Paints and varnishes - Testing of formaldehyde-emitting coatings and melamine foams - Determination of the steady-state concentration of formaldehyde in a small test chamber (ISO 15234:1999)

Specifies a test method for determining the equilibrium concentration of formaldehyde from formaldehyde-emitting coatings and melamine foams in a small test chamber. It describes the determination of the equilibrium concentration of formaldehyde that is established in air at 23 ¦C and 50 % relative humidity. The test closely simulates practical conditions and can be performed on a laboratory scale. Good correlation is obtained with values obtained on samples of the same material in a 40 m¦ test chamber. The method, which is simple to perform, is therefore suitable for the preliminary determination of limits that have to be adhered to.

Beschichtungsstoffe - Prüfung von Formaldehyd emittierenden Beschichtungen und Melamin-Schaumstoffen - Bestimmung der Ausgleichskonzentration an Formaldehyd in einem kleinen Prüfraum (ISO 15234:1999)

Diese Internationale Norm legt ein Verfahren zur Ermittlung der Ausgleichskonzentration von Formaldehyd (Methanal) aus Formaldehyd emittierenden Beschichtungen und Melamin-Schaumstoffen in einem kleinen Prüfraum fest.
Sie beschreibt die Bestimmung der Ausgleichskonzentration von Formaldehyd, die sich in Luft bei 23 °C und 50 % relativer Luftfeuchte einstellt. Die Prüfung ist praxisnah und im Labormaßstab durchführbar. Eine Korrelation mit Werten, die sich in einem großen Prüfraum von 40 m³ am gleichen Probematerial ergeben, ist nachgewiesen worden. Das mit geringerem Aufwand durchführbare Verfahren ist deshalb zur Vorprüfung auf einzuhaltende Grenzwerte geeignet.

Peintures et vernis - Essais des revêtements et mousses mélamines qui émettent du formaldéhyde - Détermination de la concentration à l'équilibre du formaldéhyde dans une petite chambre d'essai (ISO 15234:1999)

La présente Norme internationale spécifie une méthode d'essai permettant de déterminer la concentration àl’équilibre du formaldéhyde émis par des peintures et mousses mélamines dans une petite chambre d'essai.Elle décrit la détermination de la concentration à l’équilibre du formaldéhyde qui est établie dans une atmosphèrede 23 °C, avec une humidité relative de 50 %. L'essai simule étroitement les conditions pratiques, et peut êtreréalisé à l'échelle d'un laboratoire. On obtient une bonne corrélation avec des valeurs provenant d'échantillons dumême matériau, dans une chambre d'essai de 40 m3. La méthode, qui est simple à mettre en oeuvre, convient doncpour la détermination préalable des limites à observer.

Barve in laki - Preskušanje prevlek in melamin pen, ki izpuhtevajo formaldehid - Določitev stabilnega stanja koncentracije formaldehida v majhni preskusni komori (ISO 15234:1999)

Določa preskusno metodo za določitev ravnotežne koncentracije formaldehida v prevlekah in melaminskih penah, ki oddajajo formaldehid, v majhni preskusni komori.

General Information

Status
Published
Public Enquiry End Date
19-Jul-2010
Publication Date
28-Nov-2011
Technical Committee
Current Stage
6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
Start Date
24-Nov-2011
Due Date
29-Jan-2012
Completion Date
29-Nov-2011

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Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
SIST EN ISO 15234:2012
01-januar-2012
%DUYHLQODNL3UHVNXãDQMHSUHYOHNLQPHODPLQSHQNLL]SXKWHYDMRIRUPDOGHKLG
'RORþLWHYVWDELOQHJDVWDQMDNRQFHQWUDFLMHIRUPDOGHKLGDYPDMKQLSUHVNXVQLNRPRUL
,62
Paints and varnishes - Testing of formaldehyde-emitting coatings and melamine foams -
Determination of the steady-state concentration of formaldehyde in a small test chamber
(ISO 15234:1999)
Beschichtungsstoffe - Prüfung von Formaldehyd emittierenden Beschichtungen und
Melamin-Schaumstoffen - Bestimmung der Ausgleichskonzentration an Formaldehyd in
einem kleinen Prüfraum (ISO 15234:1999)
Peintures et vernis - Essais des revêtements et mousses mélamines qui émettent du
formaldéhyde - Détermination de la concentration à l'équilibre du formaldéhyde dans une
petite chambre d'essai (ISO 15234:1999)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 15234:2010
ICS:
87.040 Barve in laki Paints and varnishes
SIST EN ISO 15234:2012 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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SIST EN ISO 15234:2012

