ASTM D3274-95(2002)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Surface Disfigurement of Paint Films by Microbial (Fungal or Algal) Growth or Soil and Dirt Accumulation
Standard Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Surface Disfigurement of Paint Films by Microbial (Fungal or Algal) Growth or Soil and Dirt Accumulation
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The growth of fungi and algae in and on the surface of paint films represents a major cause of discoloration or disfigurement of painted surfaces. Because of their dark pigmentation, it is frequently difficult to distinguish fungi and algae from soil or dirt particles. The use of magnification of as much as 100× affords easy distinguishability among fungal spores, fungal mycelia, algae, and dirt and is recommended in cases where such difficulty is apparent.
Dirt accumulation observed on specimens can occur more readily with coatings formulated at lower pigment volume concentration or those containing softer resins.
Use of Photographic Standards:
3
4.3.1 The photographic reference standards that are part of this test method are for illustration purposes and should be used for visual comparisons.
4.3.2 The photographic standards illustrated in Fig. 4 rate the disfigurement of paint films from 0 to 8. A rating of 10 would indicate a film totally absent of disfigurement by particulate matter.
4.3.3 The ratings used in this standard more closely match a nonlinear scale.
FIG. 4 Disfigurement Ratings
SCOPE
1.1 The photographic reference standards available for use with this test method provide a numerical basis for rating the degree of fungal and algal growth or soil and dirt accumulation on paint films.
1.2 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.
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation: D 3274 – 95 (Reapproved 2002)
Standard Test Method for
Evaluating Degree of Surface Disfigurement of Paint Films
by Microbial (Fungal or Algal) Growth or Soil and Dirt
Accumulation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3274; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope not be associated with fungal mycelia and can range in a wide
variety of colors. Although primarily gray or black, some
1.1 The photographic reference standards available for use
spores are even green in color and have been mistaken as
with this test method provide a numerical basis for rating the
terrestrial algae. Spores of Aureobasidium pullulans magnified
degree of fungal and algal growth or soil and dirt accumulation
1003 are shown in Fig. 1.
on paint films.
3.3 hyphae—thread-like, tubular, fungal filaments that com-
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
pose the mycelium. Hyphae may appear individually or have
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
spores attached.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.3.1 Discussion—Hyphae of Aureobasidium pullulans,
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
magnified 503 are shown in Fig. 2.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.4 mycelium—vegetative mass of hyphae forming the body
2. Referenced Documents of a fungus.
3.5 fruiting body—fungus structure consisting of special-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
ized hyphae where sexual reproduction occurs.
D 4610 Guide for Determining the Presence of and Remov-
3.6 Amorphous growth typical of an alga such as Chloro-
ing Microbial (Fungal or Algal) Growth on Paint and
coccum Sp. appears in Fig. 3 at a magnification of 393.
Related Coatings
Terrestrial algae can appear green to dark brown in color.
2.2 ASTM Adjuncts:
Pictorial Photographic Standards
4. Significance and Use
3. Terminology
4.1 The growth of fungi and algae in and on the surface of
paint films represents a major cause of discoloration or
3.1 Types of Fungal and Algal Growth— Fungi are het-
disfigurement of painted surfaces. Because of their dark
erotrophs capable of reproducing both asexually and sexually.
pigmentation, it is frequently difficult to distinguish fungi and
Asexual reproduction takes place either by the fragmentation
algae from soil or dirt particles. The use of magnification of as
of the mycelium or by the production of spores. Sexual
much as 1003 affords easy distinguishability among fungal
reproduction can occur by fusion of gametes, penetration of a
spores, fungal mycelia, algae, and dirt and is recommended in
gamete into a reproductive structure known as a gametangium,
cases where such difficulty is apparent.
or by fusion of gametangia. Some common definitions include:
4.2 Dirt accumulation observed on specimens can occur
3.2 spore—an asexual reproductive cell capable of devel-
more readily with coatings formulated at lower pigment
oping into a mature fungus without fusion with another cell.
volume concentration or those containing softer resins.
3.2.1 Discussion—Spores tend to be spherical in morphol-
4.3 Use of Photographic Standards:
ogy and are observed singly or in clusters. Spores may or may
4.3.1 The photographic reference standards that are part of
thistestmethodareforillustrationpurposesandshouldbeused
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint
for visual comparisons.
and Related Coatings, Materials, andApplications and is the direct responsibility of
4.3.2 The photographic standards illustrated in Fig. 4 rate
Subcommittee D01.28 on Biodeterioration.
the disfigurement of paint films from 0 to 8. A rating of 10
Current edition approved April 15, 1995. Published June 1995. Originally
e1
published as D 3274 – 73 T. Last previous edition D 3274 – 82 (1988) .
would indicate a film totally absent of disfigurement by
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 06.01.
particulate matter.
Available from ASTM
...
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