ASTM D6886-14e1

5.1 In using Practice D3960 to measure the volatile organic compound content of waterborne coatings, precision can be poor for low volatile organic compound content air-dry coatings if the volatile organic weight percent is determined indirectly. The present method directly identifies and then quantifies the weight percent of individual volatile organic compounds in air-dry coatings (Note 6). The total volatile organic weight percent can be obtained by adding the individual weight percent values (Note 7).

1.1 This test method is for the determination of the weight percent of individual volatile organic compounds in waterborne air-dry coatings (Note 1).

1.2 This method may be used for the analysis of coatings containing silanes, siloxanes, and silane-siloxane blends.

1.3 This method is not suitable for the analysis of coatings that cure by chemical reaction (this includes two-component coatings and coatings which cure when heated) because the dilution herein required will impede the chemical reaction required for these types of coatings.

1.4 This method can be used to determine the weight percent organic content of waterborne coatings in which the volatile organic compound weight percent is below 5 percent. The method has been used successfully with higher content waterborne coatings and with solventborne coatings (Note 2).

1.5 This method may also be used to measure the exempt volatile organic compound content (for example, acetone, methyl acetate, t-butyl acetate and p-chlorobezotrifluoride) of waterborne and solvent-borne coatings. Check local regulations for a list of exempt compounds. The methodology is virtually identical to that used in Test Method D6133 which, as written, is specific for only exempt volatile compounds.

1.6 Volatile compounds that are present at the 0.005 weight percent level (50 ppm) or greater can be determined. A procedure for doing so is given in Section 9.

1.7 Volatile organic compound content of a coating can be calculated using data from Test Method D6886 but requires other data (see Appendix X2.)

1.8 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.9 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.