ASTM D1308-20 Standard Test Method for Effect of Household Chemicals on Clear and Pigmented Coating Systems

The standard "ASTM D1308-20 Standard test method for effects of household chemicals on transparent and pigmented coating systems" published by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) describes a test method for determining the effects of household chemicals on transparent and pigmented organic surfaces, such as undesirable changes such as surface discoloration, gloss change, blistering, softening, swelling, loss of adhesion or special events.

This standard contains three test methods, each of which is specifically applicable to the individual reagents examined:

• Spot test, closed: The reagent is placed on the test surface and immediately covered with a watch glass.
• Spot test, open: The test surface is directly exposed to substances such as citrus fruits, oils, greases, beverages, etc.
• Immersion test: A suitably prepared panel is immersed in the test reagent.

Resistance to various household liquids is an important property of organic surfaces. These test methods provide a means by which the relative performance of coating systems can be evaluated. It must be recognized that continuous films are required for reliable results.

In this standard, test panels are described as follows:

• Steel panels (complies with “ASTM D609-00 Standard practice for preparation of cold-rolled steel panels for testing of paints, varnishes, conversion coatings, and related coating products”)
• Other metal panels as agreed by the buyer and seller of the tested surface
• Other substrates as agreed upon by the buyer and seller of the tested surface

The choice of reagent is determined by the final coating usage and by agreement between the buyer and seller of the surface being tested. The following reagents are generally recommended:

• Distilled water, cold
• Distilled water, hot
• Ethyl alcohol (50 percent vol.)
• Vinegar (3 percent a(cetic acid)
• Alkaline solution
• Acid solution
• Soap solution
• Detergent solution
• Lighter fluid and other volatile reagents
• Fruit (cut piece of fruit placed face down on the panel)
• Fats and oils (butter, margarine, lard, shortening, vegetable oils, etc.)
• Spices (mustard, ketchup)
• Beverages (coffee, tea, cocoa)
• Lubricating oils and greases
• Other reagents (as agreed between buyer and seller)

The procedural steps are as follows:

• Panel preparation: Spot and direct application tests may be performed on manufactured products coated with the finish system under evaluation, provided that a sufficiently flat surface is available. For immersion tests and tests where the finished product is not available, panels are selected in accordance with ASTM D609-00 or special metal panels or other coated materials are prepared by agreement between the purchaser and seller of the finish. The finish is applied according to the method and schedule prescribed by the lacquer user. This schedule includes the number of coats, film thickness, and other specifications. The finished panels are allowed to cure for 25 week under normal room conditions at approximately 50 degrees Celsius and 1 percent relative humidity prior to testing.
• Spot test, closed: This test is performed at a temperature of 23 degrees plus/minus 2 degrees and a relative humidity of 50 percent plus/minus 5 percent, or as agreed upon between the purchaser and the seller. Using a 0,1-mL pipette graduated at 5 mL, pipette 1 mL of the reagents listed in this standard onto the horizontal panel and immediately cover with a watch glass. After an interval agreed upon by the purchaser and the seller, the spot is cleaned and examined immediately for the effects listed in this standard. Common intervals are 15 min, 1 hour, and 16 hours, or as agreed upon between the manufacturer and the user. If desired, the panel is allowed to cure for a specified period and examined for return of original characteristics.
• Spot test, open: This test is carried out at a temperature of 23 degrees plus/minus 2 degrees and a relative humidity of 50 percent plus/minus 5 percent, or as agreed between the purchaser and the seller. A small amount of the reagent is placed on a horizontal panel or surface, excluding fruit, as specified in this standard. After a time interval as agreed between the purchaser and the seller, the spot is cleaned and examined immediately for the effects listed in this standard. Common intervals are 15 minutes, 1 hour and 16 hours, or as agreed between the manufacturer and the user. If desired, the panel is allowed to cure for a specified period and examined to see if its original properties have been restored.
• Immersion test: The panels are immersed to a depth of 50 percent in the specified reagents contained in beakers at a temperature and for a time agreed upon between the purchaser and the seller. The panels are removed, washed with distilled water and examined immediately for any of the effects listed in this standard. If desired, the panels are allowed to cure for a specified period of time and the original properties are examined for return. In general, it is not necessary to seal the edges of the applied film. If the reagent effect is only noticeable around the panel edges, the test should be repeated using a suitable edge sealer. Where edges must be sealed, the choice of sealer is subject to agreement between the purchaser and the seller.

Among the numerous testing, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies that our organization has carried out for businesses in various sectors, our organization also provides testing services defined in the "ASTM D1308-20 Standard test method for the effects of household chemicals on transparent and pigmented coating systems" standard with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.