Test of Organic Impurities

What are these organic impurities?

Impurities are chemical substances inside a confined amount of liquid, gas, or

solid, which differ from the chemical composition of the material or
compound. Impurities are either naturally occurring or added during synthesis of a
chemical or commercial product.

What are these aggregates?

Construction aggregate, or simply "aggregate", is a broad category of coarse

particulate material used in construction, including sand, gravel, crushed stone, slag,
recycled concrete and geosynthetic aggregates. Aggregates are the most mined materials
in the world. Aggregates are a component of composite materials such
as concrete and asphalt concrete; the aggregate serves as reinforcement to add strength
to the overall composite material. Aggregates are also used as base material under
foundations, roads, and railroads.

Why do we need to run this kind of test amongst aggregates?

If aggregate contains organic impurities it may not be suitable for inclusion in

concrete. Organic impurities, usually tannic acid and its derivatives, may interfere with
the chemical reactions of hydration. Impurities are more likely to be found in fine (sand)
aggregate.

What are the materials needed?

 Colorless glass bottle with cap

8oz (237ml) colorless glass bottles are graduated in both ounces
and milliliters. Watertight, screw-on lids are included.
 Sodium Hydroxide

Sodium Hydroxide compound is used to mix the 3% NaOH solution

required for the organic impurities test. This bottle provides enough for more than
150 tests. 1lb (454g).
 Reagent Grade sodium hydroxide pellets are used with HM-137 Organic
Impurities Test Set for strict compliance to ASTM and AASHTO standards. Pellets
make enough 3% solution for more than 150 tests.

 Color Reference Chart

The HM-815 Organic Impurities ASTM-Color Reference Chart is
used in estimating the presence of organic compounds in fine aggregates in
accordance with ASTM and AASHTO requirements. The chart has five
permanent reference colors which meet the most current revisions, and is
housed in a sturdy protective plastic case.

IMPURITIES IN SAND

Clay, silt, salts, mica and organic matter are a source of impurities in sand. All
sands are generally found to contain some percentage of silt and clay. Mica is easily
discernible from its shining surface. A certain percentage of impurities are inevitable in
sand; a maximum of 6 % of silt and 2 to 3 % of mica is usually allowed. Sand should also
be free from particles of shell. Coal residues are particularly harmful as they may have a
corrosive effect on reinforcement.

Steps in performing this test:

 Obtain a sample of the construction aggregates.

 Ensure the sample acquired has a mass of 450g (1lb).
 Add the fine aggregate to the 130mL (4.5oz) level in the bottle.
 Add sodium hydroxide solution to the 200mL (7oz) level.
 Cover the bottle with a cap. Shake vigorously.
 Allow the bottle to stand for 24 hours.
 Make the color comparison against the color standard.
References:

http://www.ele.com/Subcategory/organic-impurities-in-fine-br-aggregate

https://www.globalgilson.com/organic-impurities-test

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptXb2rFTSCs

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Construction_aggregate

https://www.humboldtmfg.com/organic-color-wheel-2.html

http://www.thecarycompany.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab3
3525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/2/-/2-oz-clear-boston-round-glass-bottle-black-poly-
cone-cap.jpg

https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/95_j9RDTeME/mqdefault.jpg

https://www.globalgilson.com/organic-impurities-test-bottle-with-lid

https://www.globalgilson.com/organic-impurities-astm-color-reference-chart

https://www.globalgilson.com/organic-impurities-sodium-hydroxide-pellets1-lb