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SIST EN ISO 15234:2012


EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN ISO 15234

NORME EUROPÉENNE

EUROPÄISCHE NORM
November 2010
ICS 87.040
English Version
Paints and varnishes - Testing of formaldehyde-emitting
coatings and melamine foams - Determination of the steady-
state concentration of formaldehyde in a small test chamber
(ISO 15234:1999)
Peintures et vernis - Essais des revêtements et mousses Beschichtungsstoffe - Prüfung von Formaldehyd
mélamines qui émettent du formaldéhyde - Détermination
emittierenden Beschichtungen und Melaminschaumstoffen
de la concentration à l'équilibre du formaldéhyde dans une - Bestimmung der Ausgleichskonzentration an
petite chambre d'essai (ISO 15234:1999) Formaldehyd in einem kleinen Prüfraum (ISO 15234:1999)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 16 October 2010.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same
status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.





EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2010 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 15234:2010: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

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SIST EN ISO 15234:2012
EN ISO 15234:2010 (E)
Contents Page
Foreword .3

2

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SIST EN ISO 15234:2012
EN ISO 15234:2010 (E)
Foreword
The text of ISO 15234:1999 has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 35 “Paints and varnishes” of
the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and has been taken over as EN ISO 15234:2010 by
Technical Committee CEN/TC 139 “Paints and varnishes” the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical
text or by endorsement, at the latest by May 2011, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the
latest by May 2011.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 15234:1999 has been approved by CEN as a EN ISO 15234:2010 without any modification.

3

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SIST EN ISO 15234:2012

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SIST EN ISO 15234:2012
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 15234
First edition
1999-02-15
Paints and varnishes — Testing of
formaldehyde-emitting coatings and
melamine foams — Determination of the
steady-state concentration of formaldehyde
in a small test chamber
Peintures et vernis — Essais des revêtements et mousses mélamines qui
émettent du formaldéhyde — Détermination de la concentration à l’équilibre
du formaldéhyde dans une petite chambre d'essai
A
Reference number
ISO 15234:1999(E)

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SIST EN ISO 15234:2012
ISO 15234:1999(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide
federation of national standards bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of
preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which
a technical committee has been established has the right to be represented
on that committee. International organizations, governmental and non-
governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO
collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission
(IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
Draft International Standards adopted by the technical committees are
circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an International
Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting
a vote.
International Standard ISO 15234 was prepared by Technical Committee
ISO/TC 35, Paints and varnishes, Subcommittee SC 10, Test methods for
binders for paints and varnishes.
Annexes A and B form an integral part of this International Standard.
Annex C is for information only.
©  ISO 1999
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced
or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and
microfilm, without permission in writing from the publisher.
International Organization for Standardization
Case postale 56 • CH-1211 Genève 20 • Switzerland
Internet iso@iso.ch
Printed in Switzerland
ii

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SIST EN ISO 15234:2012
©
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD  ISO ISO 15234:1999(E)
Paints and varnishes — Testing of formaldehyde-emitting coatings
and melamine foams — Determination of the steady-state
concentration of formaldehyde in a small test chamber
1  Scope
This International Standard specifies a test method for determining the equilibrium concentration of formaldehyde
from formaldehyde-emitting coatings and melamine foams in a small test chamber.
It describes the determination of the equilibrium concentration of formaldehyde that is established in air at 23 °C and
50 % relative humidity. The test closely simulates practical conditions and can be performed on a laboratory scale.
3
Good correlation is obtained with values obtained on samples of the same material in a 40 m test chamber. The
method, which is simple to perform, is therefore suitable for the preliminary determination of limits that have to be
adhered to.
2  Normative references
The following standards contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of this
International Standard. At the time of publication, the editions indicated were valid. All standards are subject to
revision, and parties to agreements based on this International Standard are encouraged to investigate the
possibility of applying the most recent editions of the standards indicated below. Members of IEC and ISO maintain
registers of currently valid International Standards.
ISO 3270:1984,
Paints and varnishes and their raw materials — Temperatures and humidities for conditioning and
testing.
ISO 3696:1987, Water for analytical laboratory use — Specification and test method.
3  Definitions
For the purposes of this International Standard, the following definitions apply.
3.1
equilibrium concentration
c
eql
the concentration of formaldehyde in the air in the test chamber that is reached when several successive values of
3
the concentration determined at one-hour intervals differ by less than 0,02 mg/m
1

