ASTM D1490-01(2018)

Standard Test Method for Nonvolatile Content of Urea-Formaldehyde Resin Solutions

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Wood adhesive performance and cost is often related to the solids level (nonvolatile content).  
4.2 This test method determines the apparent nonvolatile content for urea-formaldehyde resins.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the apparent nonvolatile content of urea-formaldehyde resin solutions intended for use as wood adhesives. Due to the chemical nature of such resins, the nonvolatile content determined varies markedly according to the type of test used. In order to minimize this condition, this test method is designed to yield reasonably uniform agreement among different laboratories testing specimens from the same sample.  
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 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.  
1.4 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-Jul-2018
• ICS: 83.080.10 - Thermosetting materials
• Technical Committee: D14 - Adhesives
• Drafting Committee: D14.30 - Wood Adhesives

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D1490-01(2013) - Standard Test Method for Nonvolatile Content of Urea-Formaldehyde Resin Solutions
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2018
• Refers: ASTM D907-12a - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2012
• Refers: ASTM D907-12 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM D907-11a - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2011
• Refers: ASTM D907-11 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2011
• Refers: ASTM D907-08b - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM D907-08a - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2008
• Refers: ASTM D907-08 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2008
• Refers: ASTM D907-06 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2006
• Refers: ASTM D907-05e1 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2005
• Refers: ASTM D907-05 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2005
• Refers: ASTM D907-04a - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2004
• Refers: ASTM D907-04 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2004
• Refers: ASTM D907-03 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 10-May-2003
• Refers: ASTM D907-00 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-2000

Overview

ASTM D1490-01(2018) - Standard Test Method for Nonvolatile Content of Urea-Formaldehyde Resin Solutions establishes a standardized procedure for determining the apparent nonvolatile (solids) content in urea-formaldehyde resin solutions, primarily intended for use in wood adhesive applications. Accurate assessment of nonvolatile content is essential, as the solids level directly impacts both adhesive performance and cost-efficiency in manufacturing and end-use. Designed to achieve consistent results across laboratories, this ASTM method supports quality control and product development in the wood adhesives industry.

Key Topics

• Purpose: Provides a uniform test method for measuring the nonvolatile content in urea-formaldehyde resin solutions.
• Scope: Applies to resin solutions for wood adhesives, where solids content may influence adhesive quality and economic value.
• Apparatus Required:
  • Analytical balance (accurate to ±1.0 mg)
  • Glass thermometer (0 to 150°C range)
  • Constant-temperature oven (maintains 105 ±1°C, with controlled air turnover)
  • Tared weighing pipets or bottles
  • Aluminum drying dishes
  • Desiccator with calcium chloride
• Sampling Requirements:
  • Sufficient resin sample needed for triple testing and possible repeat checks
  • Thorough agitation to ensure sample uniformity
• Procedure Highlights:
  • Preparation of test specimens in tared dishes
  • Precise drying conditions (time, temperature, airflow)
  • Weighing and calculation of nonvolatile content as a percentage
• Reporting:
  • Test date, laboratory, resin identification, test designation, individual and average nonvolatile values, and notes on any deviations

Applications

• Quality Control: Ensures that the urea-formaldehyde resin solutions used in wood adhesives maintain appropriate solids content for optimal performance and product reliability.
• Product Development: Supports resin manufacturers and formulators in evaluating raw materials and finished product consistency.
• Cost Management: By measuring and controlling the nonvolatile content, manufacturers can optimize material use and avoid over- or under-formulation, reducing waste and improving yield.
• Laboratory Testing: Enables third-party and internal laboratories to provide comparative, reproducible data on resin performance in compliance with international wood adhesive standards.
• Regulatory Compliance: Assists in meeting trade, safety, environmental, and performance criteria for formaldehyde-based adhesives in various jurisdictions.

Related Standards

• ASTM D907, Terminology of Adhesives: Provides essential definitions and terminology referenced throughout ASTM D1490.
• ISO and National Standards: Many international and national standards for wood adhesives reference measurement of nonvolatile or solid content, aligning closely with the principles set forth in ASTM D1490.
• World Trade Organization TBT Principles: This test method was developed in accordance with internationally recognized standards principles endorsed by the WTO Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Keywords: ASTM D1490, urea-formaldehyde resin, nonvolatile content, solids content, wood adhesive, quality control, laboratory test method, adhesive performance, resin solution analysis, international standards.

By adopting ASTM D1490-01(2018), organizations in the adhesives and wood products industries can achieve greater consistency, product performance, and market compliance, ensuring their urea-formaldehyde formulations meet stringent international requirements.

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: D1490 − 01 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Test Method for
Nonvolatile Content of Urea-Formaldehyde Resin Solutions
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1490; 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 4.2 This test method determines the apparent nonvolatile
content for urea-formaldehyde resins.
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the appar-
ent nonvolatile content of urea-formaldehyde resin solutions
5. Apparatus
intended for use as wood adhesives. Due to the chemical nature
5.1 Analytical Balance, accurate to 61.0 mg.
of such resins, the nonvolatile content determined varies
markedly according to the type of test used. In order to
5.2 Thermometer—A glass thermometer having a range
minimize this condition, this test method is designed to yield
from 0 to 110 or 150°C (32 to 230 or 302°F) and accurate to
reasonably uniform agreement among different laboratories
61°C (62°F) at the required immersion.
testing specimens from the same sample.
5.3 Constant-Temperature Oven, capable of maintaining a
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
temperature of 105 6 1°C (221 6 2°F) and an air turnover of
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
15 to 17 times per min. Use only one shelf for supporting the
only.
specimens. Position this shelf in the upper third of the oven, as
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the near one third from the ceiling as possible. Level the shelf to
within 0.025 mm from edge to edge in all directions. Place the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- thermometer bulb as close to the center of the shelf as possible.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
5.4 Tared Lunge Weighing Pipet, stoppered weighing bottle,
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
or equivalent dispenser for accurately weighing by difference.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
5.5 Drying Dishes—aluminum foil dishes, with 57 to
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
58-mm inside diameter and 17 mm deep, with flat bottoms,
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
having a tolerance of 60.076 mm.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.6 Desiccator, with tray, containing active anhydrous cal-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. cium chloride desiccant.
2. Referenced Documents
6. Sampling
2.1 ASTM Standards:
6.1 Take a sufficient quantity of the resin lot being evaluated
D907 Terminology of Adhesives
to conduct the test. While the test consumes less than 10 g of
resin, a sample of approximately 0.23 L ( ⁄2 pt) is suggested to
3. Terminology
ensure that it is representative and will permit rechecks, if
3.1 Definitions—Many terms in this test method are defined
necessary. Record the lot number of the resin being used.
in Terminology D907.
6.2 As urea-formaldehyde resin solutions have a varying
4. Significance and Use
tendency toward mild settling or stratification, agitate the resin
4.1 Wood adhesive performance and cost is often related to thoroughly before sampling, and mix the sample well before it
the solids level (nonvolatile content). is used in the test.
7. Procedure
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D14 on
Adhesives and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D14.30 on Wood
7.1 Preparation of Test Specimens—Place a portion of the
Adhesives.
sample in the weighing dispenser and weigh to 61.0 mg.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2018. Published August 2018. Originally
Transfer a sufficient amount of the sample to yield 0.45 6 0.05
approved in 1957. Last previous editio
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