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D4143-16 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📐 Scope and Referenced Documents
ASTM D4143‑16 (Reapproved 2022) is a standard guide that covers methods suitable for testing latex vehicles. Certain of these methods were developed expressly for latex vehicles, while others were created for formulated water‑ or solvent‑based coatings but are equally applicable to latices. The values stated in SI units are regarded as standard, and users are responsible for establishing appropriate safety and environmental practices.
The following referenced documents are integral to this guide:
| 🟦 Standard | 📏 Title |
|---|---|
| D562 | Test Method for Consistency of Paints Measuring Krebs Unit (KU) Viscosity Using a Stormer‑Type Viscometer |
| D1475 | Test Method for Density of Liquid Coatings, Inks, and Related Products |
| D2196 | Test Methods for Rheological Properties of Non‑Newtonian Materials by Rotational Viscometer |
| D2354 | Test Method for Minimum Film Formation Temperature (MFFT) of Emulsion Vehicles |
| D2369 | Test Method for Volatile Content of Coatings |
| D3925 | Practice for Sampling Liquid Paints and Related Pigmented Coatings |
| E70 | Test Method for pH of Aqueous Solutions With the Glass Electrode |
⚙️ Testing Methods for Latex Vehicles
Sampling of latex vehicles should follow Practice D3925, which describes procedures for formulated (pigmented) coatings that are equally applicable to latex vehicles. Rheological properties can be measured via Test Method D2196, density per D1475, and minimum film formation temperature per D2354.
For volatile content, Test Method D2369 has been found suitable for many latex vehicles. Nonvolatile content is obtained by subtracting the volatile result from 100. The standard bake time is 60 min; any shorter time must be noted in the report.
Always record the bake time when reporting volatile content results. Shorter bake times may affect the accuracy of the determination, as noted in the guide.
📊 Nonvolatile Content Determination
Two primary methods are described. Test Method D2369 (see 4.1) provides volatile content, from which nonvolatile content is derived. For quality control purposes, Test Method D4758 specifies baking at 180 °C for 20 min, allowing completion in 1 h or less. However, D4758 is not intended for determining the volatile organic content (VOC) of formulated coatings.
For latex vehicles used in air‑dry or low‑temperature bake coatings, the milder conditions of D2369 more accurately reflect the effective nonvolatile content.
| ⚡ Method | 🎯 Conditions | 📊 Application |
|---|---|---|
| D2369 | 60 min bake (standard) | Volatile content; nonvolatile by difference |
| D4758 | 180 °C for 20 min | Quality control; not for VOC determination |
Test Method D4758 has been withdrawn (since 2007). For VOC analysis of formulated coatings, use D2369 instead.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 How is nonvolatile content calculated from Test Method D2369?
Nonvolatile content is obtained by subtracting the measured volatile content from 100%.
💡 What sampling practice is recommended for latex vehicles?
Practice D3925 is recommended for sampling liquid paints and related pigmented coatings, and it is equally applicable to latex vehicles.
⚡ Can Test Method D4758 be used for VOC determination?
No, Test Method D4758 is not intended for determining volatile organic content in formulated coatings.
📌 Why is Test Method D2369 preferred for certain latex vehicles?
For latex vehicles used in air‑dry or low‑temperature bake coatings, D2369’s milder conditions (60 min bake) more accurately reflect the effective nonvolatile content.