Summary (Full report here):
Results of all VOC determinations and the validation study were analyzed and the new methods were found to be superior to available methods in nearly all cases.
Specific VOC method analysis guidelines were developed for each class of coatings. These methods were used successfully to determine the VOC content of all 67 coatings samples. These results were compared with those obtained using EPA Method 24 when possible. Statistical analysis of the results show the new methods to be significantly more accurate the those obtained by Method 24 for nearly all classes of coatings. Although labs participating in the validation generally did not use the specific new methods supplied to them for analysis of the coatings, the results validated the superiority of the new methods in all cases.
Conclusions
New direct methods of VOC analysis using gas chromatography have been developed for all classes of architectural coatings. These new methods will allow the VOC content of all types of architectural coatings to be determined accurately. This remedies the current situation where existing methods are not capable of determining VOC levels of coatings formulated to meet lower VOC limit regulations.
The following new methods were developed as a result of this project:
• Standard Test Method for Direct Analysis of the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Waterborne Air-Dry Coatings by Gas Chromatography (Waterborne
Method). This method is a revision of ASTM Method D 6886, Test Method for Speciation of the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Low VOC Content
Waterborne Air-Dry Coatings by Gas Chromatography.
• Standard Test Method for Direct Analysis of the VOC and HAP Content of Multi- Component Coatings by Gas Chromatography (2K Method)
• Standard Test Method for the Direct Analysis of the Common Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) in Solvent borne Air-Dry Coatings by Gas Chromatography
(HAP Method)
• Standard Test Method for Determination of the VOC Content Remaining in Paint Films After Total Volatile Content Determination by ASTM Method D 2369
(Film Extraction Method)
• Standard Test Method for Solids Determination of 2K Coatings Containing More than 90% Solids (High Solids Method) Specific VOC method analysis guidelines were developed