ASTM D480-88(2020)

Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing of Flaked Aluminum Powders and Pastes

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 Flaked aluminum pigments are produced in a variety of forms. These test methods allow the user to determine the applicability of a given product to this use.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover procedures for sampling, qualitative analysis, and physical testing of flaked aluminum powders and pastes (leafing and nonleafing) for coatings.  
1.2 These test methods apply equally to leafing and nonleafing flaked aluminum powders and pastes except where noted to the contrary.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.4 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. For a specific hazard statement, see 7.3.1.  
1.5 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: 87.060.10 - Pigments and extenders
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.31 - Pigment Specifications

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D480-88(2014) - Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing of Flaked Aluminum Powders and Pastes
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020
• Refers: ASTM D962-81(2014) - Standard Specification for Aluminum Powder and Paste Pigments for Paints
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2014
• Refers: ASTM E11-13 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM E691-13 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E691-11 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM E34-11 - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Aluminum and Aluminum-Base Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2011
• Refers: ASTM E11-09e1 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-May-2009
• Refers: ASTM E691-08 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM D962-81(2008)e1 - Standard Specification for Aluminum Powder and Paste Pigments for Paints
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2008
• Refers: ASTM D185-07 - Standard Test Methods for Coarse Particles in Pigments
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2007
• Refers: ASTM D235-02(2007) - Standard Specification for Mineral Spirits (Petroleum Spirits) (Hydrocarbon Dry Cleaning Solvent)
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2007
• Refers: ASTM D329-07e1 - Standard Specification for Acetone <a href="#fn00002"></a>
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2007
• Refers: ASTM D329-07 - Standard Specification for Acetone
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2007
• Refers: ASTM E691-05 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2005
• Refers: ASTM E11-04 - Standard Specification for Wire Cloth and Sieves for Testing Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-May-2004

Overview

ASTM D480-88(2020), Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing of Flaked Aluminum Powders and Pastes, provides comprehensive procedures for the sampling, qualitative analysis, and physical testing of flaked aluminum powders and pastes. These test methods pertain to both leafing and nonleafing grades used primarily in coatings, ensuring material suitability for various industrial and commercial applications. By standardizing evaluation procedures, this standard facilitates consistency, safety, and quality assurance across the supply chain for aluminum pigments.

Key Topics

ASTM D480-88(2020) addresses the following essential areas:

• Sampling Procedures: Outlines steps for obtaining representative samples of aluminum powders and pastes, including requirements for container cleanliness, packaging, sealing, and labeling to prevent contamination and ensure traceability.
• Qualitative Analysis: Provides methods to detect impurities and verify material conformance with chemical composition requirements, such as the total aluminum content and identification of fillers or extenders.
• Leafing Properties: Details test conditions for assessing leafing efficiency, which indicates how well aluminum flakes align at the surface of coatings to produce desired metallic luster.
• Particle Size Distribution: Specifies procedures for determining the presence of coarse particles through wet-sieving techniques, impacting the smoothness and appearance of finished coatings.
• Fatty and Oily Matter Content: Includes tests for measuring easily extractable fatty and oily substances that may affect pigment performance.
• Nonvolatile Matter Determination: Describes processes to calculate the combined percentages of insoluble aluminum, fatty acids, additives, and their interaction products in aluminum pastes.

All test methods are to be performed using SI units as the primary standard of measurement.

Applications

The practical applications of ASTM D480-88(2020) are critical across industries that use metallic coatings and finishes. Key areas of use include:

• Paint and Coatings Manufacturing: Ensures the quality and consistency of aluminum pigments used in decorative, protective, and industrial coatings.
• Quality Control: Provides a framework for manufacturers and purchasers to verify compliance with technical specifications, fostering trust in the supply chain.
• Product Development: Assists formulators in selecting appropriate flaked aluminum powders and pastes for specific functional or aesthetic performance.
• Regulatory Compliance: Supports adherence to safety, health, and environmental regulations by establishing standardized testing and evaluation.

By following these test methods, manufacturers and end-users can minimize product variation, address safety concerns, and optimize performance in end-use applications such as automotive paints, architectural finishes, and industrial equipment coatings.

Related Standards

To support comprehensive evaluation and compatibility, ASTM D480-88(2020) references several other important standards, including:

• ASTM D962: Specification for aluminum powder and paste pigments for paints
• ASTM D235: Specification for mineral spirits used as solvents in testing
• ASTM D329: Specification for acetone used as a solvent
• ASTM E11: Specification for woven wire test sieve cloth and test sieves
• ASTM E34: Test methods for the chemical analysis of aluminum and aluminum-base alloys
• ASTM E691: Practice for conducting interlaboratory studies to determine test method precision

These and other referenced standards enable robust, repeatable, and internationally recognized testing methodologies.

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Keywords: ASTM D480, flaked aluminum powders, aluminum pastes, sampling, testing, coatings, leafing properties, particle size, fatty matter, nonvolatile matter, quality control, paint pigments, metallic finishes, standard test methods.

