ASTM D2048-23

Standard Test Method for Powdering of Floor Polish Films

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This is a comparative test method. If this method does not indicate powdering, it is still possible that the product in actual use may powder. Reference polishes should be used for comparison.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a bench procedure for the determination of the degree of powdering of floor polishes under ambient conditions as well as conditions of low relative humidity.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 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: 30-Nov-2023
• ICS: 71.100.99 - Other products of the chemical industry
• ICS: 97.080 - Cleaning appliances
• Technical Committee: D21 - Polishes
• Drafting Committee: D21.04 - Performance Tests

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D2048-17 - Standard Test Method for Powdering of Floor Polish Films
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM D3153-23 - Standard Test Method for Recoatability of Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM D3153-17 - Standard Test Method for Recoatability of Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2017
• Referred By: ASTM D4078-02(2021) - Standard Specification for Water Emulsion Floor Polish
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D3440-13(2019) - Standard Guide for Preparing Specifications for Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023

Overview

ASTM D2048-23 - Standard Test Method for Powdering of Floor Polish Films provides a comparative bench procedure for determining the degree of powdering in floor polishes. Powdering refers to the partial or complete disintegration of a polish film, resulting in a fine, light-colored residue. This test method evaluates powdering under both ambient and low relative humidity conditions, allowing manufacturers, formulators, and quality assurance professionals to assess and compare the performance of different floor polish products.

The standard is crucial for those involved in formulating, manufacturing, or assessing the performance of floor polishes, especially where the appearance and durability of floor finishes are critical. The method is widely recognized in the floor care industry and referenced in product development, quality control, and regulatory compliance.

Key Topics

• Comparative Analysis: The method is designed to compare different floor polish films rather than to predict powdering in every real-use scenario.
• Test Conditions: Evaluations are performed at both normal (ambient) and low humidity conditions to simulate various field environments.
• Powdering Determination: The presence and degree of powdering is visually assessed by examining both the test substrate and the abrading felt for any white powder accumulation after exposure to controlled abrasion.
• Standardized Apparatus: Uses specified equipment such as a textile crockmeter with a weighted dowel, abrading felt, official vinyl composition tiles (OVCT), a glove box for humidity control, and related accessories to ensure repeatability.
• Procedure Consistency: Calls for strict sample preparation and testing protocols, including substrate cleaning, precise application of floor polish, controlled aging, and defined abrading cycles.
• Reporting: Results are classified into categories (none, slight, or excessive powdering) and the testing conditions are fully documented.

Applications

• Product Development: Helps manufacturers of floor polishes to benchmark new formulations against established products, verifying powdering resistance under varied environmental conditions.
• Quality Control: Used by quality assurance teams in production settings to monitor batch-to-batch consistency, ensuring that floor finishes meet durability expectations.
• Comparative Testing: Supports side-by-side evaluations of different polish products or competitor offerings, providing data-driven insights for purchasing or marketing.
• Regulatory Compliance: Meets internationally recognized standardization principles, facilitating export and acceptance in global markets.
• Performance Claims: Enables producers to substantiate performance claims related to powdering resistance, important for product labeling and customer satisfaction.

Related Standards

• ASTM D3153: Test Method for Recoatability of Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes - frequently referenced for sample preparation and cleanliness prior to powdering assessment.
• ISO and International Standards: ASTM D2048-23 aligns with globally recognized standardization approaches, supporting cross-border regulatory acceptance.
• Other Floor Polish Performance Standards: Often used in conjunction with tests for abrasion resistance, gloss, and durability to provide a comprehensive understanding of product performance.

Keywords: ASTM D2048-23, powdering, floor polish films, comparative test method, quality control, polish performance, powdering resistance, floor finishes, ambient conditions, low humidity testing, vinyl composition tile, abrading felt, standardization.

By following ASTM D2048-23, industry professionals ensure objective, consistent, and internationally respected evaluation of powdering in floor polish films, supporting better product quality and performance assurance.

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: D2048 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Powdering of Floor Polish Films
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2048; 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. Significance and Use
1.1 This test method covers a bench procedure for the 4.1 This is a comparative test method. If this method does
determination of the degree of powdering of floor polishes not indicate powdering, it is still possible that the product in
under ambient conditions as well as conditions of low relative actual use may powder. Reference polishes should be used for
humidity. comparison.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
5. Apparatus
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
5.1 Textile Crockmeter, weighted with a 2.2 lb (1 kg)
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
weight. The weight is placed directly over the abrasion dowel
and are not considered standard.
and attached with two-faced tape.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5.2 Abrading Felt—Green felt or billiard cloth cut into 2 in.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
by 2 in. (50 mm by 50 mm) squares.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
5.3 Substrate—Official Vinyl Composition Tile
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
(OVCT), cut into 6 in. by 6 in. squares, shall be used in this
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
test.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5.4 Volumetric Pipet, 0.07 oz (2 mL).
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.5 Cheesecloth Applicator, washed to remove sizing; cut
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
into 2 in. (50 mm) strips of four-ply cloth; folded twice.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.6 Relative Humidity and Temperature Indicator.
5.7 Glove Box—An enclosure that houses the crockmeter
2. Referenced Documents
keeping it in a constant humidity and temperature environment;
2.1 ASTM Standards:
features rubber glove inserts so that the tests may be run
D3153 Test Method for Recoatability of Water-Emulsion
keeping the environment of the crockmeter constant.
Floor Polishes
5.8 Desiccant—Silica gel or calcium chloride.
3. Terminology
5.9 Salts for Constant Humidity Conditions—LiCl·H O,
CaCl ·6H O, or Mg(NO ) ·6H O.
3.1 Definitions:
2 2 3 2 2
3.1.1 powdering, n—partial or total disintegration of the
NOTE 1—Saturated aqueous solutions of the following salts in contact
polish film resulting in a fine, light colored material.
with an excess of a definite solid phase of salt at the indicated
temperatures and in an enclosed space will maintain the required constant
humidities:
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D21 on Polishes LiCl·H O at 77 °F (25 °C) yields 11.1 % relative humidity.
and is the responsibility of Subcommittee D21.04 on Performance Tests.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2023. Published December 2023. Originally
approved in 1964. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as D2048 – 17. DOI: Apparatus available through SDL Atlas, LLC, Rock Hill, SC and TESTEX,
10.1520/D2048-23. Guangdong, China.
2 4
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or OVCT tile may be obtained through Armstrong Flooring from various home
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM improvement stores. The following Armstrong tile substrates have been found to
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on perform adequately for this test method: Armstrong Excelon Feature Tile: Black
the ASTM website. (56790).
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D2048 − 23
CaCl ·6H O at 50 °F (10 °C) yields 38.0 % relative humidity.
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D2048 − 17 D2048 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Powdering of Floor Polish Films
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2048; 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
1.1 This test method covers a bench procedure for the determination of the degree of powdering of floor polishes under ambient
conditions as well as conditions of low relative humidity.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 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 and healthsafety, health, and environmental practices and determine
the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D3153 Test Method for Recoatability of Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 powdering—powdering, n—partial or total disintegration of the polish film resulting in a fine, light colored material.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This is a comparative test method. If this method does not indicate powdering, it is still possible that the product in actual use
may powder.powder. Reference polishes should be used for comparison.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D21 on Polishes and is the responsibility of Subcommittee D21.04 on Performance Tests.
Current edition approved March 1, 2017Dec. 1, 2023. Published April 2017December 2023. Originally approved in 1964. Last previous edition approved in 20102017
as D2048 – 10.D2048 – 17. DOI: 10.1520/D2048-17.10.1520/D2048-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D2048 − 23
5. Apparatus
5.1 Textile Crockmeter, weighted weighted with a 2.2-lb (1-kg)2.2 lb (1 kg) weight. The weight is placed directly over the abrasion
dowel and attached with two-faced tape.
5.2 Abrading Felt—670 Kelly No. 720 billiard Green felt or billiard cloth cut into 2 by 2-in. (50 by 50-mm)2 in. by 2 in. (50 mm
by 50 mm) squares.
5.3 Substrate—Official Vinyl Composition Tile
(OVCT)(OVCT), cut into 6 in. by 6 in. squares, shall be used in this test.
5.4 Volumetric Pipet, 0.07-oz (2-mL).0.07 oz (2 mL).
5.5 Cheesecloth Applicator, washed to remove sizing; cut into 2-in. (50-mm)2 in. (50 mm) strips of four-ply cloth; folded twice.
5.6 Relative Humidity and Temperature Indicator.
5.7 Glove Box—An enclosure that houses the crockmeter keeping it in a constant humidity and temperature environment; features
rubber glove inserts so that the tests may be run keeping the environment of the crockmeter constant.
5.8 Desiccant—Silica gel or calcium chloride.
5.9 Salts for Constant Humidity Conditions—LiCl·H O, CaCl ·6H O, or Mg(NO ) ·6H O.
2 2 2 3 2 2
NOTE 1—Saturated aqueous solutions of the following salts in contact with an excess of a definite solid phase of salt at the indicated temperatures and
in an enclosed space will maintain the required constant humidities:
LiCl·H O at 77°F (25°C)77 °F (25 °C) yields 11.1 % relative humidity.
CaCl ·6H O at 50°F (10°C)50 °F (10 °C) yields 38.0 % relative humidity.
2 2
Mg(NO ) ·6H O at 75°F (23.9°C)75 °F (23.9 °C) yields 42.9 % relative humidity.
3 2 2
5.10 Fan, small, electric.
5.11 Metal Clip, to hold the abrading felt on the crockmeter surface during testing.
6. Preparation of Test Sample
6.1 Clean the tile surface in accordance with Test Method D3153, paragraph 9.1.2, to ensure removal of any coating present.
6.2 Pipet 0.07 oz (2 mL) of polish onto the center of the test panel. Place the cheesecloth into the polish and allow it to absorb
the emulsion. Distribute the emu
...