ASTM D3209-93(2023)

Standard Test Method for Freeze/Thaw Resistance of Polymer Floor Polishes

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 This test method is used to determine the effect of freezing on floor polishes. It may be used to predict the stability of a floor polish when exposed to freezing.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the stability of polymer emulsion floor polishes when these are exposed to repeated cycles of freezing and thawing. Possible degradation of the emulsion is observed and possible reduction of initial gloss is measured.  
1.2 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.  
1.3 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Aug-2023
• ICS: 71.100.99 - Other products of the chemical industry
• ICS: 97.080 - Cleaning appliances
• Technical Committee: D21 - Polishes
• Drafting Committee: D21.03 - Chemical and Physical Testing

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D1455-87(2015) - Standard Test Method for 60° Specular Gloss of Emulsion Floor Polish
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM D1455-87(2008) - Standard Test Method for 60<span class='unicode'>&#x00B0;</span> Specular Gloss of Emulsion Floor Polish
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2008
• Refers: ASTM D1455-87(2002) - Standard Test Method for 60&#176 Specular Gloss of Emulsion Floor Polish
• Effective Date: 30-Jan-1987

Overview

ASTM D3209-93(2023), titled Standard Test Method for Freeze/Thaw Resistance of Polymer Floor Polishes, is a recognized international test method developed by ASTM. This standard outlines procedures to assess the stability of polymer emulsion floor polishes when subjected to repeated freeze/thaw cycles. The method is designated to reveal any degradation in the emulsion, as well as changes in polish gloss and appearance, under conditions simulating low-temperature storage and handling. This evaluation is crucial for manufacturers, suppliers, and users to ensure product performance and longevity in varying climates.

Key Topics

• Purpose: The test method is designed to determine the effect of freezing on polymer-based floor polishes, assisting in predicting product stability after exposure to low temperatures.
• Scope: Covers repeated freeze/thaw cycles to assess stability, inspect visual changes, and measure any reduction in initial gloss.
• Test Procedure:
  • Samples are placed in flint glass bottles and subjected to freezing cycles at specified temperatures.
  • After freezing, samples are thawed at controlled room temperatures, then inspected visually for separation, stratification, and coagulation.
  • Polish gloss is measured using a 60° gloss meter.
  • Turbidity is determined before and after freeze/thaw cycles.
• Reporting Results: Outcomes include the number of cycles passed, detailed observations about any physical changes, and gloss measurements.
• Interpretation: A polish passes a freeze/thaw cycle if there are no significant changes in appearance, gloss, or turbidity.

Applications

• Quality Control for Manufacturers: Ensures that polymer floor polishes exhibit adequate freeze/thaw stability, maintaining product quality during storage, shipping, and use in diverse climates.
• Product Development: Provides a benchmark for formulating new or improved floor polishes with enhanced resistance to cold weather conditions.
• Compliance and Specification: Assists manufacturers and buyers in specifying and verifying that products meet industry requirements for emulsion stability.
• Regulatory and International Trade: Supports global market access by complying with internationally accepted test methods, in line with WTO Technical Barriers to Trade principles.

Related Standards

• ASTM D1455 – Test Method for 60° Specular Gloss of Emulsion Floor Polish: Referenced for measuring the gloss of polishes before and after freeze/thaw cycles.
• Other Polymer Emulsion Testing Standards: For further characterization of floor care products, users may refer to related ASTM standards for emulsion stability, application performance, and durability.
• International Guidelines: Developed based on principles recognized by the World Trade Organization (WTO) for the development of standards, guides, and recommendations, ensuring global relevance and acceptance.

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Keywords: ASTM D3209, freeze/thaw resistance, polymer floor polishes, emulsion stability, gloss measurement, quality control, standard test method, floor polish durability, cold storage testing, international standards.

Standards Content (Sample)

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.
Designation: D3209 − 93 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Method for
Freeze/Thaw Resistance of Polymer Floor Polishes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3209; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4. Apparatus
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the stabil- 4.1 Freezer, adjusted to −7.8 °C to −6.7 °C (18 °F to 20 °F).
ity of polymer emulsion floor polishes when these are exposed 3
4.2 Flint Glass Bottles, three, 4 oz (125 mL) capacity.
to repeated cycles of freezing and thawing. Possible degrada-
4.3 Black Glass, standard, polished as described in Test
tion of the emulsion is observed and possible reduction of
Method D1455.
initial gloss is measured.
4.4 60° Gloss Meter.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.5 Polishes to be tested.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
5. Procedure
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5.1 Determine the turbidity of each polish, visually or by
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
any other suitable method.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5.2 Pour one coat of each polish to be tested on the black
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
glass. Allow to dry in a vertical position at room temperature.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Determine the initial gloss in accordance with Test Method
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
D1455.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.3 Place 100 mL of polish in each of three 125 mL (4 oz)
flint glass bottles. Place the filled bottles side by side,
2. Referenced Documents
horizontally, in the freezer on a rack, providing a minimum of
2.1 ASTM Standards:
25 mm (1 in.) between the bottles and the freezer walls with the
D1455 Test Method for 60° Specular Gloss of Emulsion
contact area between the bottles and the rack no greater than
Floor Polish
that required to support the bottles.
5.4 Allow the samples to remain in the freezer for 16 h, or
3. Significance and Use
a minimum of 8 h after becoming solid.
3.1 This test method is used to determine the effect of
5.5 Remove all the samples of frozen polish and allow to
freezing on floor polishes. It may be used to predict the
thaw, undisturbed, at 18 °C to 24 °C (65 °F to 76 °F) for a
stability of a floor polish when exposed to freezing.
period of 24 h.
1 3
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D21 on Polishes The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D21.03 on Chemical and Physical is Fisher Scientific, Catalog No. 02-883 BA. If you are aware of alternative
Testing. suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM International Headquarters.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2023. Published September 2023. Originally Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible
approved in 1973. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D3209 – 93 (2015). technical committee, which you
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