ASTM D5145-09(2021)

Standard Test Methods for Nonvolatile and Pigment Content of Electrocoat Baths

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The nonvolatile content and pigment content are measures of total solids and inorganic pigment solids, respectively, in electrocoat paints. In addition to production quality control, these properties are important in maintaining electrocoat baths in the optimum range.  
4.2 Other test methods for determining nonvolatile content of paint and paint related materials are described in Guide D2832.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the characterization of electrocoat baths through the determination of nonvolatile content of inorganic pigment content.  
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-Jan-2021
• ICS: 87.040 - Paints and varnishes
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.21 - Chemical Analysis of Paints and Paint Materials

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D2832-92(2016) - Standard Guide for Determining Volatile and Nonvolatile Content of Paint and Related Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Refers: ASTM D2832-92(2011) - Standard Guide for Determining Volatile and Nonvolatile Content of Paint and Related Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM D1193-06 - Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2006
• Refers: ASTM D2832-92(2005) - Standard Guide for Determining Volatile and Nonvolatile Content of Paint and Related Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2005
• Refers: ASTM D2832-92(1999) - Standard Guide for Determining Volatile and Nonvolatile Content of Paint and Related Coatings
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-1999
• Refers: ASTM D1193-99e1 - Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-1999
• Refers: ASTM D1193-99 - Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-1999

Overview

ASTM D5145-09(2021), Standard Test Methods for Nonvolatile and Pigment Content of Electrocoat Baths, is a key ASTM standard for industries using electrocoating (e-coat) processes. This document provides standardized test methods to determine the nonvolatile content (total solids) and inorganic pigment content in electrocoat baths. Ensuring optimal composition of these baths is essential for production quality control and for maintaining the effective operation of electrocoating systems.

Electrocoat paints are widely used in the automotive, appliance, and general metal finishing industries. Maintaining the correct nonvolatile and pigment content within the electrocoat bath maximizes coating efficiency and product consistency, making these test methods crucial for quality assurance.

Key Topics

• Nonvolatile Content Determination

  • Definition: Nonvolatile content measures the total solids present in the electrocoat bath, excluding volatile components.
  • Significance: Indicates the usable portion of the bath and helps maintain production consistency.
  • Test Method: Involves accurately weighing bath samples, heating them, and measuring the residue to calculate nonvolatile solids.

• Pigment Content Determination

  • Definition: Inorganic pigment content measures the proportion of inorganic solids that provide opacity, color, and certain functional properties to the coating.
  • Importance: Essential for performance attributes of the finished coating, such as UV stability and corrosion protection.
  • Test Method: Requires subsequent heating of samples in a muffle furnace to isolate pigment residue for weighing.

• Sampling and Homogenization

  • Proper and uniform sampling procedures are emphasized to ensure test accuracy. Electrocoat bath samples must be well-mixed, free of settled solids, and represent the actual bath composition.
  • Precaution: Maintaining sample homogeneity is particularly important if there is any time lapse between sampling and testing.

• Safety, Health, and Environmental Considerations

  • Users must establish appropriate safeguards, as the standard does not address all potential risks.

Applications

ASTM D5145-09(2021) is widely used in:

• Quality Control: Regular testing of electrocoat baths assures that the nonvolatile and pigment content remain within optimal ranges, reducing defects and rework.
• Process Optimization: Helps manufacturers fine-tune bath compositions for maximum coating efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Research and Development: Supports development of new electrocoat formulations and process improvements.
• Regulatory Compliance: Assists in demonstrating adherence to international quality and environmental standards governing surface coatings.

This standard is applicable in laboratories and production environments involved with:

• Automotive body and component finishing
• Appliance manufacturing
• Metal furniture and equipment manufacturing
• Industrial coatings application

Related Standards

• ASTM D2832: Guide for Determining Volatile and Nonvolatile Content of Paint and Related Coatings - offers alternative methods for measuring nonvolatile matter in paints.
• ASTM D1193: Specification for Reagent Water - referenced for water purity requirements in test procedures.
• ASTM E180: Practice for Determining the Precision of ASTM Methods for Analysis and Testing of Industrial and Specialty Chemicals.

