Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
D600-07 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
ASTM D600-07 (Reapproved 2012) establishes the comprehensive specification for liquid paint driers—metallic salt solutions designed to catalyze the drying process of oils in paints, varnishes, and enamels. The standard covers six distinct classes of driers based on the chemical nature of the acid in the salt, providing a framework for evaluating composition, purity, and performance consistency.
📐 Scope and Classification of Drier Types
As defined in Section 1 of the standard, this specification governs liquid driers that are solutions of metallic salts. The classification system breaks down the acid backbone and solvent system as follows:
| 🟦 Class | 📝 Acid / Base Description | 🎯 Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | 2-Ethyl hexanoic acids in petroleum spirits | Standard synthetic primary drier base. |
| Class B | Naphthenic acids in petroleum spirits | Traditional drier base derived from petroleum. |
| Class C | Neodecanoic acids in petroleum spirits | Synthetic base with high color stability. |
| Class D | Tall oil fatty acids in petroleum spirits | Agricultural by-product base, moderate cost. |
| Class E | Any above + compatibility additives | Formulated for water-dispersible coatings. |
| Class F | Other acids or blends (unidentified) | Covers proprietary formulations. |
💡 Rounding Requirements: Per Section 1.2, all observed or calculated values used to determine conformance must be rounded “to the nearest unit” in the last right-hand digit used in the specification limit, following the procedure in ASTM Practice E29.
⚙️ Chemical and Physical Requirements
Section 3 of D600-07 stipulates the quantitative and qualitative requirements for compliant driers. The physical appearance criteria (Section 3.2) mandates that the drier must be a mobile liquid free of sediment and suspended matter, and must remain stable and miscible with oil per Test Methods D564. The table below represents the typical control points evaluated in Table 1 of the standard.
| 🧪 Metal | ⚡ Typical Metal % (by weight) | 🎯 Color (Gardner, max) per D1544 | 📏 Viscosity (Bubble) per D1545 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cobalt (Co) | 0.5, 6.0, 12.0 | 8 | A to K |
| Manganese (Mn) | 6.0 | 8 | A to K |
| Zirconium (Zr) | 6.0, 12.0, 24.0 | 8 | A to K |
| Calcium (Ca) | 4.0, 5.0, 10.0 | 8 | A to K |
| Zinc (Zn) | 8.0, 16.0 | 12 | A to K |
Note: This data is representative of the quantitative structure in Table 1 of the standard. The exact limits for specific drier types are detailed in the full specification document.
📊 Significance and Test Methods
Section 4 clarifies that the values listed in the specification are intended as general guides to product character rather than reproducible constants. All enumerated properties, including metallic content, color, and viscosity, are determined in accordance with ASTM D564 (Test Methods for Liquid Paint Driers), unless otherwise provided in Section 5.
In accordance with Section 6 (Packaging and Package Marking), the package size is agreed upon between the purchaser and the supplier. When specified, packaging must conform to Fed. Spec. PPP-C-2020 for liquid chemicals.
⚠️ Safety Guidance: Section 1.4 of the standard explicitly directs users to consult the supplier’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for specific hazard information concerning the materials listed in this specification. Proper handling protocols must always be observed.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What is the primary function of liquid paint driers governed by D600?
These metallic carboxylates act as catalysts to accelerate the autoxidation and polymerization of drying oils within coatings. This dramatically reduces the drying and curing time of the applied film, which is essential for efficient production and application of alkyd and oil-based systems.
💡 How significant are the Class A–F designations in product selection?
The Class defines the acid backbone of the drier salt. Class A (2-Ethyl hexanoic) offers excellent color and stability. Class B (Naphthenic) provides reliable performance. Class C (Neodecanoic) is preferred for non-yellowing applications. Class E is specifically engineered for water-reducible systems. Selecting the correct class is critical for resin compatibility and final film properties.
⚡ What are the key qualitative requirements for physical appearance?
Section 3.2 explicitly requires the liquid drier to be a “mobile liquid free of sediment and suspended matter.” It must also demonstrate full miscibility with oil without cloudiness or separation, ensuring it blends uniformly into the coating formulation.
📌 Which primary test methods are cited for verifying conformance?
ASTM D564 serves as the umbrella test method for liquid paint driers. Specific tests include ASTM D1544 for color measurement on the Gardner Scale, and ASTM D1545 for viscosity determination using the Bubble Time method. All results are rounded to the specification limit per ASTM E29.