ASTM D3723-22

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

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 This test method is used by paint producers and consumers for product process control and for product acceptance.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for the pigment content determination of water-based paints. It is applicable only to pigments that do not decompose or lose weight at temperatures below 500 °C. Such pigments include most metal oxides, silicates, and a majority of anhydrous inorganic salts.  
1.2 Many water-based paints contain pigments and organic colorants that lose water of hydration or decompose at this temperature. The residual ash should be carefully inspected for changes in color or texture that could indicate a pigment alteration and hence lead to erroneous results. Caution should therefore be exercised when applying this test method to samples containing unknown pigment compositions.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
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.  
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: 30-Jun-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 D1193-06 - Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2006
• 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 D3723-22: Standard Test Method for Pigment Content of Water-Emulsion Paints by Low-Temperature Ashing provides a standardized approach for determining the pigment content in water-based paints. This method is widely recognized by both paint producers and consumers for use in process control, quality assurance, and product acceptance within the coatings industry. By ensuring accurate pigment analysis, organizations can verify compliance, maintain product specifications, and support reliable product development.

Key Topics

• Pigment Content Determination: The test method focuses on accurately measuring the pigment content in water-emulsion paints using low-temperature ashing, which involves heating samples at temperatures below 500 °C to minimize pigment decomposition.
• Applicable Pigments: The procedure applies specifically to pigments that remain stable and do not decompose or lose weight at temperatures under 500 °C. These mainly include:
  • Metal oxides
  • Silicates
  • Most anhydrous inorganic salts
• Cautions and Limitations: Many water-based paints contain pigments or organic colorants that may decompose or lose water of hydration at the ashing temperature, potentially affecting test accuracy. Users should:
  • Thoroughly inspect residual ash for color or texture changes
  • Exercise caution when analyzing formulations with unknown pigment types
• Measurement Units: Only SI (International System of Units) are to be used for reporting and interpreting results under this standard.

Applications

ASTM D3723-22 is a critical tool in paint formulation and quality control processes for the following practical applications:

• Process Control: Enables paint manufacturers to monitor and adjust manufacturing processes for consistent pigment loading and uniformity.
• Product Acceptance: Assists both producers and customers in verifying product compliance with technical requirements for pigment content.
• Research and Development: Provides a reliable basis for comparative analysis during the development of new water-emulsion paint products.
• Regulatory Compliance: Supports organizations in meeting international or regional quality and safety regulations that reference pigment content standards.
• Laboratory Testing: Used in interlaboratory studies to assess measurement precision and reproducibility, fostering best practices in paint testing.

Related Standards

When implementing ASTM D3723-22, the following standards and guidelines are often referenced for supporting procedures and compliance:

• ASTM D1193: Specification for Reagent Water - defines acceptable water quality for use in analytical chemistry.
• ASTM Committee D01: Standards for Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications.
• International Standards Principles: Developed under frameworks such as the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee's guidelines for international standardization.
• Health and Safety Procedures: Users are responsible for adhering to applicable safety, health, and environmental regulations.

Conclusion

ASTM D3723-22 plays a pivotal role in ensuring reliable pigment content determination for water-emulsion paints. By following this standard, stakeholders in the coatings industry achieve superior product consistency, regulatory alignment, and improved quality control. Accurate pigment content testing is essential for maintaining industry credibility and meeting customer expectations in today’s competitive market.

Keywords: pigment content, water-emulsion paint, low-temperature ashing, ASTM D3723-22, coatings industry, paint analysis, quality control, standard test method

