binders in the laboratory

3 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Strict precautions shall be taken to avoid injury or fire at all times when handling hot bituminous
materials, such as bitumen and polymer modified binders. Such precautions include, but are not limited
to, the following requirements:

(a) Eye protection, such as safety glasses and/or face shields, shall be worn while sampling.

(b) Heat-resistant gloves, with close-fitting cuffs, and other suitable protective clothing, shall be
worn while sampling and sealing containers.

(c) There shall be no smoking while sampling.

(d) Containers shall not be held in the hand while sampling and sealing. Tongs, or some other
device, shall be used to hold the containers while the sample is being taken.

(e) The sampler shall, as far as practical, stand above and away from the sampling valve or outlet
and on the windward side.

(f) The sample shall be taken slowly and carefully to prevent splashing of the material.

(g) The container shall be placed on a firm, level surface to prevent splashing, dropping or

4 SAMPLING PRECAUTIONS

The following sampling precautions shall be observed:

(a) Care shall be taken to prevent contamination of the samples with solvents, cleaning fluids, or
different types of bituminous materials.

(b) Between sampling and testing, the sample shall not be transferred from one container to
another if this involves reheating of the sample after cooling, except as specified in MBT 02.

(c) Where a tin is used, the sample container shall be tightly and positively sealed immediately
after the sample is taken.

(c) The sample container shall not be submerged in solvent, nor shall it be wiped with a solvent-
saturated cloth. Any spilled materials on the outside of the container shall be wiped with a
clean dry cloth immediately after the container is sealed.

5 SAMPLE CONTAINERS

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Containers for PMB samples shall be clean, dry, nominal 1 L or 2 L capacity, friction-top cans, unless
otherwise specified. Dry polymers and crumb rubber samples may be placed in a closed plastic bag.
Where the moisture content of a crumb rubber sample is to be determined, the sample shall be placed
in a hermetically sealed container.

6 PROCEDURES

6.1 General

Sampling may be carried out at the point of loading, or at the point of delivery, as appropriate.

6.2 Sample size

The size of the sample shall be at least 1 L or 1 kg, unless otherwise specified.

6.3 Sampling of PMBs

(a) Sampling from bulk storage

The procedure shall be as follows:

(i) The material shall be thoroughly mixed and the sample drawn from a sampling cock in the
side of the tank.

(ii) The initial material withdrawn (about 4 L) shall be discarded prior to collection of the
sample. It is recommended that the product run-off and any product intended to be
discarded be returned to the bulk product to avoid contamination of the environment.

(b) Sampling during loading

The procedure shall be as follows:

(i) When rail tankers, road tankers, sprayers or drums are being filled, the material shall be
thoroughly mixed prior to loading. Sampling shall be carried out as the material flows
through the pipeline.

(ii) When the material is being discharged under pressure, the sample shall be taken from the
discharge line by a suitable sampling cock capable of providing a sufficient flow rate, or
from the discharge end of a small filling line.

(iii) When the material is being discharged by flowing under gravity, either the procedure
described in (ii) above shall be followed, if the pipeline has a rising section completely
filled by the outflowing material and provided the pressure is sufficient, or sampling shall
be carried out by taking containers-full of material from the outlet, if the pipeline is not
completely filled, or the pressure is not great enough.

(iv) The sample shall be taken from near the middle of discharge.

(v) About 4 L of the initial material withdrawn in each increment shall be discarded. It is
recommended that the product run-off and any product intended to be discarded be
returned to the bulk product to avoid contamination of the environment.

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(vi) The sample shall be transferred without delay to the sample container, allowing at least 5
percent ullage, and the container shall be immediately sealed after filling.

(c) Sampling from rail and road tankers

The procedure shall be as follows:

(i) The material shall be thoroughly mixed and the sample drawn from a sampling cock in the
delivery line. The sample shall be taken near the middle of the discharge.

(ii) The initial material withdrawn (about 4 L) shall be discarded prior to collection of the
sample. It is recommended that the product run-off and any product intended to be
discarded be returned to the bulk product to avoid contamination of the environment.

(iii) Where there is no suitable sampling cock available, a sample shall be taken from near the
top of the tanker by lowering a weighted sampling can or thief sampling can, as
appropriate, into the material.

