ASTM D280-01(2023)

Standard Test Methods for Hygroscopic Moisture (and Other Matter Volatile Under the Test Conditions) in Pigments

ABSTRACT
These test methods establish the standard procedures for determining the hygroscopic moisture (and other matter volatile under the test conditions) in pigments. Method A shall be performed on pigments that do not decompose at a specified temperature. This method shall require the use of a wide-mouth cylindrical glass weighing bottle, an oven, and an analytical balance. Method B, on the other hand, shall be used for pigments that decompose at the same specified temperature. This method shall also need a wide-mouth cylindrical glass weighing bottle, an open-tube manometer, a glass desiccator, an oil vacuum pump, and an analytical balance.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover procedures for determining hygroscopic moisture (and other matter volatile under the test conditions) in pigments.  
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-2023
• ICS: 87.060.10 - Pigments and extenders
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.31 - Pigment Specifications

Overview

ASTM D280-01(2023), "Standard Test Methods for Hygroscopic Moisture (and Other Matter Volatile Under the Test Conditions) in Pigments," provides standardized procedures for determining the amount of moisture and other volatile substances present in pigment materials. Published by ASTM International, this standard is essential for organizations involved in the manufacture, quality control, and application of pigments, ensuring consistency and reliability in testing across the industry.

These methods facilitate precise measurement of hygroscopic moisture, which can significantly impact pigment performance in coatings, plastics, and other material applications. The standard outlines two specific methods-Method A and Method B-depending on the thermal stability of the pigment being tested.

Key Topics

• Scope: Procedures for quantifying hygroscopic moisture and volatile matter in pigments under controlled conditions.
• Method A: Designed for pigments that do not decompose when heated to 110°C. The method employs a wide-mouth glass weighing bottle, an oven, and an analytical balance.
• Method B: Used for pigments that may decompose at elevated temperatures. This method utilizes a vacuum desiccator system, open-tube manometer, oil vacuum pump, and analytical balance.
• Precision and Accuracy: Both methods ensure that loss in mass reflects actual volatile content under specified test conditions.

Applications

Implementation of ASTM D280 is vital in numerous industries and settings:

• Quality Control: Used by pigment manufacturers and suppliers to certify that raw pigment materials meet specified moisture content standards.
• Paints and Coatings: Ensures pigment quality and stability, reducing risk of clumping, degradation, or adverse reactions in end products.
• Plastic and Polymer Compounding: Assists in verifying raw pigment suitability for thermoplastic and thermoset applications, optimizing processing and performance.
• Regulatory Compliance: Provides a reliable basis for meeting industry and international trade requirements regarding pigment composition.
• Research and Development: Facilitates rigorous material characterization for the development and comparison of new pigment formulations.

Related Standards

• ASTM D01: The main committee responsible for paint and related coatings, materials, and applications.
• ASTM E203: Test Method for Water Using Volumetric Karl Fischer Titration, relevant for moisture analysis in chemicals.
• ISO 787-2: General methods of testing pigments and extenders - Part 2: Determination of matter volatile at 105°C.
• ISO/IEC 17025: General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, applicable to those using ASTM D280.

Practical Value

Adopting ASTM D280 reduces ambiguity in measuring moisture and volatile matter, improves product consistency, and facilitates communication between producers and clients. By relying on universally accepted test methods, organizations streamline laboratory operations and enable transparent reporting of pigment quality. This standard underpins trust and competitiveness in global pigment and coatings markets, making it an essential reference document for quality assurance and regulatory compliance.

Keywords

hygroscopic moisture, pigment testing, volatile matter, ASTM D280, paint pigments, quality control, pigment standards, laboratory procedures, pigment moisture determination

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: D280 − 01 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Methods for
Hygroscopic Moisture (and Other Matter Volatile Under the
Test Conditions) in Pigments
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D280; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope from 3 g to 5 g of the pigment in the clean, dry weighing bottle
or in the clean, dry aluminum moisture dish. Insert the stopper
1.1 These test methods cover procedures for determining
(or cover) and weigh to 0.1 mg. Subtract the weight of the
hygroscopic moisture (and other matter volatile under the test
vessel from the total weight to obtain the weight of sample
conditions) in pigments.
used in the test. Remove the stopper (or cover) and place it and
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
the bottle (or dish) containing the specimen in an oven that has
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
been previously heated to 110 °C 6 2 °C, heat for 2 h at a
standard.
temperature of 105 °C to 110 °C. Replace the stopper (or
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
cover), cool in a desiccator, and weigh. Calculate the total loss
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
in weight as percent of moisture and other volatile matter.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
METHOD B—FOR PIGMENTS THAT DECOMPOSE
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
AT 110 °C
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
4. Apparatus
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.1 Weighing Bottle, glass, as described in 2.1.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.2 Open-Tube Manometer made of glass tubing 6 mm in
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
diameter, filled with mercury to approximately 860 mm, fitted
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
with rubber pressure tubing attached to a T-joint leading to the
desiccator and the pump. A suitable low-pressure gauge may be
METHOD A—FOR PIGMENTS THAT DO NOT
used in place of the manometer.
DECOMPOSE AT 110 °C
NOTE 1—The difference in levels of the mercury in the manometer
2. Apparatus
when the system is in operation, subtracted from the barometer reading
2.1 Weighing Bottle, wide-mouth, cylindrical, glass (flat
taken at the same time, gives the pressure of the system in millimetres of
form, about 30 mm in height and about 70 mm in diameter), mercury.
provided with a ground-in glass stopper. Or, an aluminum
4.3 Desiccator, glass, having a hole at the side or in the
moisture dish (about 90 mm in diameter and about 50 mm in
cover, constructed with heavy walls to withstand a vacuum of
depth) with a tightly fitting cover.
one atmosphere. The hole at the side shall be closed with a
2.2 Oven in which a temperature of from 110 °C 6 2 °C is one-hole rubber stopper carrying a glass tube with a rubber
tube connection and a pinchcock or with a glass stopcock
maintained.
ground to fit the tubulature.
2.3 Analytical Balance.
4.4 Oil Vacuum Pump, able to achieve and hold a vacuum
3. Procedure
of 3 mm.
3.1 Weigh accurately the glass weighing bottle and stopper
4.5 Analytical Balance.
or the aluminum moisture dish with cover. Place a specimen of
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on
Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and are the direct The sole source
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