ASTM D4451-22

Standard Test Method for Pigment Content of Paints by Low-Temperature Ashing

SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the pigment content of paints and several traffic marking materials (thermoplastic and preformed tape) by low-temperature furnace ashing. Some organic pigments may be lost by this method and some water or moisture contained in pigments will be lost.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this 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: 31-May-2022
• ICS: 87.060.10 - Pigments and extenders
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.21 - Chemical Analysis of Paints and Paint Materials

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D3723-05(2011) - Standard Test Method for Pigment Content of Water-Emulsion Paints by Low-Temperature Ashing
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM D3723-05 - Standard Test Method for Pigment Content of Water-Emulsion Paints by Low-Temperature Ashing
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2005
• Refers: ASTM D3723-05e1 - Standard Test Method for Pigment Content of Water-Emulsion Paints by Low-Temperature Ashing
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2005
• Refers: ASTM D3723-84(1999) - Standard Test Method for Pigment Content of Water-Emulsion Paints by Low-Temperature Ashing
• Effective Date: 10-May-1999

Overview

ASTM D4451-22: Standard Test Method for Pigment Content of Paints by Low-Temperature Ashing is a key international standard developed by ASTM International. This method outlines a reliable procedure for determining the pigment content in paints and various traffic marking materials, such as thermoplastic road markings and preformed marking tapes, using a low-temperature ashing process in a furnace. It is widely used by paint manufacturers, quality control laboratories, and regulatory bodies to ensure consistency, accuracy, and quality in coating materials.

Key Topics

• Scope of Application:
  The test method applies to a broad array of paints and traffic marking materials, including thermoplastic products and preformed tapes. It is particularly suited for samples where accurate pigment measurement is critical.

• Test Process:

  • Samples are first dried and then ignited in a muffle furnace at a controlled temperature (450°C) to remove volatile components, leaving behind inorganic pigment residue.
  • The residue is weighed, and the pigment content is calculated as a percentage of the original sample.
  • Specific guidance is provided for preparing various sample types, ensuring reliable and reproducible results.

• Safety and Regulation:
  This standard emphasizes that users must implement appropriate health, safety, and environmental practices while conducting the test. It does not address all safety aspects, and regulatory compliance is the user's responsibility.

• Measurement Units:
  All results are reported strictly in SI units, establishing a clear and harmonized measurement basis for international and domestic applications.

Applications

ASTM D4451-22 supports a wide range of practical uses in the paint and coatings industry:

• Quality Assurance:
  Verifying pigment levels in finished products ensures compliance with product specifications and legal requirements.

• Product Development:
  Used during research and formulation to balance pigment load and performance, optimizing color, durability, and cost.

• Regulatory Compliance:
  Essential for demonstrating adherence to regulatory standards set by governmental or industry bodies for paints and marking materials.

• Traffic Markings & Road Safety:
  Applied to assess pigment content in thermoplastic road markings and preformed tapes, contributing to visibility and longevity in road safety applications.

• Inter-Laboratory Validation:
  The method supports inter-laboratory studies for consistency checks, supporting supply chain and multi-site manufacturing operations.

Related Standards

The following ASTM standards are often referenced together with ASTM D4451-22 for comprehensive testing and analysis of paints and coating materials:

• ASTM D3723 - Test Method for Pigment Content of Water-Emulsion Paints by Low-Temperature Ashing
  (Directly referenced for waterborne paints.)

• ASTM E180 - Practice for Determining the Precision of ASTM Methods for Analysis and Testing of Industrial and Specialty Chemicals
  (Provides statistical tools for assessing method repeatability and reproducibility.)

Summary

ASTM D4451-22 delivers a robust, standardized approach for measuring pigment content in paints and marking materials using low-temperature ashing. By adhering to this method, manufacturers and testing laboratories can ensure high-quality products, regulatory compliance, and consistent results across the industry. This test method is an essential resource for analytical laboratories, paint manufacturers, and quality assurance professionals involved in coatings technology.

Keywords: ASTM D4451-22, pigment content, paint testing, low-temperature ashing, traffic marking materials, muffle furnace, quality control, paint standard, ASTM International.

