ASTM D6133 Standard Test Method for Acetone, p-Chlorobenzotrifluoride, Methyl Acetate or t-Butyl Acetate Content of Solventborne and Waterborne Paints, Coatings, Resins, and Raw Materials by Direct Injection Into a Gas Chromatograph

Get Certified ASTM D6133 Testing Services

ASTM D6133 is a test method accredited laboratories use to determine the amount of acetone, p-chlorobenzotrifluoride, methyl acetate, or t-butyl acetate in paints, coatings, resins, or raw materials. These services include detailed analytical reports, including individual analyte concentrations (wt %), chromatograms, calibration data, and VOC compliance reports. Before a laboratory tests a coating for VOC content under relevant regulations, technicians perform calibration verification to confirm the gas chromatograph’s accuracy and reliability. Testing can help manufacturers optimize coatings, verify raw material quality, and ensure product quality and consistency. 

• Determines acetone, pCBTF, methyl acetate, or tBAc in paints, coatings, resins, and raw materials.
• Applies to solventborne and waterborne materials.
• Uses direct injection for gas chromatography analysis.
• Determines the working range for each analyte from 1% to 100% by weight.
• Uses SI units for measurements.
• Applies only to materials of known composition to avoid interferences.
• Assists in calculating the volatile organic content (VOC) of paints.

What are the Uses of ASTM D6133 Testing?

ASTM D6133 testing helps laboratories determine the amount of acetone, pCBTF, methyl acetate, or tBAc in paints, coatings, resins, and raw materials. Manufacturers and engineers use the results for quality control, regulatory compliance, and formulation development. This standard-

• Measures the concentration of acetone, pCBTF, methyl acetate, or tBAc in paints and coatings.
• Supports VOC calculations for regulatory compliance.
• Checks the quality and uniformity of raw materials.
• Helps develop and optimize coating formulations.
• Assesses solventborne and waterborne coating systems.
• Assists in controlling production and batch uniformity.
• Supports compliance with local, state, and federal regulations for exempt compounds.

What Materials Can Be Tested Under ASTM D6133?

ASTM D6133 applies to GC direct injection of solventborne and waterborne paints, coatings, resins, and raw materials. The method applies to materials with known compositions and allows users to eliminate potential interferents. ASTM D6133 establishes a range of 1%-100% by weight for each analyte. Exempt compounds are subject to varying regulations; users should check current regulations.

Why is ASTM D6133 Important? 

ASTM D6133 is a standard method for determining the concentration of acetone, p-chlorobenzotrifluoride, methyl acetate, or t-butyl acetate in paints, coatings, resins, and raw materials. Engineers must calculate the VOC content of paints, and exemptions for several volatile compounds (acetone, pCBTF, methyl acetate, and tBAc) make knowing their content necessary. This gas chromatographic test method provides a relatively simple and direct way to determine their content. Test results can help manufacturers confirm coating formulations, compare coating products, and demonstrate product regulatory compliance. 

ASTM D6133 Testing Process and Data Collection

Technicians prepare the paint/coating samples for direct injection into the gas chromatograph. The technician prepares the instrument (column and detector conditions). The technician injects the prepared sample directly into the injection port. The chromatographic system isolates the analytes of interest from the rest of the sample. Technicians measure the detector response and determine the analyte concentration using calibration standards. Technicians record the chromatograms, concentrations, specimen identifications, and test conditions.

Common Challenges and Troubleshooting

ASTM D6133 produces inadequate results if technicians do not prepare the samples properly, calibrate the test equipment correctly, or determine the sample composition. The detectors used in this test method lack selectivity, so compounds may co-elute with the analyte and produce an erroneously high result, or a component may co-elute with an internal standard and produce an erroneously low result. Therefore, technicians need to know the sample composition to ensure no interferences occur under the analysis conditions. Technicians should use this test method only for materials of known composition to eliminate the possibility of interferences. Technicians should always collect samples and calibrate the instrument according to the standard. If technicians suspect interferences, they can use other methods, such as Test Methods D6438 and D6886, which use a mass-spectral detection system.

• Technicians report the percent by mass (%) or ppm (parts per mass) of acetone in the sample. The range of the method is 1 %–100 % for both analytes.
• Technicians report the amount of p-chlorobenzotrifluoride as a percentage by mass (%). Values within the range indicate expected formulations and regulatory compliance.
• Technicians report methyl acetate concentration as a percentage by mass (%). Results help formulators calculate VOC content and verify compliance with regulatory limits.
• Technicians report the concentration of t-butyl acetate as a percent by mass (%). In the laboratory, technicians assess analyte content while considering the applicable regulatory requirements.
• Analysts check for co-elution of chromatographic peaks caused by interfering compounds, which may produce inaccurate values. Technicians may suspect interferences and use Test Methods D6438 and D6886 as alternatives.
• Engineers use the measured concentrations to assist in VOC calculations and product evaluations, if applicable. Exempt compounds vary from one regulatory agency to the next; check current local, state, and federal regulations.
• Laboratory reports give the concentration of the analytes as weight percent for each target compound. Technicians should use this test method only for materials of known composition to eliminate interferences.

Technicians perform the test on a gas chromatograph with a proper detector, injection port, analytical column, data acquisition system, and calibration standards. 

Why can sample composition affect ASTM D6133 results? 

Interfering impurities may be present and co-elute with either the analyte or the internal standard and lead to wrong results. Therefore, technicians should make themselves familiar with the composition of the samples prior to analysis. 

Link to ASTM D6133