ASTM Committee D01 reports on January 2005 subcommittee activities.

ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials and Applications held its 2005 Winter Meetings at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Ft. Lauderdale, FL over the period January 23-26, 2005.

Highlights

Although attendance was limited by bad weather in the North and tight travel budgets, ASTM Committee D01 had a very successful set of meetings in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. D01.08, Environmental Concerns, heard surprising news that the EPA is planning to end its efforts to minimize organic emissions from coatings and instead limit the "relative reactivity" of the solvents used in coatings. Solvents that are slow to form ozone in the atmosphere could be used to replace "faster" solvents in some proportion to the relative speed with which they form ozone. The mass of emission per volume of coatings would no longer be limited under the new VOC policy.

Concerning analytical techniques for VOC under current regulations, Subcommittee 21 reported much activity. A new test method is under development that is expected to be useful as a production QC tool because of the speed with which it can be performed. It will correlate to and complement ASTM D 2369 (Determination of VOC). The method will not be a replacement for D 2369, which would continue to be used to calibrate the new method. Another test is being developed for determining the water of reaction from phenolic resins so it can be credited against the VOC content. New instrumentation now is available that appears to eliminate much of the variability reported in previous attempts to determine the water of reaction of phenolic resins. The time required to conduct the old test discouraged participation in round robin testing. A GC method is being developed that will measure VOC in waterborne coatings directly rather than the current means, which determines water as the difference between total volatiles and VOC. A method is also being developed to directly measure the extremely low residual VOC in emulsion polymers. Max Wills, Cal Poly, reported that his work on a method for directly measuring the VOC of reaction of melamine, powder, and architectural coatings was nearly complete. Drafts of the test are available.

There was an excellent Mini-Symposium on Exotic Coatings initiated by Bill Golton, Chair of D01.15, Meetings and Symposia, and organized and moderated by Jack Ladson of Color Science Consultancy. Russell Ferguson of Silberline gave a talk entitled "Aluminum Pigments" that covered the basics of effect-type aluminum flake technology. Although no longer considered exotic, aluminum flakes continue to supply important color and styling effects. As Mr. Ferguson pointed out, silver is still "king of the road" for automobiles. Newer products are tougher and more resistant to degradation and a liquid metal look can be produced via milled and vacuum-metallized flakes. Dr. James Carroll, Jr. of Englehard spoke on "Interference Effect Pigment Optics and Applications." Such pigments are used throughout the cosmetics, plastics, and coatings industries for color and other visual effects. An interference pigment is a thin, smooth, high refractive index plate, which reflects light from its upper surfaces and sometimes from its lower surface. Light can bounce around inside the plate and some is transmitted. Effects are governed by concentration, plate size, orientation, and spacing. The presentation by Dr. Albert Argoitia of Flex Products was on "Special Effect Pigments by Light Interference." He discussed effect pigments that produce new color effects by a combination of thin film and diffractive interference (as from a diffraction grating) technologies. Jack Ladson closed with an informative presentation on the color measuring systems used to evaluate effect materials and quantify their impact.

DIVISION 1 ADMINISTRATION

D01.06, International Coordination and US TAG to ISO/TC35

T. Sliva, Chair

The Chair reviewed ballot actions since the June 2004 D01.06 meeting for ISO/TC35, Subcommittees SC2 on Pigments, SC9 on Paints, and SC10 on Varnishes.

The ISO/TC 35 meetings held in Stockholm in June were mentioned. It was noted that ASTM D01.31 on Pigments has disbanded its ISO coordination and that there is little activity in SC2 at the moment. D01.31 will advise D01 whether we should withdraw from ISO coordination on pigments. The Chair discussed progress in replacing Canadian General Standards Board test methods with ASTM methods in their specifications. D01 will not be meeting with ISO/TC35/SC 9 at the June meeting in Pittsburgh due to lack of room space. The location and date of the next ISO TC 35 meeting have not yet been set.

