Standard Specification for
Manifold Papers for Permanent Records1

This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3208; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope

1.1 This specification covers manifold papers used in preparing typewritten copies of permanent or semipermanent
records and documents. The original, or ribbon, copy usually
leaves the organization in which it originated, so the carbon
copy becomes the copy of record.

1.2 It has been shown (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)2 that permanence is at
least an approximate function of the pH of an aqueous extract
of the paper with correlation coefficients ranging from approximately 0.7 to 0.9 (4). Three pH levels, reflecting three levels of
permanence, are specified. Extract pH as an indicator of life

expectancy is not valid if a paper has been treated with an
alkaline surface size or if an alkaline coating has been applied.

1.3 The following would be expected to contribute significantly to the life expectancy of manifold papers: the use of
papers with controlled acidity, or of papers manufactured under
neutral or alkaline conditions, especially papers with a calcium
carbonate filler that absorbs acidic gases from the atmosphere
and can neutralize acidic materials formed in the aging of
paper.

1.4 This specification is based on fiber sources used in the
production of paper that contains no more than 1 % lignin, for
papers used in archives, libraries, and other permanent records.
However, under proper conditions, (see X1.5), paper containing more than 1 % lignin may be employed for many other end
uses in paper for records that are required to have a substantial
life expectancy.

1.5 As indicated in Appendices X1.4 and X1.5, this specification may be used as a guide.

2. Referenced Documents

2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 585 Practice for Sampling and Accepting a Single Lot of
Paper, Paperboard, Fiberboard, or Related Products3
D 644 Test Method for Moisture Content of Paper and
Paperboard by Oven Drying3
D 646 Test Method for Grammage of Paper and Paperboard

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