ASTM E1522-93(2019)

• Abstract:

  ABSTRACT; This specification covers the requirements for autoclavable protective coatings on laboratory glassware. These coatings will not prevent the escape of liquids from vessels under pressure. Materials shall be tested and shall conform to requirements for physical and chemical resistance, autoclavability, temperature, microwaving, thermal combustion, flammability, and color.; SCOPE; 1.1 This specification covers the requirements for autoclavable protective coatings on laboratory glassware up to and including the 4L size. These coatings will not prevent the escape of liquids from vessels under pressure. ; 1.2 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.

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2019
• ICS: 71.040.20 - Laboratory ware and related apparatus
• Technical Committee: E41 - Laboratory Apparatus
• Drafting Committee: E41.01 - Laboratory Ware and Supplies

• Replaces: ASTM E1522-93(2013) - Standard Specification for Autoclavable Protective Coatings on Laboratory Glassware
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019

Overview

ASTM E1522-93(2019): Standard Specification for Autoclavable Protective Coatings on Laboratory Glassware provides comprehensive guidelines for the performance and characteristics of protective coatings applied to laboratory glassware. Developed by ASTM International, this standard addresses the requirements and practical considerations for ensuring that coatings used on laboratory vessels up to 4 liters in size remain effective in demanding laboratory environments, especially where autoclaving is routinely performed. The specification sets critical benchmarks for chemical resistance, physical durability, autoclavability, temperature tolerance, microwave use, thermal combustion, flammability, and coating color.

Key Topics

• Scope and Limitations

  • Applies to laboratory glassware up to and including 4L.
  • Coatings are designed to provide protection and facilitate safe disposal after breakage; they do not make glassware leak-proof under pressure.

• Physical and Chemical Resistance

  • Coatings must resist common laboratory chemicals such as acids (excluding chromic), alcohols, bases, and aliphatic hydrocarbons.
  • Not required to withstand aldehydes, esters, aromatic, halogenated hydrocarbons, or ketones.
  • Physical integrity is tested by dropping filled, stoppered containers to ensure containment of glass fragments and delayed loss of liquids.

• Autoclave Performance

  • Protective coatings must endure autoclave cycles of at least 15 minutes at 121°C and 15 psig.
  • Some haze may form but must be removable by oven drying at ≤110°C.
  • Loosening or removing closures before autoclaving is required to reduce air pocket formation.

• Temperature and Microwave Resistance

  • Not for use above 110°C (dry heat) or 121°C (moist heat) for prolonged periods.
  • Coated glassware is suitable for microwaving aqueous solutions if kept below 110°C.
  • Wet coatings may develop steam pockets, risking separation.

• Flammability and Combustion

  • Coatings must not ignite when exposed to open flame or hot surfaces.
  • Combustion byproducts (e.g., from PVC) must be managed according to safety protocols.

• Color Options

  • Coatings may be clear or colored, based on manufacturer preference.

Applications

This standard is highly relevant for:

• Laboratory Equipment Manufacturers
  Ensuring design and production of glassware with compliant, robust protective coatings for safe handling, autoclaving, and accidental breakage containment.

• Clinical and Research Laboratories
  Selecting glassware that meets international safety requirements for routine sterilization and minimizes hazards of glass breakage during high-temperature or pressure operations.

• Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance
  Referencing a widely recognized benchmark to verify that products and practices align with global safety, performance, and regulatory expectations.

• Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Sectors
  Supporting the use of autoclavable laboratory containers, especially where sterility and containment are critical.

Related Standards

• ASTM E438 - Standard Specification for Glasses in Laboratory Apparatus
• ISO 3585 - Borosilicate Glass 3.3 - Properties
• ASTM D543 - Standard Practices for Evaluating the Resistance of Plastics to Chemical Reagents
• ISO/IEC 17025 - General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories

These related standards further support best practices in the selection, use, and evaluation of laboratory materials, focusing on durability, safety, and compliance within laboratory environments.

---

Keywords: autoclavable protective coatings, laboratory glassware, laboratory safety, chemical resistance, ASTM E1522, autoclaving standards, protective laboratory coatings, glassware containment, flammability resistance, microwave safe laboratory glassware

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: E1522 −93 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Specification for
Autoclavable Protective Coatings on Laboratory Glassware
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1522; 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 coating during autoclaving and cause a slight clouding, but this
clouding must be removable by oven drying at not over 110 °C.
1.1 This specification covers the requirements for autocla-
Drying time will vary depending on size and configuration of
vable protective coatings on laboratory glassware up to and
vessel.
including the 4L size. These coatings will not prevent the
escape of liquids from vessels under pressure. 4.1.1 Coating life will vary depending on size and configu-
ration of vessel and size and procedure of autoclave used.Also
1.2 This international standard was developed in accor-
allow coating to clear and dry before repeating autoclave cycle.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.2 CAUTION: Loosen or remove all caps or closures
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
before autoclaving and allow autoclave pressure to return to
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
zero before removing glassware to minimize the formation of
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
air pockets under the coating. Also allow coating to clear and
dry before repeating autoclave cycle. Vacuum drying may
2. Chemical Resistance
distort the coating.
2.1 The physical resistance (see 3.1) of the coating shall be
acceptable after continuous exposure for one hour to acids,
5. Temperature
(other than chromic), alcohols, bases, aliphatic hydrocarbons
5.1 This coating should not be exposed to dry heat above
(except as noted below), and oxidizing agents at room tem-
perature. The intent of the coating is to allow enough time after 110 °C or moist heat above 121 °C. However, prolonged
breakage for proper disposal, not for continued use. exposure to either dry or wet heat will cause discoloration and
embrittlement. Discolored coatings may no longer be usable.
2.2 The coating shall not be required to withstand exposure
Manufacturers should be consulted for specific applications.
to aldehydes, esters, aromatic hydrocarbons, halogenated
hydrocarbons, or ketones.
6. Microwaving
3. Physical Resistance
6.1 Containers filled with aqueous solutions and having dry
3.1 The thickness and character of the undamaged coating
coatings (no obvious moisture under or on them) shall with-
shall be such that it will not permit the immediate total loss of
stand microwaving provided that the 110 °C temperature limit
liquid at 15 °C to 70 °C from a protected stoppered or capped
is not exceeded. Wet coatings may develop steam pockets and
container filled to rated capacity when
...