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: D3723 − 22
Standard Test Method for
Pigment Content of Water-Emulsion Paints by Low-
Temperature Ashing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3723; 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. Significance and Use
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for the pigment 3.1 This test method is used by paint producers and con-
content determination of water-based paints. It is applicable sumers for product process control and for product acceptance.
only to pigments that do not decompose or lose weight at
temperatures below 500 °C. Such pigments include most metal 4. Apparatus
oxides, silicates, and a majority of anhydrous inorganic salts.
4.1 Oven, forced draft, maintained at 105 6 2 °C.
1.2 Many water-based paints contain pigments and organic
4.2 Furnace, muffle, maintained at 450 6 25 °C.
colorants that lose water of hydration or decompose at this
4.3 Syringe, 5-mL.
temperature. The residual ash should be carefully inspected for
changes in color or texture that could indicate a pigment
4.4 Aluminum Foil Dish, 58 mm in diameter by 18 mm high
alteration and hence lead to erroneous results. Caution should with a flat bottom. The bottom of the dish should be as nearly
therefore be exercised when applying this test method to
flat as possible so that a uniform film is produced.
samples containing unknown pigment compositions.
5. Reagents
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this 5.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be
standard.
used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that
all reagents shall conform to the specifications of the Commit-
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
tee onAnalytical Reagents of theAmerican Chemical Society,
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
where such specifications are available. Other grades may be
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
used, provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
sufficiently high purity to permit its use without lessening the
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
accuracy of the determination.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5.2 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, references
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
to water shall be understood to mean reagent water conforming
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
to Type III of Specification D1193.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.3 Ammonium Hydroxide —Add 1 volume of concen-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
trated NH OH (sp gr 0.90) to 3 volumes of water.
2. Referenced Documents
6. Procedure
2.1 ASTM Standards:
6.1 Mix samples until homogeneous, preferably on a me-
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
chanical shaker. If air bubbles become entrapped in a sample,
stir it by hand.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint
and Related Coatings, Materials, andApplications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.21 on Chemical Analysis of Paints and Paint Materials. ACS Reagent Chemicals, Specifications and Procedures for Reagents and
Current edition approved July 1, 2022. Published July 2022. Originally approved Standard-Grade Reference Materials, American Chemical Society, Washington,
in 1978. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as D3723 – 05 (2017). DOI: DC. For suggestions on the testing of reagents not listed by theAmerican Chemical
10.1520/D3723-22. Society, see Analar Standards for Laboratory Chemicals, BDH Ltd., Poole, Dorset,
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or U.K., and the United States Pharmacopeia and National Formulary, U.S. Pharma-
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM copeial Convention, Inc. (USPC), Rockville, MD.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on For guidance in the safe handling of ammonium hydroxide consult the
the ASTM website. Manufacturing Chemists Association’s Chemical Safety Data Sheet.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3723 − 22
6.2 Draw approximately 1.5 g of the test paint into a 5-mL in nine laboratories analyzed three materials containing three
syringe and weigh to 1 mg. Add the paint dropwise (about 30 pigment levels between 24 and 28 %, the within-laboratory
drops) into a preweighed, tared aluminum d
...

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: D3723 − 05 (Reapproved 2017) D3723 − 22
Standard Test Method for
Pigment Content of Water-Emulsion Paints by Low-
Temperature Ashing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3723; 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 a procedure for the pigment content determination of water-based paints. It is applicable only to
pigments that do not decompose or lose weight at temperatures below 500°C.500 °C. Such pigments include most metal oxides,
silicates, and a majority of anhydrous inorganic salts.
1.2 Many water-based paints contain pigments and organic colorants that lose water of hydration or decompose at this
temperature. The residual ash should be carefully inspected for changes in color or texture that could indicate a pigment alteration
and hence lead to erroneous results. Caution should therefore be exercised when applying this test method to samples containing
unknown pigment compositions.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
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.
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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
3. Significance and Use
3.1 This test method is used by paint producers and consumers for product process control and for product acceptance.
4. Apparatus
4.1 Oven, forced draft, maintained at 105 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 Dec. 1, 2017July 1, 2022. Published December 2017July 2022. Originally approved in 1978. Last previous edition approved in 20112017 as
D3723 – 05 (2011).(2017). DOI: 10.1520/D3723-05R17.10.1520/D3723-22.
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.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3723 − 22
4.2 Furnace, muffle, maintained at 450 6 25°C.25 °C.
4.3 Syringe, 5-mL.
4.4 Aluminum Foil Dish, 58 mm in diameter by 18 mm high with a flat bottom. The bottom of the dish should be as nearly flat
as possible so that a uniform film is produced.
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. Other grades may be used, provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of sufficiently high
purity to permit its use without lessening the accuracy of the determination.
5.2 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, references to water shall be understood to mean reagent water conforming to
Type III of Specification D1193.
5.3 Ammonium Hydroxide —Add 1 volume of concentrated NH OH (sp gr 0.90) to 3 volumes of water.
6. Procedure
6.1 Mix samples until homogeneous, preferably on a mechanical shaker. If air bubbles become entrapped in a sample, stir it by
hand.
6.2 Draw approximately 1.5 g of the test paint into a 5-mL syringe and weigh to 1 mg. Add the paint dropwise (about 30 drops)
into a preweighed, tared aluminum dish that contains 2 mL of water (5.2). Swirl the dish during the addition and continue the
swirling until the specimen is completely dispersed. Reweigh the syringe to 1 mg. Transfer between 0.4 and 0.6 g of sample to
the dish. If not, adjust the transferred volume and prepare a new specimen. If the specimen agglomerates or forms a lump that
cannot be dispersed, a drop or two of ammonia (5.3) may facilitate the dispersement. If the lumping persists, discard the specimen
and prepare a new one. Prepare a duplicate specimen in the same manner.
6.3 Dry the specimen and dishes in the 105 6 2°C2 °C oven for a minimum of 1 h after making certain that the dishes are level.
If t
...