ASTM D2354-10(2023)

Standard Test Method for Minimum Film Formation Temperature (MFFT) of Emulsion Vehicles

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 The satisfactory film integrity of emulsion coatings requires that as the aqueous phase evaporates the resinous portion of the vehicle coalesces into a continuous film. Low temperature impairs the fluidity of the resin particle and thereby their ability to coalesce. Vehicles that can withstand low temperatures are therefore required, and MFFT is an important quality feature of emulsion vehicles.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the minimum temperature at which emulsion vehicles coalesce to form continuous films. The term “emulsion” in this test method includes latex vehicles.  
1.2 This test method is limited to emulsions having minimum film formation temperatures below 90 °C.  
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered 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: 31-May-2023
• ICS: 87.060.20 - Binders
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.33 - Polymers and Resins

Overview

ASTM D2354-10(2023) is the international standard test method for determining the Minimum Film Formation Temperature (MFFT) of emulsion vehicles, including latexes. Published by ASTM International, this standard is crucial for evaluating the lowest temperature at which an emulsion-based material will coalesce to form a continuous, defect-free film. Understanding the MFFT is essential for manufacturers of paints, coatings, and other emulsion-based products to ensure product performance, especially in cold application environments.

Key keywords: Minimum Film Formation Temperature, MFFT, emulsion vehicles, latex, film integrity, ASTM D2354

Key Topics

• Definition of MFFT: The minimum temperature at which an emulsion vehicle forms a continuous film upon drying.
• Scope: Applicable to emulsion vehicles and latexes with minimum film formation temperatures below 90°C.
• Test Procedure: The method involves casting a thin film of the emulsion on a substrate with a controlled temperature gradient, then visually inspecting for film continuity (e.g., absence of cracking or whitening).
• Equipment Used:
  • MFFT bar with a temperature gradient
  • Thermocouples or thermometers for temperature measurement
  • Dry air or nitrogen supply for drying
  • Film caster for uniform application
• Significance: Ensures that emulsion coatings and paints are suitable for application and curing at low temperatures, which is critical to film integrity.

Applications

• Paints and Coatings Industry: Used to determine the suitability of waterborne paints and coatings for cold climate use, ensuring the product develops proper film properties during application and drying under varying temperature conditions.
• Product Development: Manufacturers optimize formulations to achieve the desired MFFT, balancing flexibility, durability, and application temperature range.
• Quality Control: Batch testing to maintain consistency in emulsion vehicle performance, preventing issues such as cracking, chalking, or poor adhesion in finished products.
• Regulatory Compliance: Supports meeting industry certifications and customer requirements for cold weather application performance.

Related Standards

• ASTM D4351 - Standard Test Method for Determining the MFFT of Latex Emulsions
• ISO 2115 - Paints and Varnishes – MFFT Determination for Water-borne Coatings
• ASTM D1849 - Standard Test Method for MFFT of Emulsion Paints
• ASTM D01 Committee Standards - Paints, Related Coatings, and Materials

Practical Value

ASTM D2354 ensures that formulators and end users can confidently apply emulsion-based coatings in environments where temperatures may drop near or below the MFFT. By following the standardized method:

• Product performance is validated for a wide range of climates
• End users experience fewer failures due to film discontinuity
• Manufacturers meet both technical and regulatory demands

This standard plays a vital role in the formulation and selection of emulsion vehicles, supporting durability and effectiveness of coatings in diverse application scenarios. By adhering to ASTM D2354-10(2023), stakeholders can enhance product reliability and marketability.

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: D2354 − 10 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Method for
Minimum Film Formation Temperature (MFFT) of Emulsion
Vehicles
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2354; 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 low temperatures are therefore required, and MFFT is an
important quality feature of emulsion vehicles.
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the mini-
mum temperature at which emulsion vehicles coalesce to form
4. Apparatus
continuous films. The term “emulsion” in this test method
4.1 Minimum Film Formation Temperature Bar—An MFFT
includes latex vehicles.
unit such as is illustrated in Fig. 1. The bar represented in Fig.
1.2 This test method is limited to emulsions having mini-
1 is designed to be used with thermocouples. The thermo-
mum film formation temperatures below 90 °C.
couple leads used with the assembly are iron-constantan with
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
an external resistance of 10 Ω. Also included is a pyrometer
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
(not shown in Fig. 1).
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
NOTE 1—Thermometers can be used as an alternative way of measuring
and are not considered standard. 3
temperature. It is noted that larger holes ( ⁄32 in.) (4 mm) will have to be
drilled in the bar to accommodate the thermometers. If thermometers are
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
selected, all holes are drilled on the same side of the bar, as opposed to the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
system of alternate placement of holes when using thermocouples.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
NOTE 2—A self-contained unit eliminating the need for any accessories,
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
such as for sub-ambient cooling or temperature measurement, and
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. requiring only an electrical outlet, piped water, and an air or nitrogen
supply has been developed by ICI Paints Division.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4.2 Dry Air or Dry Nitrogen Supply, with a regulating valve
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
and flow meter.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.3 Film Caster, having a 6 mil (150 μm) clearance.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5. Reagents and Materials
5.1 Dry Ice.
2. Summary of Test Method
5.2 Isopropanol, anhydrous.
2.1 In this test method the minimum film formation tem-
perature (MFFT) is determined by visual observation of
cracking or whitening in films that have dried over a substrate
The sole source of supply of the MFFT bar, Model CS 188, known to the
having a controlled temperature gradient.
committee at this time is Dek-Tron Scientific Instrument Corp., 244 East 3rd Street,
Plainfield, NJ 07060. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this
3. Significance and Use information to ASTM International. Your comments will receive careful consider-
ation at a meeting of the responsible technical committee, which you may attend.
3.1 The satisfactory film integrity of emulsion coatings
The sole source of supply of the thermometer, Prince No. A-011044 known to
requires that as the aqueous phase evaporates the resinous the committee at this time is Princo Instruments Inc., 1020 Industrial Hwy.,
Southampton, PA 18966. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide
portion of the vehicle coalesces into a continuous film. Low
this information to ASTM International. Your comments will receive careful
temperature impairs the fluidity of the resin particle and
consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee, which you may
thereby their ability to coalesce. Vehicles that can withstand
attend.
The sole source of supply of the MFFTBAR units, Models MFFT-60, and
MFFT-90, known to the committee at this time is Rhopoint House, Enviro 21 Park,
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint Queensway Avenue South, Queensway, St. Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, TN38
and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of 9AG, UK. For the name of a local distributor search their website at
Subcommittee D01.33 on Polymers and Resins. www.rhopointinstruments.com. Interested parties are invited to submit information
Current edition approved June 1, 2023. Published June 2023. Originally regarding the identification of acceptable alternatives to the Committee on
approved in 1965. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as D2354 – 10 (2018). Standards, ASTM International. Your comments will receive careful consideration
DOI: 10.1520/D2354-10R23. at a meeting of the responsible technical committee, which you may attend.
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