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SIST EN ISO 15234:2012
©
ISO
ISO 15234:1999(E)
3.2
air-replacement rate
n
the number of air changes per hour in the test chamber, given by
V
t
n=
tV×
where
V is the volume, in cubic metres, of air passed through the test chamber during the test;
t
t is the duration, in hours, of the test;
is the volume, in cubic metres, of the test chamber
V
3.3
relative specimen area
a
the area of formaldehyde-emitting surface per unit volume of the test chamber, given, in square metres per cubic
–1
metre (i.e. m ), by
A
a=
V
where
A is the area of the specimen, in square metres (see annexes A and B);
V is the volume, in cubic metres, of the test chamber
3.4
steady-state ratio
n/a
the ratio of the air-replacement rate n to the relative specimen area a, given, in metres per hour, by
V
t
n/a =
tA·
where
V is the volume, in cubic metres, of air passed through the test chamber during the test;
t
t is the duration, in hours, of the test;
A is the area, in square metres, of the specimen
3.5
formaldehyde concentration
c
the concentration, in milligrams per cubic metre, of formaldehyde at a given steady-state ratio n/a over the period
of time concerned, given by
m
c=
V
t
where
m is the mass, in milligrams, of formaldehyde;
V is the volume, in cubic metres, of air passed through the test chamber during the test
t
NOTE  The value determined for c can be converted into ppm by dividing by the density of formaldehyde, i.e. by 1,22 g/l at
a temperature of 23 °C and an atmospheric pressure of 101,3 kPa.
2

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SIST EN ISO 15234:2012
©
ISO
ISO 15234:1999(E)
4  Principle
Test specimens are conditioned at (23 – 1) °C and (50 – 3) % relative humidity and exposed under specified
conditions in a small test chamber (desiccator).
The desiccator is set up in an air-conditioned room so that air from the room can be passed first through the
desiccator and then into a water trap where formaldehyde (HCHO) is absorbed. The water in the water trap is
changed at regular intervals, and the formaldehyde concentration c is determined photometrically by the
acetylacetone method or another suitable method. The test is continued until the value measured for c no longer
changes (see 3.1). The equilibrium concentration c in the air in the test chamber is then considered to be
eql
attained.
5  Choice of method for determination of formaldehyde
The acetylacetone method has been chosen as the preferred method. Other methods of determination, e.g. a
fluorimetric method, may be used instead of the photometric method with acetylacetone, provided they can be
shown to give equivalent results. (See also annex C, clause C.7.)
6  Apparatus
Ordinary laboratory apparatus and glassware, together with the following:
6.1  Air-conditioned room or similar facility, maintained at a temperature of (23 – 1) °C and a relative humidity of
(50 – 3) %.
6.2  Apparatus (see figure 1) consisting of
— two gas-metering pumps, rate of pumping at least 100 l/h, pressure head dependent on pressure requirements,
— bubble counter;
—1 000 ml bottle with modified wash-bottle insert;
— test chamber, volume 20 l, such as a desiccator, with lid containing a wire cage for the specimens;
— hygrometer;
— two 30 ml wash-bottles with Muenke fitting, or other suitable absorption vessels;
— 500 ml wash-bottle filled with silica gel to act as a drying tower;
— flowmeter, measuring range 0 l/h to 100 l/h; with fine-control valve;
— integrating flowmeter, operating range 1 l/h to 220 l/h.
3

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SIST EN ISO 15234:2012
©
ISO
ISO 15234:1999(E)
Key
1 Gas-metering pumps
2 Bottle containing saturated calcium nitrate solution to bring the air to (50 – 2) % relative humidity
3 Vent tube with bubble counter
4 Test chamber
5 Specimens
6 Hygrometer
7 Wash-bottles/absorption vessels
8 Wash-bottle containing silica gel (drying tower)
9 Valve
10 Flowmeter
11 Integrating flowmeter
Figure 1 — Apparatus (schematic diagram)
If necessary, two bottles (2) may be connected in tandem. In this case, however, only the second bottle shall be fitted with a
vent tube (3).
Checks shall be made to ensure that there are no leaks in the apparatus during the test.
Connecting tubing shall be as short as possible.
6.3  Spectrophotometer or filter photometer with a 412 nm filter.
6.4  50 mm spectrophotometer cell.
6.5  100 ml, 500 ml and 1 000 ml volumetric flasks.
6.6  10 ml microburette.
6.7  1 ml volumetric pipette.
6.8  Water bath, capable of being maintained at (60 – 2) °C.
6.9  Analytical balance, capable of weighing to an accuracy of 0,1 mg.
4

