ASTM D6886 Determination of Weight Percentage of Volatile Organic Compounds in Water-Based Air-Drying Coatings

“Published by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)ASTM D6886 “Standard test method for determining the weight percent of volatile organic compounds in water-based air-drying coatings by gas chromatography” describes a test method for determining the weight percent of individual volatile organic compounds in water-based air-drying coatings.

Data from this method do not always provide equivalent VOC content of a paint film to EPA Method 24. Some compounds and some semi-volatile compounds may be considered volatile using the specified gas chromatography conditions, but they do not completely volatilize within one hour under the 110°C conditions of EPA Method 24. Some or all of these materials remain in the paint film and, therefore, are not considered VOCs under EPA Method 24.

This method can be used for the analysis of coatings containing silanes, siloxanes, and silane-siloxane mixtures. This method is not suitable for the analysis of chemically cured coatings (including two-component coatings and heat-cured coatings) because the dilution required inhibits the chemical reaction required for such coatings.

Precision statistics for this method were determined for waterborne coatings with a VOC weight percent below 5 percent. This method has been used successfully with waterborne coatings with higher organic content and with solventborne coatings. This method directly measures the VOC weight percent of air-drying coatings, unlike other methods in ASTM D3960, which indirectly measure VOC weight percent. Direct measurement of weight percent generally provides better precision, particularly for waterborne coatings with low VOC content.

This method can also be used to measure the exempt volatile organic compound content (e.g., acetone, methyl acetate, t-butyl acetate, and p-chlorobenzotrifluoride) of waterborne and solventborne coatings. The methodology is virtually identical to that used in ASTM D6133, which applies only to exempt volatile compounds.

When using ASTM D3960 to measure the VOC content of waterborne coatings, if VOC weight percent is determined indirectly, accuracy may be low for air-drying coatings with low VOC content. The current method directly determines the weight percent of individual VOCs in air-drying coatings and then quantifies them. The total VOC weight percent can be obtained by summing the individual weight percent values.

In industries where environmental impact and regulatory compliance are critical, accurately measuring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is vital. ASTM D6886 is a standard test method developed for determining the weight percent of individual VOCs in water-based materials. This standard is particularly important for coatings, adhesives, and other formulations intended to meet low-VOC requirements established by environmental agencies.

ASTM D6886 standard specifies the determination of individual volatile organic compounds and their quantities in water-based formulations, typically using gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector. This method is applicable to:

• Paints and coatings
• Sealants and adhesives
• Inks
• Other water-based chemical products

This method provides a detailed analysis of the weight percentage of each volatile organic compound, providing a more detailed understanding of a product's emissions profile.

The basic steps of this testing method are:

• Sample preparation: The sample is diluted in a suitable solvent (usually acetone) to ensure suitable analysis in gas chromatography.
• Analytical technique: Gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector is used. This method separates volatile organic compounds based on their boiling points and their interaction with the gas chromatographic column. Individual volatile organic compounds are identified by comparing their retention times with known standards.
• Quantification: This method gives the weight percentage of each volatile organic compound. Non-volatile components (such as resins or pigments) and water are excluded from the VOC determination.

Within the scope of this method, only compounds with a boiling point lower than 250 degrees at 101,3 kPa are considered volatile organic compounds.

The advantages of the ASTM D6886 standard include:

• Specificity: Can distinguish and measure all volatile organic compounds individually, rather than summing them into a single total VOC value.
• Sensitivity: Can detect low concentrations of volatile organic compounds.
• Standardized procedure: Provides reproducible results across laboratories and applications.

However, this standard has some limitations:

• Instrument cost: The test systems used are expensive and require skilled operators.
• Not ideal for solvent-based systems: This standard is specifically optimized for water-based products.
• Volatile substitutes are required: For reliable identification volatile organic compound Accurate calibration with standards is critical.

Generally, the ASTM D6886 standard is applied in the following industries:

• Architectural coatings: Ensure compliance with legal VOC limits. VOCs contribute to air pollution and smog. Identifying and minimizing certain VOCs supports sustainability goals.
• Automotive and industrial coatings: Used in the certification of low-emission formulations.
• R&D: Helps chemists evaluate new compounds or substitutes for compounds with high VOC content. Knowing which VOCs are present helps chemists formulate products that meet both performance and environmental standards. Many local, national, and international regulations limit VOC content in products.

As a result, the ASTM D6886 standard plays a vital role in today's environmentally sensitive manufacturing and quality control environments. By providing a precise and repeatable method for measuring individual VOCs in water-based products, it helps manufacturers comply with stringent regulations while developing safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products. As demand for low- and zero-VOC products continues to grow, this standard remains a vital tool for both innovation and compliance in many industries.

Our organization, which has been operating for many years and meticulously follows global developments in science and technology, employs a team of experienced professionals and a broad infrastructure to conduct testing, measurement, and analysis in a wide range of areas for businesses across all sectors. In this context, we also provide testing services in accordance with the "ASTM D6886 Standard Test Method for Determining the Weight Percentage of Volatile Organic Compounds in Water-Based Air-Drying Coatings by Gas Chromatography."