ASTM D962-81(2020)

Standard Specification for Aluminum Powder and Paste Pigments for Paints

ABSTRACT
This specification covers aluminum pigments in powder and paste forms for use in paints. The aluminum pigments are available in four types, as follows: Type I, leafing powder; Type II, leafing paste; Type III, nonleafing powder; and Type IV, nonleafing paste. Each type is grouped into three classes based on residue retained on a No. 325 sieve, as follows: Class A, fine; Class B, medium; and Class C, coarse. Materials shall be sampled, tested, and conform accordingly to composition of non-volatile matter, easily extracted fatty and oily matter (polishing lubricant), total impurities other than fatty and oily matter, coarse particles as total residue retained, and leafing ability.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers four types and three classes of aluminum pigments for use in paints.  
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 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-2020
• ICS: 77.120.10 - Aluminium and aluminium alloys
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.31 - Pigment Specifications

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D962-81(2014) - Standard Specification for Aluminum Powder and Paste Pigments for Paints
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020
• Refers: ASTM D480-88(2020) - Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing of Flaked Aluminum Powders and Pastes
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020
• Refers: ASTM D480-88(2014) - Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing of Flaked Aluminum Powders and Pastes
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2014
• Refers: ASTM E34-11 - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Aluminum and Aluminum-Base Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2011
• Refers: ASTM D480-88(2008) - Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing of Flaked Aluminum Powders and Pastes
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2008
• Refers: ASTM D480-88(2003) - Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing of Flaked Aluminum Powders and Pastes
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2003
• Refers: ASTM D480-88(1999) - Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing of Flaked Aluminum Powders and Pastes
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-1999
• Refers: ASTM E34-94(1998) - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Aluminum and Aluminum-Base Alloys
• Effective Date: 10-May-1998
• Refers: ASTM E34-94(2002) - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Aluminum and Aluminum-Base Alloys
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-1994
• Referred By: ASTM F683-23 - Standard Practice for Selection and Application of Thermal Insulation for Piping and Machinery
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020
• Referred By: ASTM D2824/D2824M-18 - Standard Specification for Aluminum-Pigmented Asphalt Roof Coatings, Nonfibered, and Fibered without Asbestos
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020

Overview

ASTM D962-81(2020) is the internationally recognized standard specification for aluminum powder and paste pigments used in paints. Developed by ASTM International, this standard outlines detailed requirements for four types of aluminum pigments, categorized by their form (powder or paste) and behavior in paint (leafing or nonleafing). It ensures that aluminum pigments meet strict criteria for composition, particle size distribution, purity, and performance, supporting high-quality and consistent finishes in both industrial and decorative paint applications.

Key Topics

• Types and Classifications

  • Type I: Leafing aluminum pigment powder
  • Type II: Leafing aluminum pigment paste
  • Type III: Nonleafing aluminum pigment powder
  • Type IV: Nonleafing aluminum pigment paste
    Each type is further divided into Class A (fine), Class B (medium), and Class C (coarse), based on the percentage of particles retained on a No. 325 (45-micron) sieve.

• Material Requirements

  • Pigments must consist of commercially pure aluminum flakes with a suitable fatty lubricant.
  • No filler or extender pigments are allowed in these products.
  • Purity requirements set strict maximum levels for non-volatile matter, impurities, and coarse particles, ensuring high-quality pigment composition.

• Performance and Testing

  • Paints produced using these pigments must result in a smooth, lustrous, and continuous coating, comparable to a reference sample.
  • Conformance is verified through specific test methods and sampling procedures, mainly outlined in ASTM D480.
  • Shelf life is also a consideration; unopened pigments should meet all criteria six months after shipment if stored properly.

Applications

Aluminum powder and paste pigments standardized under ASTM D962-81(2020) are vital for numerous coatings and finishing applications, including:

• Architectural paints
  Enhance visual appeal and provide reflective metallic finishes for building exteriors and interiors.
• Automotive coatings
  Deliver brilliant metallic effects and improved durability for vehicles.
• Protective industrial coatings
  Offer corrosion resistance and enhanced reflectivity for structures, bridges, and machinery.
• Decorative paints
  Used in consumer goods, furniture, and metal artwork for a premium metallic sheen.