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SIST EN ISO 15234:2012
©
ISO
ISO 15234:1999(E)
7  Reagents
During the analysis, use only reagents of recognized analytical grade and only water of at least grade 3 purity as
defined in ISO 3696.
7.1  Colour-developer solution.
Weigh 75,0 g of ammonium acetate into a 500 ml volumetric flask and dissolve in water. Add 1,5 ml of concentrated
acetic acid (96 % minimum) and 1,0 ml of acetylacetone. Make up to the mark with water and mix well.
The solution is not stable. It may not be kept for more than 14 days at room temperature (temperature no higher
than 28 °C).
7.2  Formaldehyde, standard stock solution containing about 1 g/l of formaldehyde.
Weigh about 3 g of 30 % formaldehyde solution into a 100 ml beaker and dilute with water. Transfer the diluted
solution into a 1 000 ml volumetric flask, make up to the mark with water and mix well.
Determine the formaldehyde content of this solution as follows:
To 20 ml of the formaldehyde stock solution add 25 ml of iodine solution [c(I ) = 0,05 mol/l, corresponding to
2
12,69 g/l of I ] and 10 ml of sodium hydroxide solution [c(NaOH) = 1 mol/l, corresponding to 40,00 g/l of NaOH].
2
After five minutes, add 11 ml of hydrochloric acid [c(HCl) = 1 mol/l, corresponding to 36,46 g/l of HCl] and a few
drops of starch solution (1 % soluble, Zulkovsky). Titrate the excess iodine solution with sodium thiosulfate solution
[c(Na S O ) = 0,1 mol/l, corresponding to 15,81 g/l of Na S O ].
2 2 3 2 2 3
Calculate the formaldehyde content using the following equation:
0,001 5 (25−×V) 1 000
w(CH O) =
2
20
where
w(CH O) is the formaldehyde content, in grams per litre, of the standard stock solution;
2
V is the volume, in millilitres, of sodium thiosulfate solution used.
7.3  Standard formaldehyde solution (8 mg/l formaldehyde).
Run from the microburette (6.6) a volume of standard stock solution (7.2) containing 8 mg of formaldehyde into a
1 000 ml volumetric flask, make up to the mark with water and mix well.
1 ml of this standard solution contains 8 μg of formaldehyde.
7.4  Saturated calcium nitrate solution, prepared by dissolving calcium nitrate tetrahydrate, Ca(NO ) ⋅ 4H O,
3 2 2
(reagent grade) in water.
8  Preparation of specimens
The required area A of the specimens can be calculated from the air-replacement rate n and the volume V of the
–1
test chamber. For instance, if the number of air changes per hour is three (n = 3 h ) and the volume of the test
2
chamber is 20 l, the specimen area required is 600 cm . This corresponds to a steady-state ratio n/a of 1, which has
proved to be suitable for tests performed in accordance with this standard. For further details of the preparation of
specimens:
— see annex A for paint coatings;
— see annex B for melamine foams.
5

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SIST EN ISO 15234:2012
©
ISO
ISO 15234:1999(E)
Details of the preparation of specimens made of other materials shall be the subject of agreement (see annex C).
Condition the specimens at (23 – 1) °C and (50 – 3) % relative humidity for 28 days (or as otherwise agreed) before
use (see annexes A and B).
9  Procedure
9.1  Number of determinations
Carry out at least three deter
...