(iv) The sample shall be transferred without delay to the sample container, allowing at least 5
percent ullage, and the container shall be immediately sealed after filling.

(d) Sampling from sprayers

The procedure shall be as follows:

(i) The contents of the sprayer shall be thoroughly circulated for at least 15 minutes prior to
sampling.

(ii) The sample shall be taken either from the spray bar, or by sampling cock, or by using a
weighted can or thief sampling can, as appropriate.

(iii) The initial material withdrawn (about 4 L) shall be discarded prior to collection of the
sample. It is recommended that the product run-off and any product intended to be
discarded be returned to the bulk product to avoid contamination of the environment.

(iv) The sample shall be transferred without delay to the sample container, allowing at least 5
percent ullage, and the container shall be immediately sealed after filling.

(e) Sampling from drums

The procedure shall be as follows:

(i) A number of drums shall be selected at random, with the number being not less than the
appropriate number shown in Table 1.

(ii) The contents of each drum selected shall be mixed thoroughly by turning end over end,
rolling and stirring with a rod.

(iii) As the stirring rod is withdrawn, it shall be closely examined for the presence of
extraneous matter.

(iv) The sample shall be collected by pouring, or by the use of a pump, or by thie f sampling
can.

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(v) Where the material is known to be from a single production run or batch, the samples
may be combined and thoroughly mixed to form a bulk sample, from which a sample of
about 1 L shall be drawn for testing. In the case of a small consignment, the sizes of
samples shall be increased as necessary to yield a combined sample of at least 1 L.

(vi) The consistency of each sample may be determined to detect variations in the material
delivered.

6.4 Sampling of polymers and crumb rubber

(a) Sampling of liquids from drums

The procedure shall be as follows:

(i) A number of drums shall be selected at random, with the number being not less than the
appropriate number shown in Table 1.

(ii) The contents of each drum selected shall be mixed thoroughly by turning end over end,
rolling and stirring with a rod.

(iii) As the stirring rod is withdrawn, it shall be closely examined for the presence of
extraneous matter.

(iv) The sample shall be collected by pouring, or by the use of a pump, or by thief sampling
can.

(v) Where the material is known to be from a single production run or batch, the samples
may be combined and thoroughly mixed to form a bulk sample, from which a sample of
about 1 L shall be drawn for testing. In the case of a small consignment, the sizes of
samples shall be increased as necessary to yield a combined sample of at least 1 L.

(vi) The consistency of each sample may be determined to detect variations in the material
delivered.

(b) Sampling of solids from packs (drums, bags, or other containers)

The procedure shall be as follows:

(i) A number of packs shall be selected at random, with the number being not less than the
appropriate number shown in Table 1.

(ii) From each pack, a sample not less than 100 g in mass shall be taken from at least 100
mm below the surface and at least 100 mm from the side of the pack.

(iii) Where the material is known to be from a single production run or batch, the samples
may be combined and thoroughly mixed to form a bulk sample, from which a sample of
about 1 L shall be drawn for testing. In the case of a small consignment, the sizes of
samples shall be increased as necessary to yield a combined sample of at least 1 L.

(iv) The consistency of each sample may be determined to detect variations in the material
delivered.

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Table 1 - Number of samples

Number of drums Number of drums

or packs or packs
in consignment to be sampled

1- 10 1
11 - 50 2
51 - 100 4
101 - 200 5
201 - 400 6
401 - 700 7
701 - 1000 8
Over 1000 8 plus 1 for each 500 drums
or packs above 1000

7 LABELLING

Samples shall be securely packed for transport to the testing laboratory and shall be clearly identified
by markings on the body and lid of the container. The following information shall be shown on the
container, or label:
(a) Designation or classification of the material.
(b) Identification mark.
(c) Date and time of sampling.
(d) Sampling temperature.
(e) Further information required for identification of the samples shall be supplied on a separate
sampling form. The additional information shall include the following:
(i) Name of supplier.
(ii) Place and date of sampling.
(iii) Quantity of material represented by the sample.
(iv) Type, batch number and identifying number of container, or vehicle, from which the
sample was taken.
(v) Name of the sampler.

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(vi) If the sampling procedure (especially temperature) was contrary to the manufacturer's
recommended procedure and/or industry guidelines.

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