ASTM D6945/D6945M-03(2023)

Standard Specification for Emulsified Refined Coal-Tar (Ready to Use, Commercial Grade)

ABSTRACT
This specification covers mineral-colloid-stabilized, emulsified refined coal tar suitable for use as a weather-protective and petroleum (aliphatic) solvent resistant coating. This product is typically applied to commercial lots and other low speed bituminous concrete pavements suitable for protection. The material shall be classified as: Type I and Type II. The refined coal tar emulsion seal coat shall consist of a mixture of refined coal tar emulsion, water, and aggregate and be proportioned within the ranges specified. Mixture and aggregate verification tests shall be performed to conform with the specified requirements.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers mineral-colloid-stabilized, emulsified refined coal tar suitable for use as a weather-protective and petroleum (aliphatic) solvent resistant coating. This product is typically applied to commercial lots and other low-speed bituminous concrete pavements suitable for protection.  
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.  
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-Dec-2022
• ICS: 73.040 - Coals
• Technical Committee: D08 - Roofing and Waterproofing
• Drafting Committee: D08.09 - Liquid Applied Coatings for Roofing and Asphaltic Concrete Pavement

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D140/D140M-16(2023) - Standard Practice for Sampling Asphalt Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM C142/C142M-17(2023) - Standard Test Method for Clay Lumps and Friable Particles in Aggregates
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM C142/C142M-17 - Standard Test Method for Clay Lumps and Friable Particles in Aggregates
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2017
• Refers: ASTM D140/D140M-16 - Standard Practice for Sampling Asphalt Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2016
• Refers: ASTM D140/D140M-15 - Standard Practice for Sampling Bituminous Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM D140/D140M-14 - Standard Practice for Sampling Bituminous Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2014
• Refers: ASTM D490-92(2011) - Standard Specification for Road Tar
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2011
• Refers: ASTM D5727/D5727M-00(2011)e1 - Standard Specification for Emulsified Refined Coal Tar (Mineral Colloid Type)
• Effective Date: 01-May-2011
• Refers: ASTM D3423/D3423M-84(2011)e1 - Standard Practice for Application of Emulsified Coal-Tar Pitch (Mineral Colloid Type)
• Effective Date: 01-May-2011
• Refers: ASTM C142/C142M-10 - Standard Test Method for Clay Lumps and Friable Particles in Aggregates
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2010
• Refers: ASTM D140/D140M-09 - Standard Practice for Sampling Bituminous Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2009
• Refers: ASTM D490-92(2005) - Standard Specification for Road Tar
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2005
• Refers: ASTM D2939-03 - Standard Test Methods for Emulsified Bitumens Used as Protective Coatings (Withdrawn 2012)
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-2003
• Refers: ASTM D490-92(2001) - Standard Specification for Road Tar
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-1992
• Refers: ASTM D490-92(1997) - Standard Specification for Road Tar
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-1992

Overview

ASTM D6945/D6945M-03(2023) is the internationally recognized standard specification for mineral-colloid-stabilized, emulsified refined coal-tar, ready to use in commercial grade applications. Developed by ASTM International, this standard addresses material requirements for coal-tar emulsions specifically formulated as weather-protective and petroleum solvent-resistant coatings. These coatings are primarily applied to commercial lots and low-speed bituminous concrete pavements for enhanced durability and protection against environmental and chemical exposure.

This specification outlines the classification, composition, physical requirements, verification methods, and application criteria for emulsified refined coal-tar products, ensuring consistent performance and quality for pavement protection projects.

Key Topics

• Material Classification: The standard defines two types of emulsified refined coal-tar mixtures:

  • Type I: Mixture of refined coal-tar emulsion, water, and aggregate.
  • Type II: Mixture of refined coal-tar emulsion, water, aggregate, and an additive.

• Application Areas: The product is intended for use as a surface treatment on commercial parking lots and other low-speed bituminous concrete surfaces, where resistance to weathering and petroleum-based solvents (such as aliphatic hydrocarbons) is crucial.

• Mixture Requirements:

  • Proportions for water, aggregate, and additives must fall within specified ranges.
  • Mixture composition must be approved in writing by the coal tar emulsion manufacturer.
  • Requirements for aggregate type and gradation are established to ensure compatibility and performance.

• Physical Performance:

  • Uniformity, residue by evaporation, water content, aggregate content, ash content, drying times, and resistance to kerosene and water are specified and verified by laboratory tests.
  • Flexibility and adhesion must be maintained to protect the underlying pavement.

• Verification and Testing:

  • Contractors must submit samples for verification before application.
  • Ongoing aggregate content verification is required during job site application.
  • Testing methods referenced include ASTM standards for sampling (D140/D140M) and performance evaluation (D2939).

Applications

• Commercial Parking Lots: Extends service life and protects asphalt surfaces from chemical spills, petroleum leaks, and weather-related degradation.
• Low-Speed Pavements: Provides enhanced resistance to traffic wear and hydrocarbon exposure in roadways, driveways, and other surfaces not subject to heavy or high-speed traffic.
• Surface Refurbishment: Ideal for maintaining and refurbishing existing bituminous pavements, improving appearance, and reducing future maintenance costs.
• Petroleum-Exposed Areas: Suited for locations where surfaces are exposed to fuel, oil, and aliphatic solvents, such as service stations and airport service areas.

