ASTM D6191-97 Test to Measure Evolved Formaldehyde from Water Reducible Air-Dry Coatings

Scope:

ASTM D6191-97 test method is used to measure the amount of formaldehyde released from a coating. The amount of formaldehyde available for release from a coating varies depending on the composition of the coating and may decrease as the sample ages. This test is applicable for typical air-dried paints, where water is the major volatile material. The useful range of formaldehyde in the sample is estimated to be from 10 ppm to 1000 ppm. Other volatile aldehydes, such as acetaldehyde, are known to interfere with the determination of formaldehyde but not in most water-reducible coatings. 

Test Procedure:

A sample of water-reducible coating is placed on the walls of a test tube with a drawdown rod. The coating is purged with nitrogen. The evolved formaldehyde is collected in deionized water with tandem impingers and measured colorimetrically using acetylacetone at 412 nm. 

Specimen size:

1. Acetylacetone Solution: ammonium acetate is dissolved in deionized water in a 1-liter volumetric flask. 3 ml glacial acetic acid and 2 ml acetylacetone are added and diluted to volume. 
2. Formaldehyde Solution

Data:

The amount of formaldehyde evolved from the sample is reported.