Summary

ASTM D5145-09(2021) establishes robust, internationally recognized test methods for verifying the nonvolatile and pigment content of electrocoat baths. By adhering to these procedures, organizations maintain product quality, ensure process stability, and support compliance with global standards in electrocoating operations. This standard is an essential tool for any facility involved in the formulation, application, or oversight of electrocoating processes, helping to deliver high-quality, consistent coated products.

Keywords: ASTM D5145, electrocoat bath, nonvolatile content, pigment content, quality control, industrial coatings, test methods, process optimization.

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: D5145 − 09 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Test Methods for
Nonvolatile and Pigment Content of Electrocoat Baths
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5145; 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 h, reweighed to obtain the nonvolatile matter content and, if
required, placed in a muffle furnace at 500°C for2hand
1.1 These test methods cover the characterization of elec-
weighed a third time to obtain the inorganic pigment content.
trocoat baths through the determination of nonvolatile content
of inorganic pigment content.
4. Significance and Use
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
4.1 The nonvolatile content and pigment content are mea-
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
sures of total solids and inorganic pigment solids, respectively,
standard.
in electrocoat paints. In addition to production quality control,
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
these properties are important in maintaining electrocoat baths
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
in the optimum range.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.2 Other test methods for determining nonvolatile content
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
of paint and paint related materials are described in Guide
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
D2832.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5. Apparatus
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.1 Analytical Balance with a sensitivity of 0.1 mg.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.2 Aluminum Weighing Dishes, 57 mm in diameter and 17
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
mm deep. These commercial dishes may contain a lubricant
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
used during their manufacture. This should be removed by
2. Referenced Documents heating the aluminum dishes on a hot plate at 300°C until
vapors are no longer visible. Store the dishes in a desiccator
2.1 ASTM Standards:
until needed.
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
D2832 GuideforDeterminingVolatileandNonvolatileCon-
5.3 Syringes, 5-mL, disposable variety.
tent of Paint and Related Coatings
5.4 Oven circulating, maintained at 110 6 2°C.
E180 Practice for Determining the Precision of ASTM
5.5 Muffle Furnace, maintained at 500 6 15°C.
Methods for Analysis and Testing of Industrial and Spe-
cialty Chemicals (Withdrawn 2009)
6. Reagents
3. Summary of Test Method 6.1 Purity of Water—References to water shall be under-
stood to mean water conforming to Type II of Specification
3.1 Two specimens are accurately weighed into aluminum
D1193.
weighing dishes.The dishes are placed in an oven at 110°C for
7. Sampling and Sample Preparation
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on
7.1 Obtain the sample while the electrocoat bath is under
Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and are the direct
proper circulation so a uniform sample is obtained. In the case
responsibility of Subcommittee D01.21 on Chemical Analysis of Paints and Paint
of a ultrafiltrate sample, the material should be thoroughly
Materials.
mixed or stirred prior to drawing the sample, thereby ensuring
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2021. Published February 2021. Originally
approved in 1990. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D5145 – 09 (2014).
uniformity.
DOI: 10.1520/D5145-09R21.
7.2 Aftersampling,priortoremovingthetestspecimen,itis
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
mandatory the sample be shaken or stirred until it is homoge-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
neous and free of any settled material. This is particularly
the ASTM website.
important if there is a delay between sampling the bath and
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
www.astm.org. performing this test procedure. The absence of settled material
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5145 − 09 (2021)
should be ascertained visually or by inserting a spatula and laboratories, should be considered suspect if they differ by
scraping the bottom of the container. Continue to shake or stir more than 6.7 % relative.
the sample until specimens are taken for measurement. This
10.2 Bias cannot be determined because there are no ac-
Point is Very Important.
cepted standards for nonvolatile content of electrocoat baths.
NONVOLATILE CONTENT
INORGANIC PIGMENT CONTENT
8. Procedure
11. Procedure
8.1 Weigh two aluminum dishes separately, each to 0.1 mg
11.1 Place the weighing dishes used for the nonvolatile
and record as W .
content determination in the muffle furnace at 500°C for 2 h.
8.2 Using a syringe, withdraw 1.0 to 1.5 mL
...