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: D480 − 88 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Test Methods for
Sampling and Testing of Flaked Aluminum Powders and
Pastes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D480; 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 D3980 Practice for Interlaboratory Testing of Paint and
Related Materials (Withdrawn 1998)
1.1 These test methods cover procedures for sampling,
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
qualitative analysis, and physical testing of flaked aluminum
Sieves
powders and pastes (leafing and nonleafing) for coatings.
E34 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Aluminum and
1.2 These test methods apply equally to leafing and non-
Aluminum-Base Alloys (Withdrawn 2017)
leafing flaked aluminum powders and pastes except where
E607 Test Method for Atomic Emission Spectrometric
noted to the contrary.
Analysis Aluminum Alloys by the Point to Plane Tech-
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the nique Nitrogen Atmosphere (Withdrawn 2011)
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
only. Determine the Precision of a Test Method
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3. Significance and Use
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1 Flaked aluminum pigments are produced in a variety of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
forms. These test methods allow the user to determine the
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
applicability of a given product to this use.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
For a specific hazard statement, see 7.3.1.
4. Sampling
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 4.1 Sampling is subject to mutual agreement between the
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the seller and the purchaser. Place each sample in a clean, dry
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- metal or glass container which shall be nearly filled, then close
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical with a tight cover, seal, mark, and send to the laboratory for
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. testing.
4.2 When requested, duplicate samples may be taken from
2. Referenced Documents
the same container and delivered to the seller, and the inspector
2.1 ASTM Standards:
may take a third set of samples to hold for test in case of
D185 Test Methods for Coarse Particles in Pigments
disagreement.
D235 Specification for Mineral Spirits (Petroleum Spirits)
(Hydrocarbon Dry Cleaning Solvent)
5. Qualitative Analysis
D329 Specification for Acetone
5.1 Significance and Use—This test method determines if
D962 Specification for Aluminum Powder and Paste Pig-
there are chemical impurities, other than fatty and oily matter,
ments for Paints
as specified in Specification D962, to ensure the absence of
fillers or extender pigments.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on
5.2 Procedure:
Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and are the direct
responsibility of Subcommittee D01.31 on Pigment Specifications. 5.2.1 Total Impurities—Determine the total impurities by
Current edition approved June 1, 2020. Published June 2020. Originally
weight in accordance with Test Methods E34 and E607 or by
approved in 1938. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D480 – 88 (2014).
atomic absorption.
DOI: 10.1520/D0480-88R20.
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 last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D480 − 88 (2020)
5.2.2 Total Aluminum—Determine the total aluminum by
Aliquot
Classification ASTM Designation Class
Weight, g
weight difference with elemental impurities in accordance with
5.2.1.
Flaked aluminum powder D962, Type 1 A 1.0
B1.0
C2.0
6. Leafing Properties
Aluminum paste D962, Type 2 A 1.5
B1.5
6.1 The leafing test conditions specified are selected
C3.0
arbitrarily, and even though the numerical leafing value ob-
6.7 Procedure—Perform the test at a room temperature of
tained by this test method appears to be low, the pigment may
25 6 2°C. Place approximately 5 mLof the leaf-testing vehicle
give substantially perfect leafing under the conditions of
in the glass cylinder and cover with a watch glass. Transfer
practical application in a paint.
25.0 6 1.0 mL of the vehicle to a clean container. Weigh the
6.2 SignificanceandUse—Thisleafingtestmethodhasbeen
required aliquot of aluminum powder or paste to the nearest
established to determine the percent of leafed aluminum flakes
0.01 g and transfer to a small dish. Add about 2.5 mL of the
at the surface of a simulated paint formula to ensure a bright
25-mLquantityofvehicleandmixtoastiffpastewithaspatula
metallic luster. Minimum leafing characteristics must conform
or small stiff brush. Add approximately 5 mL more of the
to Specification D962.
vehicle and stir to a smooth mixture, then add the remainder of
the vehicle and continue stirring to obtain complete dispersion.
6.3 Apparatus:
Transfer the mixture to the test tube to give a depth of about
6.3.1 Leafing Spatula, nonmagnetic, stainless steel spatula
110 mm when the specified spatula is immersed. Avoid
having the following dimensions:
formation of bubbles. Dip the spatula to the bottom of the
Length of blade min, in. (mm) 5.5 (139.7)
mixture and rotate it gently through an arc of about 90° for
Width of blade, in. (mm) 0.540 ± 0.002 (13.72 ± 0.05)
Thickness of blade, in. (mm):
10 s. Withdraw the spatula at a uniform rate of about 50 mm
10 mm from tip 0.013 ± 0.003 (0.33 ± 0.08)
(2 in.)⁄s. The spatula should not touch the wall of the test tube
100 mm from tip 0.038 ± 0.004 (0.97 ± 0.10)
above the liquid level. Immediately suspend the spatula verti-
Shape of tip rounded or straight
cally in the glass cylinder with leafing liquid in it and allow to
The surface of the spatula shall be polished with 3/0 emery
remain for 3 min. Measure the height of immersion and the
or silicon carbide metallographic paper wet with mineral
height of complete leafing on both sides of the spatula,
spirits; polishing shall be repeated for 1-min intervals until a
measuring to the bottom of the meniscus in each case. Clean
consistent minimum leafing result is obtained in a typical
the spatula by rinsing it in petroleum spirits and wipe dry with
leafing test.
a clean cloth. Stir (do not shake) the mixture in the test tube
6.3.2 Test Tube, 152 mm (6 in.) in length by 19.0 mm
and repeat the determination.
(0.75 in.) in diameter.
6.3.3 Glass Cylinder, 203 mm (8 in.) in length and 38.1 to 6.8 Calculation—Calculate the leafing value L as follows:
50.8 mm (1.5 to 2.0 in.) in inside diameter. A stopper shall be
L 5 A/B 3100 5 A 3100/B
used and the spatula shall be attached to the stopper so as to
where:
hang vertically in the cylinder with the tip about 25 mm (1 in.)
A = height of complete leafing, in. (mm), and
from the bottom.
B = height of immersion, in. (mm).
6.4 Reagents:
6.4.1 Coumarone-Idene Resin—The form commercially
7. Coarse Particles
known as “chipped” and having the following properties:
7.1 This section provides two test methods for determining
Softening point, °C 109 to 117
the percent residue retained on a sieve by wet-screening
Specific gravity 1.12 to 1.16
Acid value, max 0.5
techniques.
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