Related Standards

For comprehensive pavement protection and maintenance, ASTM D6945/D6945M-03(2023) references or aligns with the following standards:

• ASTM D490 - Specification for Road Tar
• ASTM D3423/D3423M - Practice for Application of Emulsified Coal-Tar Pitch (Mineral Colloid Type)
• ASTM D5727/D5727M - Specification for Emulsified Refined Coal Tar (Mineral Colloid Type)
• ASTM C136/C136M - Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates
• ASTM C142/C142M - Test Method for Clay Lumps and Friable Particles in Aggregates
• ASTM D140/D140M - Practice for Sampling Asphalt Materials
• ASTM D2939 - Test Methods for Emulsified Bitumens Used as Protective Coatings

Summary

ASTM D6945/D6945M-03(2023) establishes clear requirements for the quality, performance, and application of emulsified refined coal-tar for pavement sealing projects. Adherence to this petroleum solvent-resistant coating specification ensures improved surface durability, effective protection against environmental and chemical damage, and compliance with recognized international standards for bituminous pavement maintenance.

Implementing this standard offers significant value for commercial asset protection, pavement longevity, and regulatory conformity in surface treatment projects.

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:D6945/D6945M −03 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Specification for
Emulsified Refined Coal-Tar (Ready to Use, Commercial
Grade)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6945/D6945M; 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 D490 Specification for Road Tar
D2939 Test Methods for Emulsified Bitumens Used as
1.1 This specification covers mineral-colloid-stabilized,
Protective Coatings (Withdrawn 2012)
emulsified refined coal tar suitable for use as a weather-
D3423/D3423M Practice for Application of Emulsified
protective and petroleum (aliphatic) solvent resistant coating.
Coal-Tar Pitch (Mineral Colloid Type)
This product is typically applied to commercial lots and other
D5727/D5727M Specification for Emulsified Refined Coal
low-speed bituminous concrete pavements suitable for protec-
Tar (Mineral Colloid Type)
tion.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units 3. Terminology
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
3.1 The refined coal tar emulsion mixed at the contractor’s
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
yard or at the job site shall meet the requirements of Specifi-
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
cation D5727/D5727M. Mixture Types I and II (see Appendix
values from the two systems may result in nonconformance
Aof Practice D3423/D3423M for standard definition of terms)
with the standard.
are described below:
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.1 Type I material—a mixture of refined coal tar emul-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
sion meeting Specification D5727/D5727M, water, and aggre-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
gate.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.1.2 Type II material—a mixture of refined coal tar emul-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
sion meeting Specification D5727/D5727M, water, aggregate,
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
and additive.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4. Classification
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.1 Thisspecificationisdesignedtogivespecifyingauthori-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
ties the information necessary to ensure that the appropriate
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
base refined coal tar emulsion mixtures are specified for
protecting bituminous concrete pavements where fuel resis-
2. Referenced Documents
tance is required.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.2 Normal aggregate loadings for Type I materials should
C136/C136M Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and
rangefrom0.360to0.600kg/L[3to5lb/gal].TypeIImaterials
Coarse Aggregates
can have slightly higher loadings of aggregate; however,
C142/C142M Test Method for Clay Lumps and Friable
aggregate loadings in excess of 0.720 kg/L [6 lb/gal] are
Particles in Aggregates
strongly discouraged.
D140/D140M Practice for Sampling Asphalt Materials
NOTE 1—Several researchers have shown that high aggregate loadings
result in a lack of fuel resistance as determined by the Resistance to
Kerosene test according to Test Methods D2939. Poor adhesion may also
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D08 on occur with high sand loadings.
Roofing and Waterproofing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D08.09
on Liquid Applied Coatings for Roofing and Asphaltic Concrete Pavement. 5. Materials and Manufacture
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2023. Published January 2023. Originally
5.1 Base Refined Coal Tar Emulsion—This emulsion shall
approved in 2003. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as D6945/D6945M – 03
(2017). DOI: 10.1520/D6945_D6945M-03R23. be made using binders prepared from a high-temperature
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6945/D6945M−03 (2023)
TABLE 2 Type I—Composition of Mixture per 100 gal of Refined
refinedcoaltarconformingtotherequirementsofSpecification
Coal Tar Emulsion
D490 for RT11 or higher.The use of oil and water gas tar is not
Refined
allowed. The base refined coal tar emulsion shall be in
Coal Tar Water, Aggregate,
Application
accordance with all requirements of Specification D5727/
Emulsion, L [gal] mg [lb]
D5727M.
L [gal]
First and Second Seal 100 25–30 36–60
5.2 Aggregate—The aggregate shall be either a natural or
Coat [100] [25–30] [300–500]
manufactured (boiler slag has been used successfully) angular
aggregate composed of clean, hard, durable particles free of
clay and other objectionable material when tested in accor-
TABLE 3 Type II—Composition of Mixture per 100 gal of Refined
dance with Test Method C142/C142M. (Boiler slag has been Coal Tar Emulsion
used successfully.)
Refined Coal
Water, Additive, Aggregate,
NOTE 2—It is recommended that this aggregate meet the gradation Application Tar Emulsion,
L [gal] L [gal] mg [lb]
L [gal]
given in Ta
...