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Beschichtungsstoffe - Prüfung von Formaldehyd emittierenden Beschichtungen und Melamin-Schaumstoffen - Bestimmung der Ausgleichskonzentration an Formaldehyd in einem kleinen Prüfraum (ISO 15234:1999)Peintures et vernis - Essais des revêtements et mousses mélamines qui émettent du formaldéhyde - Détermination de la concentration à l'équilibre du formaldéhyde dans une petite chambre d'essai (ISO 15234:1999)Paints and varnishes - Testing of formaldehyde-emitting coatings and melamine foams - Determination of the steady-state concentration of formaldehyde in a small test chamber (ISO 15234:1999)87.040Barve in lakiPaints and varnishesICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:FprEN ISO 15234kSIST FprEN ISO 15234:2010en,fr,de01-julij-2010kSIST FprEN ISO 15234:2010SLOVENSKI
STANDARD



kSIST FprEN ISO 15234:2010



EUROPEAN STANDARD NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
FINAL DRAFT
FprEN ISO 15234
April 2010 ICS 87.040 English Version
Paints and varnishes - Testing of formaldehyde-emitting coatings and melamine foams - Determination of the steady-state concentration of formaldehyde in a small test chamber (ISO 15234:1999)
Peintures et vernis - Essais des revêtements et mousses mélamines qui émettent du formaldéhyde - Détermination de la concentration à l'équilibre du formaldéhyde dans une petite chambre d'essai (ISO 15234:1999)
Beschichtungsstoffe - Prüfung von Formaldehyd emittierenden Beschichtungen und Melamin-Schaumstoffen -Bestimmung der Ausgleichskonzentration an Formaldehyd in einem kleinen Prüfraum (ISO 15234:1999) This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for unique acceptance procedure. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee CEN/TC 139.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre:
Avenue Marnix 17,
B-1000 Brussels © 2010 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national Members. Ref. No. FprEN ISO 15234:2010: EkSIST FprEN ISO 15234:2010



FprEN ISO 15234:2010 (E) 2 Contents Page Foreword .3 kSIST FprEN ISO 15234:2010



FprEN ISO 15234:2010 (E) 3 Foreword The text of ISO 15234:1999 has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 35 “Paints and varnishes” of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and has been taken over as FprEN ISO 15234:2010 by Technical Committee CEN/TC 139 “Paints and varnishes” the secretariat of which is held by DIN. This document is currently submitted to the Unique Acceptance Procedure. Endorsement notice The text of ISO 15234:1999 has been approved by CEN as a FprEN ISO 15234:2010 without any modification.
kSIST FprEN ISO 15234:2010



kSIST FprEN ISO 15234:2010



AReference numberISO 15234:1999(E)INTERNATIONALSTANDARDISO15234First edition1999-02-15Paints and varnishes — Testing offormaldehyde-emitting coatings andmelamine foams — Determination of thesteady-state concentration of formaldehydein a small test chamberPeintures et vernis — Essais des revêtements et mousses mélamines quiémettent du formaldéhyde — Détermination de la concentration à l’équilibredu formaldéhyde dans une petite chambre d'essaikSIST FprEN ISO 15234:2010



ISO 15234:1999(E)©
ISO 1999All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproducedor utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying andmicrofilm, without permission in writing from the publisher.International Organization for StandardizationCase postale 56 · CH-1211 Genève 20 · SwitzerlandInternetiso@iso.chPrinted in SwitzerlandiiForewordISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwidefederation of national standards bodies (ISO member bodies). The work ofpreparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISOtechnical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for whicha technical committee has been established has the right to be representedon that committee. International organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISOcollaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission(IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.Draft International Standards adopted by the technical committees arecirculated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an InternationalStandard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies castinga vote.International Standard ISO 15234 was prepared by Technical CommitteeISO/TC 35, Paints and varnishes, Subcommittee SC 10, Test methods forbinders for paints and varnishes.Annexes A and B form an integral part of this International Standard.Annex C is for information only.kSIST FprEN ISO 15234:2010



INTERNATIONAL STANDARD
© ISOISO 15234:1999(E)1Paints and varnishes — Testing of formaldehyde-emitting coatingsand melamine foams — Determination of the steady-stateconcentration of formaldehyde in a small test chamber1
ScopeThis International Standard specifies a test method for determining the equilibrium concentration of formaldehydefrom formaldehyde-emitting coatings and melamine foams in a small test chamber.It describes the determination of the equilibrium concentration of formaldehyde that is established in air at 23 °C and50 % relative humidity. The test closely simulates practical conditions and can be performed on a laboratory scale.Good correlation is obtained with values obtained on samples of the same material in a 40 m3 test chamber. Themethod, which is simple to perform, is therefore suitable for the preliminary determination of limits that have to beadhered to.2
Normative referencesThe following standards contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of thisInternational Standard. At the time of publication, the editions indicated were valid. All standards are subject torevision, and parties to agreements based on this International Standard are encouraged to investigate thepossibility of applying the most recent editions of the standards indicated below. Members of IEC and ISO maintainregisters of currently valid International Standards.ISO 3270:1984, Paints and varnishes and their raw materials — Temperatures and humidities for conditioning andtesting.ISO 3696:1987, Water for analytical laboratory use — Specification and test method.3
DefinitionsFor the purposes of this International Standard, the following definitions apply.3.1equilibrium concentrationceqlthe concentration of formaldehyde in the air in the test chamber that is reached when several successive values ofthe concentration determined at one-hour intervals differ by less than 0,02 mg/m3kSIST FprEN ISO 15234:2010