The distinction between leafing and nonleafing pigments allows paint manufacturers to achieve specific surface effects-leafing pigments tend to float to the paint surface, producing a brighter, more reflective finish, while nonleafing pigments distribute more uniformly for a subtler metallic look.

Related Standards

Several other ASTM and international standards complement ASTM D962-81(2020) by providing guidance on testing, analysis, and application of aluminum pigments in coatings:

• ASTM D480: Test Methods for Sampling and Testing of Flaked Aluminum Powders and Pastes
• ASTM E34: Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Aluminum and Aluminum-Base Alloys (Withdrawn 2017)
• ISO paint and pigment standards: Provide additional global alignment for pigment performance and safety.

These references ensure best practices are maintained in quality assurance, product development, and compliance with regulations such as those from the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Keywords: ASTM D962, aluminum powder pigment, aluminum paste pigment, leafing pigment, nonleafing pigment, metallic paint, pigment standard, flake aluminum paint, industrial coatings

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:D962 −81 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Specification for
Aluminum Powder and Paste Pigments for Paints
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D962; 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 3.2.2 Class B, Medium—Maximum of 1.0 % retained on a
No. 325 (45-µm) sieve.
1.1 This specification covers four types and three classes of
3.2.3 Class C, Coarse—Maximum of 15 % retained on a
aluminum pigments for use in paints.
No. 325 (45-µm) sieve.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
3.3 Type III—Nonleafing Aluminum Pigment Powder
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
(Note):
standard.
3.3.1 Class A, Fine—Maximum of 1.5 % retained on a No.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
325 (45-µm) sieve.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.3.2 Class B, Medium—Maximum of 6.0 % retained on a
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
No. 325 (45-µm) sieve.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.3.3 Class C, Coarse—Maximum of 20 % retained on a
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
No. 325 (45-µm) sieve.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.4 Type IV—Nonleafing Aluminum Pigment Paste(Note1):
3.4.1 Class A, Fine—Maximum of 0.1 % retained on a No.
2. Referenced Documents
325 (45-µm) sieve.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.4.2 Class B, Medium—Maximum of 1.0 % retained on a
D480 Test Methods for Sampling and Testing of Flaked
No. 325 (45-µm) sieve.
Aluminum Powders and Pastes
3.4.3 Class C, Coarse—Maximum of 11.0 % retained on a
E34 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Aluminum and
3 No. 325 (45-µm) sieve.
Aluminum-Base Alloys (Withdrawn 2017)
NOTE 1—The particle size characteristics of the Type 3 and Type 4
3. Classification pigments of the same class do not correspond with each other; in the case
of Types 1 and 2 they do.
3.1 Type I—Leafing Aluminum Pigment Powder:
3.1.1 Class A, Fine—Maximum of 0.1 % retained on a No.
4. Composition and Properties
325 (45-µm) sieve.
4.1 Aluminum Pigment Powder (Type 1, Leafing and Type 3,
3.1.2 Class B, Medium—Maximum of 1.5 % retained on a
Nonleafing)—The aluminum pigment powder shall consist of
No. 325 (45-µm) sieve.
commercially pure aluminum in the form of fine, polished
3.1.3 Class C, Coarse—Maximum of 20 % retained on a
flakes, and a suitable fatty lubricant. It shall contain no filler or
No. 325 (45-µm) sieve.
extender pigments.
3.2 Type II—Leafing Aluminum Pigment Paste:
4.2 Aluminum Pigment Paste (Type 2, Leafing and Type 4,
3.2.1 Class A, Fine—Maximum of 0.1 % retained on a No.
Nonleafing)—The aluminum pigment paste shall consist of
325 (45-µm) sieve.
commercially pure aluminum in the form of fine, polished
flakes, and a suitable fatty lubricant combined with a volatile
thinner. It shall contain no filler or extender pigments.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint
and Related Coatings, Materials, andApplications and is the direct responsibility of
4.3 The aluminum pigments, powder, and paste of both
Subcommittee D01.31 on Pigment Specifications.
leafing and nonleafing types shall conform to the requirements
Current edition approved June 1, 2020. Published June 2020. Originally
approved in 1948. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D962 – 81 (2014).
given in Table 1.
DOI: 10.15
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