ASTM D6093 Percent Volume Nonvolatile Matter using Helium Gas Pycnometer

ASTM D6093 test method determines the properties of clear and pigmented coatings by measuring their percent volume of nonvolatile matter. Helium gas pycnometer with stability greater than 0.005 cm³ is used in this method to provide accurate results. The final results of this method are expressed in inch-pound units.

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ASTM D6093 Percent Volume Nonvolatile Matter using Helium Gas Pycnometer

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Overview
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Test Process
Specifications
Instrumentation
Results and Deliverables

Overview

ASTM D6093 is a standard test method for determining the percent volume of nonvolatile matter in coatings, resins, and similar materials using a helium gas pycnometer. This method combines mass measurements with precise volume determination to calculate the solid content of a coating after volatile components are removed.

Helium is used for its small atomic size, which allows it to penetrate microscopic pores and surface irregularities. This ensures highly accurate volume measurements even for porous or complex materials. ASTM D6093 is widely adopted for product development, quality control, and regulatory compliance, where coating performance depends heavily on solid content.

Scope, Applications, and Benefits

Scope

ASTM D6093 determines the percent volume of non-volatile matter in clear and pigmented coatings.
It evaluates:

Volume percentage of dry film solids
Density of wet and dry coatings
Presence of voids or micro-defects
Coating consistency and formulation accuracy
Industrial performance suitability

This method applies to liquid coatings, resins, and related materials where volatile and non-volatile constituents influence performance.

Applications

Paint and coating formulation
Resin and polymer development
Automotive coatings
Industrial protective coatings
Architectural finishes
Quality control laboratories
Research and development

Benefits

High accuracy using helium gas penetration
Nondestructive testing method
Requires minimal sample quantity (1–5 g)
Rapid testing compared to conventional methods
Suitable for porous and complex materials
Supports regulatory compliance

Test Process

Sample Preparation

A representative sample is collected, cleaned, and dried to remove moisture.

Wet Density Measurement & Film Curing

Wet density and non-volatile content are measured; panels are baked, cooled, and weighed.

Volume Measurement

Sample volume is measured using a helium gas pycnometer.

Data Calculation

Density and mass values are used to calculate the percent volume of non-volatile matter.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Sample Size	1–5 grams
Applicable Materials	Coatings, resins, liquid films
Measurement Method	Pycnometry
Gas Used	Helium
Sample Condition	Clean, dry, contamination-free

Instrumentation Used for Testing

Helium gas pycnometer
Precision analytical balance
Drying oven
Sample containers
Temperature control system
Data processing software

Results and Deliverables

Percent volume nonvolatile content (VNV %)
Density values (wet and dry)
Compliance reports
Quality control documentation
Comparative formulation analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

Helium pycnometer data can be combined with specific surface area data obtained from a BET measurement. As a result, the volume-specific surface area (VSSA) can be calculated and used to determine whether the material has nanoscale properties.

Because of its small atomic dimension and its ideal gas behavior, and due to its chemical inertness towards many materials at average temperatures (i.e., close to the air temperature of the atmospheric air), helium can penetrate the finest pores (<10−4 μm).

A gas pycnometer is a nondestructive technique that uses gas displacement to measure volume accurately, making it ideal for testing actual density. Using a helium pycnometer, we seal a sample of known weight into the compartment, which is maintained at a constant temperature.