ISO 15234:1999(E)© ISO23.2air-replacement ratenthe number of air changes per hour in the test chamber, given byn=VtVt´whereVtis the volume, in cubic metres, of air passed through the test chamber during the test;tis the duration, in hours, of the test;Vis the volume, in cubic metres, of the test chamber3.3relative specimen areaathe area of formaldehyde-emitting surface per unit volume of the test chamber, given, in square metres per cubicmetre (i.e. m–1), bya=AVwhereAis the area of the specimen, in square metres (see annexes A and B);Vis the volume, in cubic metres, of the test chamber3.4steady-state ration/athe ratio of the air-replacement rate n to the relative specimen area a, given, in metres per hour, byn/a=VtAt´whereVtis the volume, in cubic metres, of air passed through the test chamber during the test;tis the duration, in hours, of the test;Ais the area, in square metres, of the specimen3.5formaldehyde concentrationcthe concentration, in milligrams per cubic metre, of formaldehyde at a given steady-state ratio n/a over the periodof time concerned, given byc=mVtwheremis the mass, in milligrams, of formaldehyde;Vtis the volume, in cubic metres, of air passed through the test chamber during the testNOTE
The value determined for c can be converted into ppm by dividing by the density of formaldehyde, i.e. by 1,22 g/l ata temperature of 23 °C and an atmospheric pressure of 101,3 kPa.kSIST FprEN ISO 15234:2010



© ISOISO 15234:1999(E)34
PrincipleTest specimens are conditioned at (23 ± 1) °C and (50 ± 3) % relative humidity and exposed under specifiedconditions in a small test chamber (desiccator).The desiccator is set up in an air-conditioned room so that air from the room can be passed first through thedesiccator and then into a water trap where formaldehyde (HCHO) is absorbed. The water in the water trap ischanged at regular intervals, and the formaldehyde concentration c is determined photometrically by theacetylacetone method or another suitable method. The test is continued until the value measured for c no longerchanges (see 3.1). The equilibrium concentration ceql in the air in the test chamber is then considered to beattained.5
Choice of method for determination of formaldehydeThe acetylacetone method has been chosen as the preferred method. Other methods of determination, e.g. afluorimetric method, may be used instead of the photometric method with acetylacetone, provided they can beshown to give equivalent results. (See also annex C, clause C.7.)6
ApparatusOrdinary laboratory apparatus and glassware, together with the following:6.1
Air-conditioned room or similar facility, maintained at a temperature of (23 ± 1) °C and a relative humidity of(50 ± 3) %.6.2
Apparatus (see figure 1) consisting of—two gas-metering pumps, rate of pumping at least 100 l/h, pressure head dependent on pressure requirements,—bubble counter;—1 000 ml bottle with modified wash-bottle insert;—test chamber, volume 20 l, such as a desiccator, with lid containing a wire cage for the specimens;—hygrometer;—two 30 ml wash-bottles with Muenke fitting, or other suitable absorption vessels;—500 ml wash-bottle filled with silica gel to act as a drying tower;—flowmeter, measuring range 0 l/h to 100 l/h; with fine-control valve;—integrating flowmeter, operating range 1 l/h to 220 l/h.kSIST FprEN ISO 15234:2010



