ASTM D3960-05(2013)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Determining Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)Content of Paints and Related Coatings
Standard Practice for Determining Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)Content of Paints and Related Coatings
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This practice discusses applicable ASTM test methods used in the determination of the VOC content of paints and related coatings and provides equations for calculating the VOC content expressed as the mass of VOC: (1) per unit volume of coating less water and exempt volatile compounds, and (2) per unit volume of coating solids and (3) per unit mass of coating solids.
5.2 Volatile organic compound content is used to compare the amount of VOC released from different coatings used for the same application, that is, to coat the same area to the same dry film thickness (assuming the same application efficiency).
5.3 VOC content data are required by various regulatory agencies.
5.4 Only the expression of VOC content as a function of the volume of coating solids gives a linear measure of the difference in VOC released from different coatings used for the same application.Note 4—Thus assuming the same transfer efficiency, a coating with VOC content of 3 lb of VOC/gal of solids would release 1/2 the VOC that would a coating with 6 lb of VOC/gal of solids.
5.5 When VOC content is expressed as a function of the volume of coating less water and exempt solvents, the values obtained do not account for differences in the volume solids content of the coatings being compared: this expression, therefore, does not provide a linear measure of the difference in VOC emitted from different coatings used for the same application.Note 5—Thus, a coating with VOC content of 3 lb of VOC/gal less water and exempt volatile compounds would release about 85 % less VOC than a coating with 6 lb of VOC/gal less water and exempt volatile compounds.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice measures the volatile organic compound (VOC) content of solventborne and waterborne paints and related coatings as determined from the quantity of material released from a sample under specified bake conditions and subtracting exempt volatile compounds and water if present.Note 1—The regulatory definition, under the control of the U.S. EPA, can change. To ensure currency, contact the local air pollution control agency.
1.2 This practice provides a guide to the selection of appropriate ASTM test methods for the determination of VOC content.
1.3 Certain organic compounds that may be released under the specified bake conditions are not counted toward coating VOC content because they do not participate appreciably in atmospheric photochemical reactions. Such negligibly photochemically reactive compounds are referred to, as exempt volatile compounds in this practice.Note 2—Information on the US EPA definition of VOC and a list of the current US EPA approved exempt volatile compounds which have been used in coatings, are provided in Appendix X3.
1.4 VOC content is calculated as a function of (1) the volume of coating less water and exempt volatile compounds, and (2) the volume of coating solids, and (3) the weight of coating solids.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.
1.6 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D3960 − 05 (Reapproved 2013)
Standard Practice for
Determining Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Content of
Paints and Related Coatings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3960; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber 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 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This practice measures the volatile organic compound
2.1 ASTM Standards:
(VOC) content of solventborne and waterborne paints and
D1475Test Method For Density of Liquid Coatings, Inks,
related coatings as determined from the quantity of material
and Related Products
released from a sample under specified bake conditions and
D2369Test Method for Volatile Content of Coatings
subtracting exempt volatile compounds and water if present.
D2697Test Method forVolume Nonvolatile Matter in Clear
or Pigmented Coatings
NOTE 1—The regulatory definition, under the control of the U.S. EPA,
can change. To ensure currency, contact the local air pollution control
D2832GuideforDeterminingVolatileandNonvolatileCon-
agency.
tent of Paint and Related Coatings
1.2 This practice provides a guide to the selection of
D3792TestMethodforWaterContentofCoatingsbyDirect
appropriateASTM test methods for the determination of VOC
Injection Into a Gas Chromatograph
content.
D3925Practice for Sampling Liquid Paints and Related
Pigmented Coatings
1.3 Certain organic compounds that may be released under
D4017Test Method for Water in Paints and Paint Materials
the specified bake conditions are not counted toward coating
VOC content because they do not participate appreciably in by Karl Fischer Method
atmospheric photochemical reactions. Such negligibly photo- D4457Test Method for Determination of Dichloromethane
chemically reactive compounds are referred to, as exempt and 1,1,1-Trichloroethane in Paints and Coatings by
volatile compounds in this practice. Direct Injection into a Gas Chromatograph
D5095Test Method for Determination of the Nonvolatile
NOTE2—InformationontheUSEPAdefinitionofVOCandalistofthe
Content in Silanes, Siloxanes and Silane-Siloxane Blends
current US EPA approved exempt volatile compounds which have been
used in coatings, are provided in Appendix X3. Used in Masonry Water Repellent Treatments
D5201Practice for Calculating Formulation Physical Con-
1.4 VOC content is calculated as a function of (1) the
stants of Paints and Coatings
volume of coating less water and exempt volatile compounds,
D5403Test Methods for Volatile Content of Radiation Cur-
and (2) the volume of coating solids, and (3) the weight of
able Materials
coating solids.
D6093Test Method for Percent Volume Nonvolatile Matter
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
in Clear or Pigmented Coatings Using a Helium Gas
standard.
