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D4960-20 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📐 Scope and Significance of D4960-20
ASTM D4960-20 describes the instrumental determination of color for thermoplastic pavement marking materials using the CIE Y, x, y color measurement system (Scope, Section 1.1). The standard defines a thermoplastic pavement marking material as a highly filled 100% total solids material that, when heated to a molten state, can be extruded or sprayed onto a pavement surface, forming a solid, durable delineator upon cooling (Section 3.2.2). This test method is intended to determine compliance with various thermoplastic pavement marking specifications (Section 5.1).
| 🟦 Parameter | 📏 Requirement / Detail |
|---|---|
| Material Composition | Highly filled 100% total solids |
| Measurement System | CIE Y, x, y |
| Specimen Diameter | Approx. 7.6 cm (3 in.) |
| Specimen Surface | Flat side or top side (no sig. difference) |
| Measurement Condition | Cooled to room temperature |
⚙️ Specimen Preparation and Measurement Geometry
Per Section 4, a representative test specimen is taken from a molten sample obtained in accordance with Practice D7307. The material is poured into a TFE-fluorocarbon coated pan to form a patty and allowed to cool to room temperature before measurement. The standard references Practice D7308 for sample preparation and outlines the geometric conditions for measurement following Guide E179 and Test Methods E1349 (Bidirectional 45°: