7. Specimen Preparation
7.1 Initial Conditioning
Place the test sample in the standard environment of (23 ± 2) ℃ and (50 ± 2) % RH for at least 16 hours.
7.2 Cutting and Surface Preparation
Take the conditioned sample. Using a sharp die or cutting knife, cut five sufficiently large specimens longitudinally from the test sole. If the sole has tread on either face, level it with the cutting knife and then grind both faces flat on the grinding machine to the type-specified thickness, (2.3 ± 1.0) mm.
After cutting and grinding, place the specimens back in the (23 ± 2) ℃ / (50 ± 2) % RH environment for at least 1 hour before testing.
7.3 Specimen Identification
Mark each specimen with a unique identifier corresponding to the sample batch and orientation. Note any visible inclusions or defects.
7.4 Thickness Measurement
Measure the thickness of each specimen at three points along the test region. Record to 0.01 mm. The arithmetic mean is the specimen thickness used in the tear-strength calculation.