Pycnometer
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
D6133Test Method for Acetone, p-Chlorobenzotrifluoride,
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Methyl Acetate or t-Butyl Acetate Content of Solvent-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
borne and Waterborne Paints, Coatings, Resins, and Raw
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
Materials by Direct Injection Into a Gas Chromatograph
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
D6419Test Method for Volatile Content of Sheet-Fed and
Coldset Web Offset Printing Inks
This practice 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. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2013. Published November 2013. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1981. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as D3960–05. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D3960-05R13. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3960 − 05 (2013)
D6438Test Method for Acetone, Methyl Acetate, and on the mixture. These values are combined using specified
Parachlorobenzotrifluoride Content of Paints, and Coat- equations to calculate the VOC content of the coating.
ings by Solid Phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatogra-
NOTE 3—In Reference Method24 the U.S. EPA defines a waterborne
phy
coating as any coating with more than 5% water by weight in its volatile
D6886TestMethodforDeterminationoftheWeightPercent
fraction, and requires/allows water determination for waterborne coatings
only.
Individual Volatile Organic Compounds in Waterborne
Air-Dry Coatings by Gas Chromatography
5. Significance and Use
E180Practice for Determining the Precision of ASTM
Methods for Analysis and Testing of Industrial and Spe-
5.1 This practice discusses applicable ASTM test methods
cialty Chemicals (Withdrawn 2009)
used in the determination of the VOC content of paints and
2.2 Other Documents:
related coatings and provides equations for calculating the
EPAFederalReferenceMethod24DeterminationofVolatile
VOC content expressed as the mass of VOC: (1) per unit
Matter Content, Density, Volume Solids, and Weight
volume of coating less water and exempt volatile compounds,
Solids of Surface Coatings
and (2) per unit volume of coating solids and (3) per unit mass
EPA 450/3-84-019U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
of coating solids.
Procedures for Certifying Quantity of Organic Compound
5.2 Volatile organic compound content is used to compare
Emitted by Paint, Ink, and Other Coatings
the amount of VOC released from different coatings used for
the same application, that is, to coat the same area to the same
3. Terminology
dry film thickness (assuming the same application efficiency).
3.1 Definitions:
5.3 VOC content data are required by various regulatory
3.1.1 exempt volatile compound, n—organic compounds
agencies.
thatdonotparticipatesignificantlyinatmosphericphotochemi-
cal reactions.
5.4 OnlytheexpressionofVOCcontentasafunctionofthe
volume of coating solids gives a linear measure of the
3.1.2 nonvolatile material, n—the solid material remaining
differenceinVOCreleasedfromdifferentcoatingsusedforthe
after volatiles have been removed from a coating under
same application.
specified test conditions.
3.1.3 volatile organic compound (VOC), n—any organic NOTE 4—Thus assuming the same transfer efficiency, a coating with
VOC content of 3 lb of VOC/gal of solids would release ⁄2 the VOC that
compound that participates in atmospheric photochemical
would a coating with 6 lb of VOC/gal of solids.
reactions.
3.1.3.1 Discussion—Information on the US EPA definition 5.5 When VOC content is expressed as a function of the
ofVOC and a list of the current US EPAand approved exempt
volume of coating less water and exempt solvents, the values
volatile compounds which have been used in coatings, are obtained do not account for differences in the volume solids
provided in Appendix X3.
content of the coatings being compared: this expression,
therefore,doesnotprovidealinearmeasureofthedifferencein
3.1.4 volatile organic compound content (VOC content),
VOC emitted from different coatings used for the same
n—the mass of VOC released from a coating under specified
application.
test conditions.
3.1.4.1 Discussion—VOC content is expressed in this prac-
NOTE 5—Thus, a coating with VOC content of 3 lb of VOC/gal less
tice as a function of: (1) the coating volume less water and
waterandexemptvolatilecompoundswouldreleaseabout85%lessVOC
than a coating with 6 lb of VOC/gal less water and exempt volatile
exempt volatile compounds, and (2) the volume of coating
compounds.
solids and (3) the weight of coating solids.
6. Nonvolatile and Volatile Content
4. Summary of Practice
6.1 Guide D2832 includes suggested time/temperature dry-
4.1 Take a representative sample of the liquid coating in
ing schedules for the determination of the nonvolatile and
accordancewithPracticeD3925.Mixthoroughlybeforetaking
volatile content of various types of coatings.
specimens for individual tests. If air bubbles become
entrapped, stir by hand until the air has been removed.
NOTE 6—For regulatory compliance testing, follow the method and
conditions specified in the applicable regulation. Federal Reference
4.2 The volatile content, density, water content, volume
Method24 specifies the use of Test Method D2369.
solids and exempt solvent content of the coating are deter-
6.2 Test Method D2369 includes a specific drying schedule
minedinaccordancewithdesignatedmethodsandinstructions.
For multicomponent coatings, the components are first mixed and sample weight, and heating1hat110 6 5°C for the
determinationoftheweightpercentvolatilecontentofsolvent-
in the appropriate ratios and the applicable values determined
borne and waterborne coatings.