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: D4451 − 22
Standard Test Method for
Pigment Content of Paints by Low-Temperature Ashing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4451; 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 and specimen are transferred to a muffle furnace and heated at
450 °C. The dish and specimen are reweighed and the pigment
1.1 This test method covers the pigment content of paints
(ash) content calculated.
and several traffic marking materials (thermoplastic and pre-
formedtape)bylow-temperaturefurnaceashing.Someorganic
4. Apparatus
pigments may be lost by this method and some water or
4.1 Muffle Furnace, maintained at 450 °C 6 25 °C.
moisture contained in pigments will be lost.
4.2 Circulating Oven, maintained at 105 °C 6 2 °C.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
4.3 Porcelain Dishes, 90 mm diameter.
standard.
4.4 Plastic Disposable Syringe, 10 mL capacity.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.5 Burner, Meker type.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
5. Reagents
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
5.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
all reagents shall conform to the specifications of the Commit-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
tee onAnalytical Reagents of theAmerican Chemical Society,
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
where such specifications are available.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.2 Toluene.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
6. Procedure
2. Referenced Documents
6.1 Liquid-Paint:
2.1 ASTM Standards:
6.1.1 Mix the sample until homogeneous, preferably on a
D3723 Test Method for Pigment Content of Water-Emulsion
mechanical shaker. If air bubbles become entrapped in the
Paints by Low-Temperature Ashing
paint, stir it by hand.
E180 Practice for Determining the Precision of ASTM
6.1.2 Draw slightly more than 10 g of the paint under test
Methods for Analysis and Testing of Industrial and Spe-
into a 10 mL syringe and weigh to 0.1 mg. Weigh a porcelain
cialty Chemicals (Withdrawn 2009)
dish with a paper clip for use as a stirrer, and record the mass.
Transfer about 5 mLof toluene to the dish.Add 10 g of the test
3. Summary of Test Method
material into the toluene. Reweigh the syringe to 0.1 mg and
3.1 The specimen is transferred to a tared porcelain dish,
calculate the specimen weight. Mix well using the paper clip.
dried (if necessary) at 105 °C, and heated on a burner.The dish
Place the dish in the oven at 105 °C for 30 min.
6.1.3 Remove and heat at the lowest temperature possible
1 over a Meker burner in a fume hood until the material ignites.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint
and Related Coatings, Materials, andApplications and is the direct responsibility of Do not leave the dish on the burner after the flame has
Subcommittee D01.21 on Chemical Analysis of Paints and Paint Materials.
subsided. Transfer to the muffle furnace and proceed as in 6.4.
Current edition approved June 1, 2022. Published June 2022. Originally
approved in 1985. Last previous edition approved in 2021 as D4451 – 02 (2021).
DOI: 10.1520/D4451-22.
2 4
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or ACS Reagent Chemicals, Specifications and Procedures for Reagents and
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standard-Grade Reference Materials, American Chemical Society, Washington,
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on DC. For suggestions on the testing of reagents not listed by theAmerican Chemical
the ASTM website. Society, see Analar Standards for Laboratory Chemicals, BDH Ltd., Poole, Dorset,
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on U.K., and the United States Pharmacopeia and National Formulary, U.S. Pharma-
www.astm.org. copeial Convention, Inc. (USPC), Rockville, MD.
Copyright
...

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: D4451 − 02 (Reapproved 2021) D4451 − 22
Standard Test Method for
Pigment Content of Paints by Low-Temperature Ashing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4451; 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 the pigment content of paints and several traffic marking materials (thermoplastic and preformed tape)
by low-temperature furnace ashing. Some organic pigments may be lost by this method and some water or moisture contained in
pigments will be lost.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D3723 Test Method for Pigment Content of Water-Emulsion Paints by Low-Temperature Ashing
E180 Practice for Determining the Precision of ASTM Methods for Analysis and Testing of Industrial and Specialty Chemicals
(Withdrawn 2009)
3. Summary of Test Method
3.1 The specimen is transferred to a tared porcelain dish, dried (if necessary) at 105°C,105 °C, and heated on a burner. The dish
and specimen are transferred to a muffle furnace and heated at 450°C.450 °C. The dish and specimen are reweighed and the
pigment (ash) content calculated.
4. Apparatus
4.1 Muffle Furnace, maintained at 450°C450 °C 6 25°C.25 °C.
4.2 Circulating Oven, maintained at 105°C105 °C 6 2°C.2 °C.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.21 on Chemical Analysis of Paints and Paint Materials.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2021June 1, 2022. Published February 2021June 2022. Originally approved in 1985. Last previous edition approved in 20142021 as
D4451 – 02 (2014).(2021). DOI: 10.1520/D4451-02R21.10.1520/D4451-22.
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.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4451 − 22
4.3 Porcelain Dishes, 90-mm90 mm diameter.
4.4 Plastic Disposable Syringe, 10-mL10 mL capacity.
4.5 Burner, mekerMeker type.
5. Reagents
5.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that all
reagents shall conform to the specifications of the Committee on Analytical Reagents of the American Chemical Society, where
such specifications are available.
5.2 Toluene.
6. Procedure
6.1 Liquid-Paint:
6.1.1 Mix the sample until homogeneous, preferably on a mechanical shaker. If air bubbles become entrapped in the paint, stir it
by hand.
6.1.2 Draw slightly more than 10 g of the paint under test into a 10-mL10 mL syringe and weigh to 0.1 mg. Transfer about 5 mL
toluene to Weigh a porcelain dish tared with a paper clip for use as a stirrer. Add 10 g of the stirrer, and record the mass. Transfer
about 5 mL of toluene to the dish. Add 10 g of the test material into the toluene. Reweigh the syringe to 0.1 mg 0.1 mg and calculate
the specimen weight. Mix well on a magnetic stirrer.using the paper clip. Place the dish in the oven at 105°C105 °C for 30
min.30 min.
6.1.3 Remove and heat at the lowest temperature possible over a mekerMeker burner in a fume hood. hood until the material
ignites. Do not leave the dish on the burner after the flame has subsided. Transfer to the muffle furnace and proceed as in 6.4.
6.2 Preformed Traffıc Marking Tape—Cut about a 10-g10 g square of the product. Remove the adhesive by pulling it off or by
using an appropriate solvent. Save the beads that are knocked off by this process and weigh with the tape. Dry the sp
...