ASTM D1644-01(2023)

Standard Test Methods for Nonvolatile Content of Varnishes

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
2.1 These test methods are applicable to varnish and are useful to producers and users in determining nonvolatile content and are sometimes an appropriate measure of the film-forming matter in varnish.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods determine the fraction of a varnish that is nonvolatile at the temperature of the test while volatile solvents are driven off. It is sometimes an approximate measure of the film-forming matter in a varnish.  
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. For a specific statement, see Section 3.  
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: 30-Jun-2023
• ICS: 87.040 - Paints and varnishes
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.21 - Chemical Analysis of Paints and Paint Materials

Overview

ASTM D1644-01(2023) – Standard Test Methods for Nonvolatile Content of Varnishes is an internationally recognized standard developed by ASTM International. This standard specifies test methods to determine the nonvolatile content of varnishes, providing a reliable measure of the material that remains after the evaporation of volatile solvents under defined conditions. The nonvolatile content is an important property for both producers and users of varnishes, as it is often used as an approximate measure of the film-forming matter in a varnish formulation.

Nonvolatile content determination helps assess product quality, consistency, and suitability for specific applications. The tests can be conducted using either mechanical or gravity convection ovens under well-controlled temperature and time parameters, ensuring precise and repeatable results.

Key Topics

• Nonvolatile Matter: The principal focus of ASTM D1644 is the quantification of the nonvolatile fraction in varnish products. This portion is what remains after the removal of volatile components, typically solvents, at specified temperatures.
• Test Methods: The standard contains two primary procedures for determination:
  • Test Method A: Heating a prepared sample at 105°C for 3 hours in a ventilated oven.
  • Test Method B: Heating a thinner film at 150°C for 10 minutes on a hot plate.
• Film-Forming Estimation: The results serve as an approximate measure of the actual film-forming content, crucial for coatings and finishes where performance is tied to the remaining nonvolatile material.
• Safety and Compliance: The standard provides guidance for safe testing practices and highlights the importance of considering any hazards, such as solvent flash points and regulatory requirements.
• Measurement and Reporting: Results are expressed as a percentage of nonvolatile matter, calculated and reported to the nearest 0.1%, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Sample Preparation: Emphasis is placed on thorough sample mixing, precise weighing, and the use of inert, heat-stable containers to avoid errors in measurement.

Applications

ASTM D1644-01(2023) has practical utility in various industries that manufacture, test, or use varnishes and related coatings, such as:

• Paint and Coatings Manufacturing: Ensuring product consistency and quality control during varnish production.
• Materials Testing Laboratories: Performing standardized assessments for product certification and regulatory compliance.
• Quality Assurance: Establishing benchmarks for nonvolatile content, which correlate to film durability, gloss, and adhesion in final applications.
• Product Development and Formulation: Enabling researchers and developers to evaluate and optimize resin formulations for desired properties.
• Compliance with International Trade: Facilitating verification of product specifications in international trade, as the standard aligns with WTO guidelines for international standards and technical barriers to trade.

Related Standards

For comprehensive quality assessment and compliance, users of ASTM D1644 may also reference the following standards:

• ASTM D2369: Standard Test Method for Volatile Content of Coatings
• ASTM D2697: Standard Test Method for Volume Nonvolatile Matter in Clear or Pigmented Coatings
• ASTM D1475: Standard Test Method for Density of Liquid Coatings, Inks, and Related Products
• ISO 3251: Paints, varnishes and plastics – Determination of non-volatile matter content

These related standards complement the procedures described in ASTM D1644, ensuring complete coverage of testing requirements within the paint and varnish industry.

By adhering to ASTM D1644-01(2023), manufacturers, suppliers, and users can reliably determine and communicate varnish quality, ensuring products meet industry and regulatory expectations for nonvolatile content.

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: D1644 − 01 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Methods for
Nonvolatile Content of Varnishes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1644; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope the size of the oven, the type of oven (mechanical or gravity
convection) and the air changes per hour.
1.1 These test methods determine the fraction of a varnish
that is nonvolatile at the temperature of the test while volatile
TEST METHOD A—3 h AT 105 °C
solvents are driven off. It is sometimes an approximate
measure of the film-forming matter in a varnish.
4. Procedure
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
4.1 Place a portion of the thoroughly mixed sample in a
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
stoppered bottle, or alternatively, in a weighing pipet or a
only.
10 mL syringe without a needle, and from this weigh by
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
difference 1.2 g 6 0.1 g into a tared flat-bottomed metal or
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
glass dish (Note 1), 80 mm to 100 mm in diameter and 5 mm
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
to 10 mm in depth, such as friction-top can covers, ointment
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
boxes, or petri dishes.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to
use. For a specific statement, see Section 3.
NOTE 1—The term “tared, flat-bottomed dish” implies that the empty
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- dish has no measurable weight change when subjected to the same heat
schedule as prescribed for the dish containing the specimen. If this is
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
found to be not so, then more suitable vessels must be found, or
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
corrections applied.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical 4.2 By gentle tilting, spread the specimen over the bottom of
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
the dish and heat for 3 h in a ventilated oven maintained at
105 °C 6 2 °C. If necessary, a piece of stout wire can be
2. Significance and Use
included in the tare of the dish and used at intervals to break up
skins by stirring during the heating period. Cool in a desiccator
2.1 These test methods are applicable to varnish and are
useful to producers and users in determining nonvolatile and weigh the dish.
content and are sometimes an appropriate measure of the
film-forming matter in varnish.
5. Calculation
5.1 Calculate the percent of nonvolatile matter NV as
3. Hazards
follows (Note 2):
3.1 Since the flash points of some of the solvents used in
NV 5 @~C 2 A!/S# × 100 (1)
coatings and related products are below the temperature of the
test, care should be exercised that the lower explosive limits of
where:
the solvents are not exceeded. The amount of solvent in the
A = weight of dish, g,
oven atmosphere at any one time will depend on the number of
S = weight of specimen used, g, and
tests (pans) in the oven, the percent nonvolatile of the samples,
C = weight
...