Meaning and Purpose
5.1 This practice discusses applicable ASTM test methods for determining the VOC content of paints and related coatings and provides formulas for calculating the VOC content expressed in terms of VOC mass: (1) water-less and exempt volatile compounds per unit volume of coating, and (2) paint solids per unit volume and (3) paint solids per unit mass.

5.2 VOC content is used to compare the amount of VOC released by different coatings used for the same application, that is, coating the same area to the same dry film thickness (assuming the same application efficiency).

5.3 VOC content data are requested by various regulatory authorities.

5.4 Only when the VOC content is expressed as a function of the solid volume of the coating can the difference in VOC released by different coatings used for the same application be measured linearly.

Remark 4: Thus, assuming the same transfer efficiency, a coating with a VOC content of 3 lb VOC/gal solids will release 1/2 the VOC of a coating with 6 lb VOC/gal solids.

ASTM D 3960-2018 Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in Paints and Related Coatings

5.5 When the VOC content is expressed as a function of the paint volume minus water and exempted solvents, the values obtained do not take into account differences in the solid content of the paint volume being compared: therefore, this expression does not provide a linear measure of differences in VOC emissions from different paints used for the same application.

Note 5: Thus, a paint with a VOC content of 3 LBS of VOC/gal less water and exempt volatile compounds will release approximately 85% less VOC than a paint with 6 LBS less VOC/gal water and exempt volatile compounds.

ASTM D 3960-2018 Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in Paints and Related Coatings

Scope of
1.1 This practice measures the volatile organic compound (VOC) content of solvent-based and water-based paints and related coatings, which is determined based on the amount of material released from the sample under specified baking conditions and minus exempted volatile compounds and water (if present).

Note 1: Regulatory definitions can change under the control of the EPA. To secure currency, contact your local air pollution control agency.

1.2 This practice provides guidance for selecting an appropriate ASTM test method to determine VOC content.

1.3 Certain organic compounds that may be released under the specified baking conditions are not included in the coating VOC content because they are not obviously involved in atmospheric photochemical reactions. This negligible photochemically reactive compound is referred to as, in this practice, exempt volatile compounds.

Note 2: See Appendix X3 for information on the EPA definition of VOC and the current list of EPAapproved exempt volatile compounds for use in coatings.

1.4 The VOC content is calculated as (1) the volume of the coating reduced water and exempted volatile compounds, and (2) the volume of the coating solid, and (3) the weight of the coating solid.

ASTM D 3960-2018 Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in Paints and Related Coatings

1.5 Values expressed in SI units should be considered standard values.

1.6 This standard is not intended to address all safety issues, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health and environmental practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory restrictions prior to use.

1.7 This international Standard has been developed in accordance with the internationally recognized standardization principles established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guidelines and Recommendations issued by the Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade of the World Trade Organization.