ISO 5946:2022

Overview

ISO 5946:2022 sets out general specifications and test methods for bamboo-based activated carbon (BAC). It establishes classification, sensory and physical‑chemical requirements, sampling and laboratory test methods, marking, packaging, transport and storage guidance. The standard supports consistent production, quality control and international trade of bamboo activated carbon products.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and classification
  • Applies to bamboo-based activated carbon (BAC) including powdered (PBAC ≤ 1.0 mm), granular (GBAC > 1.0 mm) and formed (FBAC) products (cylinders, beads, cellular, etc.).
• Sensory inspection
  • Product shall appear black with no peculiar smell, contaminant or foreign matter.
• Physical and chemical limits (Table of requirements)
  • Moisture content: ≤ 10.0%
  • Ash content: ≤ 15.0%
  • Fixed carbon: ≥ 70.0%
  • Apparent density (GBAC): ≥ 250.0 g/cm3
  • Abrasion value: ≥ 80.0% (ball‑pan hardness type test)
  • Iodine number: ≥ 500 mg/g
• Sampling
  • Follow ISO 18135; analytical sample randomly selected from a batch with minimum mass 2.0 kg.
• Test methods
  • References and methods include ISO 18134-3 (moisture), ISO 18122 (ash), ISO 21626-1 (fixed carbon), ISO 1953 (size analysis), plus Annex A (abrasion/ball‑pan method) and Annex B (iodine number method).
  • Apparent density: oven‑dry at (105 ± 2) °C for 3 h; fill a calibrated receiver (commonly 100 cm3); repeat three times and average.
• Marking & labelling
  • Manufacturer name/address, reference to ISO 5946, production date and batch ID, net mass and grade; usage instructions and precautions required.
• Packaging, transport & storage
  • Handle to avoid damage/moisture; store in a cool, dry, ventilated place; avoid sunlight and ignition sources.

Applications and who uses this standard

ISO 5946:2022 is directly useful for:

• Manufacturers and processors of bamboo activated carbon - to design production and QC limits.
• Testing and QA laboratories - for standardized sampling and test procedures.
• Buyers, spec writers and procurement teams - to specify product acceptance criteria for water treatment, air purification, solvent recovery, beverage and food processing, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and environmental remediation.
• Regulators and trade bodies - for conformity assessment and supporting international trade.

Related standards

• ISO 18122 (ash content)
• ISO 18134‑3 (moisture content)
• ISO 18135 (sampling)
• ISO 1953 (size analysis by sieving)
• ISO 21625, ISO 21626‑1 (bamboo terminology and charcoal)
• Annex A (abrasion) and Annex B (iodine number) provide normative test procedures within ISO 5946.

Keywords: ISO 5946, bamboo-based activated carbon, bamboo activated carbon, BAC, GBAC, PBAC, FBAC, iodine number, abrasion value, moisture content, ash content, fixed carbon, apparent density, test methods.