6.2.1 For multicomponent coatings, Test Method D2369
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
specifies the components should be mixed first, then the
www.astm.org.
volatile content should be determined on the mixture. Test
AvailablefromU.S.GovernmentPrintingOfficeSuperintendentofDocuments,
specimensareheldinthealuminumdishforatleast1hbefore
732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
www.access.gpo.gov. baking.
D3960 − 05 (2013)
NOTE 7—Other induction periods are used. See U.S. EPA Reference
7.1.2.2 The water in a latex paint is first extracted into
Method 24.
anhydrous methanol, then an aliquot of the methanol extract is
titrated with non-pyridine reagent in methanol solvent (see
6.2.2 The nonvolatile content of silanes, siloxanes, and
Appendix X1 of Test Method D4017).
silane/siloxane blends used in masonry water repellent treat-
7.1.2.3 Thespecimenisdispersedinmethanolsolventusing
ments is defined using Test Method D5095. In this standard,
a homogenizer accessory, then directly titrated with non-
applicable to both solvent and water reducible materials, the
pyridine reagent (see Appendix X2 of Test Method D4017).
testspecimen,containinganaddedcatalyst,isallowedtostand
7.1.3 With multicomponent coatings, the components are
at room temperature for 1 h prior to heating in an oven at 110°
first mixed in the appropriate ratios, then water content is
6 5°C for 60 min.
determined using Test Methods D3792 or D4017.
NOTE 8—In VOC determinations, for 6.2.2 only, the density and water
content(ifapplicable)aremeasuredonthetestmaterialwithouttheadded
8. Density
catalyst.
8.1 Thedensityofthepaintorcoatingat25°Cisdetermined
6.2.3 The nonvolatile content of radiation curable coatings,
in accordance with Test Method D1475. Although both the
inks, and adhesives is defined using Test Methods D5403.
pycnometer and weight-per-gallon cup are covered by the test
These materials contain volatile reactive components that
method, and the former is more accurate and precise, the
become nonvolatile after radiation curing. Test Method A is
weight-per-gallon cup is recommended because of its speed
applicable to radiation curable materials that are essentially
and ease of use.
100% reactive but may contain traces (no more than 3%) of
8.2 With multicomponent coatings, first mix the compo-
volatile materials as impurities or introduced by the inclusion
nents in appropriate ratios in sufficient quantity to determine
of various additives. Test Method B is applicable to all
the weight-per-gallon using Test Method D1475.
radiation curable materials but must be used for materials that
contain volatile solvents intentionally introduced to control
9. Exempt Volatile Compounds
application viscosity and that are intended to be removed from
9.1 InTestMethodD4457aninternalstandard(1-propanol)
the material to cure.
isaddedtothetestspecimen,andthenthespecimenisinjected
6.2.4 The volatile content of sheet-fed and coldset web
directly into a gas chromatograph.
offset printing inks is defined using Test Method D6419. This
standard is based on Test Method D2369, but has tighter 9.2 In Test Method D6133 an internal standard is added to
the whole paint, and the mixture injected directly into the gas
controls for specimen weight and oven temperature. Interlabo-
ratory studies have shown this necessary to improve the chromatograph.
precision of test results for these inks. It also allows the use of
9.3 In Test Method D6438 an internal standard is added to
ink knives or taper knives for transferring the specimen to the
whole paint, followed by solid phase microextraction (SPME)
aluminum dish from the sample container.
headspace sampling and subsequent injection into a gas chro-
6.2.5 Test Method D6886 is a direct gas chromatographic
matograph.
method for the determination of individual and total volatile
9.4 With multicomponent coatings, the exempt volatile
organic compounds in low VOC content waterborne latex
compound content is determined on the mixture of the com-
air-drycoatings.Thismethodisintendedprimarilyforanalysis
ponents.
of waterborne coatings in which the material VOC content is
below5weightpercent.Itistheonlymethodforthespeciation
10. Calculation of VOC Content
of VOCs in low VOC content waterborne latex air-dry coat-
10.1 In this practice VOC content is expressed in three
ings. This method provides a direct determination of weight
ways: (1) as the mass of VOC per unit volume of the coating
percent VOC content, in contrast to the indirect determination
less water and exempt volatile compounds, (2) as the mass of
(total volatiles minus water) of weight percent VOC of
VOC per unit volume of coating solids, and (3) the mass of
waterborne coatings presented in Practice D3960.
VOCperunitmassofcoatingssolids.Thefollowingequations
should be used to calculate VOC content and may be used for
7. Water Content
coatings both “as supplied” and “as applied” (see Note 8).
7.1 To determine the water content of coatings two test
NOTE 9—For compliance with VOC regulations, the VOC content
methods are available:
should be calculated after any thinning or dilution (“as applied”).
7.1.1 In Test Method D3792, a paint specimen is diluted InstructionsforVOCcalculationsofsuchdilutedcoatingsareavailablein
EPA 450/3-84-019.
with dimethyl formamide, an internal standard (2-propanol) is
added, and an aliquot of the mixture is injected directly into a
10.2 VOC Content Expressed as the Mass of VOC per U
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