Development of a Universally Accepted Test Method for Volatile Organic Compounds

摘要

Test methods published by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)and used for the determination of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content of coatings are known to have cumulatively poor reproducibility. The VOC calculations are contained in ASTM D3960 which comprises methods D1475 for density D2369 for percent weight of non-volatiles; D3792 and D4017 for water content, and D4457 for chlorinated hydrocarbon content. Test methodology, adequacy or appropriateness of instrumentation and competence of laboratory personnel are variables addressed in this work. Some of the problems associated with compositionally unusual and unique coating systems with respect to the determination of non-volatile content and water content are discussed. Proposed revisions to the test protocols are given which greatly improve interlaboratory reproducibility. The work shows that good reproducibility in VOC determinations for coatings are a function of procedural improvements, level of operator competence and quality of instrumentation.