ASTM D520-00(2019)

Standard Specification for Zinc Dust Pigment

ABSTRACT
This specification covers three types of zinc dust, for use as a pigment in paints. The pigments shall consist substantially of metallic zinc and shall conform to the requirements for composition prescribed. The total and metallic zinc shall be shall be tested to meet the requirements prescribed. Lead, cadmium, and iron shall be tested to meet the requirements prescribed. Oily or fatty matter, or both shall, and the coarse particle shall be tested to meet the requirements prescribed.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers three types of zinc dust, for use as a pigment in paints.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
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: 30-Apr-2019
• 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 D520-00(2011) - Standard Specification for Zinc Dust Pigment
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM D521-02(2019) - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Zinc Dust (Metallic Zinc Powder)
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2019
• Refers: ASTM D521-02(2012) - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Zinc Dust (Metallic Zinc Powder)
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM B214-07(2011) - Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Metal Powders
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2011
• Refers: ASTM D185-07 - Standard Test Methods for Coarse Particles in Pigments
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2007
• Refers: ASTM D521-02(2007) - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Zinc Dust (Metallic Zinc Powder)
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2007
• Refers: ASTM B214-07 - Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Metal Powders
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2007
• Refers: ASTM D521-90(1999) - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Zinc Dust (Metallic Zinc Powder)
• Effective Date: 10-Jan-2002
• Refers: ASTM D521-02 - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Zinc Dust (Metallic Zinc Powder)
• Effective Date: 10-Jan-2002
• Refers: ASTM D185-84(1999) - Standard Test Methods for Coarse Particles in Pigments, Pastes, and Paints
• Effective Date: 10-May-1999
• Refers: ASTM B214-99 - Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Metal Powders
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-1999

Overview

ASTM D520-00(2019) sets the internationally recognized requirements for zinc dust pigment, specifying its use primarily as a pigment in paints and coatings. Developed by ASTM International, this standard defines three types of zinc dust, with clear requirements for composition, purity, and allowable levels of impurities. The specification ensures consistent quality and performance in industrial and protective coatings, supporting users in manufacturing high-quality, durable paint products.

Zinc dust pigments, being predominantly metallic zinc, are widely regarded for their anti-corrosive properties and are essential in applications where corrosion resistance and long-term durability are critical. The standard details the material characteristics and testing methods, aligning with rigorous international practices and facilitating global trade compliance.

Key Topics

• Types of Zinc Dust Pigments: The standard covers three types of zinc dust, each with defined minimum zinc content and impurity limits, to suit various industrial and protective applications.
• Material Composition:
  • High metallic zinc content
  • Limits on impurities such as lead, cadmium, iron, and others
  • Control of non-zinc material and zinc oxide fractions
  • Requirements for moisture, volatile matter, and oily residues
• Physical Properties:
  • Particle sizing through sieve analysis to control coarse particle content
  • Consistency to reference samples as specified by purchasers
• Testing and Sampling:
  • Use of referenced ASTM test methods (D521, D185, B214, etc.)
  • Randomized, representative sampling for robust quality checks
• International Compliance: Developed in alignment with WTO Technical Barriers to Trade principles, ASTM D520-00(2019) supports international trade and harmonization.

Applications

Zinc dust pigment specified under ASTM D520-00(2019) has significant practical applications, especially in industrial coatings, including:

• Protective paints and coatings: Widely used in primers and finishes for steel structures, bridges, pipelines, and marine equipment due to its exceptional corrosion resistance.
• Manufacturing and construction: Used in coatings for structural steel, storage tanks, and rebar to extend service life and reduce maintenance costs.
• Automotive and heavy equipment finishes: Offers robust weathering protection and prolongs the visual and structural integrity of metal surfaces.
• Specialty coatings: Suitable for use in environments requiring compliance with strict heavy metal limits for safety and regulatory reasons.

The stringent quality requirements for composition and properties ensure consistent pigment performance across diverse industrial and commercial uses.

Related Standards

ASTM D520-00(2019) references several key standards for testing and quality control:

• ASTM B214 - Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Metal Powders (particle size analysis)
• ASTM D185 - Test Methods for Coarse Particles in Pigments
• ASTM D521 - Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Zinc Dust
• ASTM E40 - Method for Chemical Analysis of Slab Zinc (historical/withdrawn reference)

Manufacturers, suppliers, and quality control professionals should consult these standards for detailed methodologies to ensure zinc dust pigment meets the required chemical and physical specifications.

Conclusion

By clearly defining the composition, physical properties, and testing requirements for zinc dust pigment, ASTM D520-00(2019) enables the production and specification of reliable, high-performance pigments for paints and coatings. This standard supports quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and international trade in coatings and construction materials, making it an essential reference for the coatings industry and related sectors.

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:D520 −00(Reapproved 2019)
Standard Specification for
Zinc Dust Pigment
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D520; 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 3. Composition and Properties
3.1 The pigments shall consist substantially of metallic zinc
1.1 This specification covers three types of zinc dust, for use
and shall conform to the requirements for composition pre-
as a pigment in paints.
scribed in Table 1.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
3.2 In such physical properties as are specified by the
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
purchaser, the pigment shall satisfactorily match a reference
only.
sample mutually agreed upon between the purchaser and the
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
seller.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4. Sampling
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.1 Two samples shall be taken at random from different
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
packages from each lot, batch, day’s pack, or other unit of
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
production in a shipment. When no markings distinguishing
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
between units of production appear, samples shall be taken
from different packages in the ratio of two samples for each
2. Referenced Documents
5000 kg (10 000 lb), except that for shipments of less than
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5000 kg, two samples shall be taken. At the option of the
B214 Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Metal Powders
purchaser, the samples may be tested separately or after
D185 Test Methods for Coarse Particles in Pigments
blending in equal quantities the samples from the same
D521 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Zinc Dust
production unit to form a composite sample.
(Metallic Zinc Powder)
5. Test Methods
E40 Method for Chemical Analysis of Slab Zinc (Spelter)
(Withdrawn 1993)
5.1 Tests shall be conducted in accordance with the follow-
ing ASTM test methods. Test procedures not covered by these
ASTM test methods shall be mutually agreed upon between the
1 purchaser and the seller.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint
5.1.1 Total and Metallic Zinc—Test Methods D521.
and Related Coatings, Materials, andApplications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.31 on Pigment Specifications.
5.1.2 Lead, Cadmium, and Iron—Sections 8, 18.2, and 22,
Current edition approved May 1, 2019. Published May 2019. Originally
respective
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