ASTM F3401-19

5.1 Wax binders are critical for synthetic equestrian surfaces to stay together at consistencies desired. Surfaces are designed to prevent injuries and the wax binders are critical to ensure that this happens. Soxhlet extraction of wax binder is an efficient method to determine the amount of wax binder present in a synthetic equestrian surface.

1.1 Equine surfaces containing wax-oil based coatings/binders must be treated and cleaned prior to the subsequent material tests described for sand and fiber surfaces. Note: skip this test for surfaces that are not wax coated.

1.2 The procedures described for wax separation employ Soxhlet extraction to remove wax content from the surface and to calculate crude wax percentage in the surface. Procedures are based upon the Soxhlet extraction method, which has been modified for use on equestrian surfaces by Lab/Cor Materials, Seattle, Washington, USA.2

1.3 If synthetic fibers are present, then fiber solubility will need to be considered prior to Soxhlet extraction to ensure that the Soxhlet procedure will not damage fiber integrity.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.