ISO 15234:1999(E)© ISO4Key1Gas-metering pumps2Bottle containing saturated calcium nitrate solution to bring the air to (50 ± 2) % relative humidity3Vent tube with bubble counter4Test chamber5Specimens6Hygrometer7Wash-bottles/absorption vessels8Wash-bottle containing silica gel (drying tower)9Valve10Flowmeter11Integrating flowmeterFigure 1 — Apparatus (schematic diagram)If necessary, two bottles (2) may be connected in tandem. In this case, however, only the second bottle shall be fitted with avent tube (3).Checks shall be made to ensure that there are no leaks in the apparatus during the test.Connecting tubing shall be as short as possible.6.3
Spectrophotometer or filter photometer with a 412 nm filter.6.4
50 mm spectrophotometer cell.6.5
100 ml, 500 ml and 1 000 ml volumetric flasks.6.6
10 ml microburette.6.7
1 ml volumetric pipette.6.8
Water bath, capable of being maintained at (60 ± 2) °C.6.9
Analytical balance, capable of weighing to an accuracy of 0,1 mg.kSIST FprEN ISO 15234:2010



© ISOISO 15234:1999(E)57
ReagentsDuring the analysis, use only reagents of recognized analytical grade and only water of at least grade 3 purity asdefined in ISO 3696.7.1
Colour-developer solution.Weigh 75,0 g of ammonium acetate into a 500 ml volumetric flask and dissolve in water. Add 1,5 ml of concentratedacetic acid (96 % minimum) and 1,0 ml of acetylacetone. Make up to the mark with water and mix well.The solution is not stable. It may not be kept for more than 14 days at room temperature (temperature no higherthan 28 °C).7.2
Formaldehyde, standard stock solution containing about 1 g/l of formaldehyde.Weigh about 3 g of 30 % formaldehyde solution into a 100 ml beaker and dilute with water. Transfer the dilutedsolution into a 1 000 ml volumetric flask, make up to the mark with water and mix well.Determine the formaldehyde content of this solution as follows:To 20 ml of the formaldehyde stock solution add 25 ml of iodine solution [c(I2) = 0,05 mol/l, corresponding to12,69 g/l of I2] and 10 ml of sodium hydroxide solution [c(NaOH) = 1 mol/l, corresponding to 40,00 g/l of NaOH].After five minutes, add 11 ml of hydrochloric acid [c(HCl) = 1 mol/l, corresponding to 36,46 g/l of HCl] and a fewdrops of starch solution (1 % soluble, Zulkovsky). Titrate the excess iodine solution with sodium thiosulfate solution[c(Na2S2O3) = 0,1 mol/l, corresponding to 15,81 g/l of Na2S2O3].Calculate the formaldehyde content using the following equation:wV(CHO)0,0015(25)1000202=-´wherew(CH2O) is the formaldehyde content, in grams per litre, of the standard stock solution;V is the volume, in millilitres, of sodium thiosulfate solution used.7.3
Standard formaldehyde solution (8 mg/l formaldehyde).Run from the microburette (6.6) a volume of standard stock solution (7.2) containing 8 mg of formaldehyde into a1 000 ml volumetric flask, make up to the mark with water and mix well.1 ml of this standard solution contains 8 mg of formaldehyde.7.4
Saturated calcium nitrate solution, prepared by dissolving calcium nitrate tetrahydrate, Ca(NO3)2 × 4H2O,(reagent grade) in water.8
Preparation of specimensThe required area A of the specimens can be calculated from the air-replacement rate n and the volume V of thetest chamber. For instance, if the number of air changes per hour is three (n = 3 h–1) and the volume of the testchamber is 20 l, the specimen area required is 600 cm2. This corresponds to a steady-state ratio n/a of 1, which hasproved to be suitable for tests performed in accordance with this standard. For further details of the preparation ofspecimens:—see annex A for paint coatings;—see annex B for melamine foams.kSIST FprEN ISO 15234:2010



ISO 15234:1999(E)© ISO6Details of the preparation of specimens made of other materials shall be the subject of agreement (see annex C).Condition the specimens at (23 ± 1) °C and (50 ± 3) % relative humidity for 28 days (or as otherwise agreed) beforeuse (see annexes A and B).9
Procedure9.1
Number of determinationsCarry out at least three determinations — in each case on fresh specimens of the same material.9.2
Treatment of specimens9.2.1
Method A (for formaldehyde concentrations < 0,15 mg/m3)Set up the apparatus (6.2) in the air-conditioned room (6.1) and place the conditioned specimens in the desiccator.Introduce 10 ml of water into the first formaldehyde-absorbing wash-bottle and 5 ml of water into the second. Startup the pumps. Adjust the pump that passes air into the bottle containing the calcium nitrate solution so that, duringthe entire test, more air is passed into the bottle than is withdrawn from it. This can be checked by means of thebu
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