D01.08, Environmental Concerns

J. Berry, Chair

Dave Salman, EPA, reported to the group that of the 100 or so "MACT" standards that EPA had developed for hazardous air pollutants, perhaps 12 to 15 were for the coatings industry. The Clean Air Act instructs that all are to be based on the "maximum available control technology." The Clean Air Act requires that within eight years of promulgation of such standards, the EPA must evaluate the health risk that remains--in spite of application of the technology--to determine what further effort is required to protect the citizenry. The "residual risk" studies have been completed for two industries, gasoline marketing and coke ovens. Both studies determined that the residual risk was insufficient to merit a residual risk rule. Residual risk studies have recently been initiated for magnetic tape manufacturing and ship building. After five years of decision-making, tertiarybutylacetate (TBAC) has been declared to be negligibly photochemically reactive (i.e., not a VOC). Butyl cellosolve has been removed from the HAP list. No final action has been taken on the proposal to remove MEK from the HAP list. The EPA has begun a new MACT rule specifically for military coatings.

Jim Berry reported that six years of meetings of the Reactivity Research Work Group, made up primarily of representatives of the American Chemistry Council (representing the solvent industry) and EPA (with the National Paint and Coatings Association and the same two paint manufacturers represented at each meeting), has resulted in a draft Advanced Notice of Proposed Rule Making which EPA hopes to publish in the late spring. The ANPR will provide notice that the EPA is about to end its efforts to minimize organic emissions from coatings and instead limit the "relative reactivity" of the solvents used in coatings. Solvents that are slow to form ozone in the atmosphere could be used to replace "faster" solvents in some proportion to the relative speed with which they form ozone. The mass of emission per volume of coatings would no longer be limited under the new VOC policy.

Dates and Locations of Future D01 Meetings

June 19-22, 2005 -- Pittsburgh, PA (Hilton Hotel) with D02

January 22-25, 2006 -- Ft. Lauderdale, FL (Embassy Suites Hotel)

June 25-28, 2006 -- Toronto, Ont. (Sheraton Centre Hotel) with D02

January 21-24, 2007 -- Ft. Lauderdale, FL (Embassy Suites Hotel)

The Federation of Societies of Coatings Technology sponsored an interactive training course on VOC and HAP rules last June. More than two dozen companies enrolled for the training. FSCT has invited Dave Salman and Jim Berry to conduct the course again next year. Bob Nelson, NPCA, was not present to report on the status of the round robin on EPA's Reference Method 311 for hazardous air pollutants, but it was generally known that the reproducibility was poor.

D01.15, Lectures and Symposia

W. Golton, Chair

This subcommittee is responsible for arranging lectures at meetings and occasional symposia. The program typically is a seminar with a few speakers on a topic of interest, staged annually at the January meeting. We refer to this session as a "mini-symposium." The topic of the mini-symposium for January 2005 was "Exotic Appearance Effects." Four speakers were arranged by Jack Ladson, himself an expert on the subject. Mr. Russell Ferguson of Silberline, Dr. James Carroll, Jr. of Engelhard, and Dr. Alberto Argoitia of Flex Products, presented the technology, science, and application of these exotic coatings in different mediums. Mr. Jack Ladson concluded the seminar with a review of instrumentation used to measure these special effects.

Topics considered for 2006 included a lecture on the economic impact of standardization in the paint industry, and seminars on recent developments in accelerated weathering, rheology, or statistics. The consensus of the members was that statistics should be the focus with the greatest interest being in trends within ASTM, ISO 1725 and EPA Method 301, with emphasis on how these developments will impact on standards development in coming years. The Chair has asked Robert Morrison, Chair of D01.20, the Quality and Statistics Subcommittee, to help arrange the 2006 mini-symposium.

D01.16, Terminology

J. Bryson, Chair

D01.16 and D01.61 (Paint Application Tools) reviewed a suggested list of D01.61 terms and definitions. D01.61 will submit an edited list, which then will be balloted for inclusion in D 16, "Terminology for Paint, Related Coatings, Materials and Applications." J. Bryson will contact technical subcommittee chairs to ask them to review the terms and definitions (in D 16) of interest to them. It was agreed to editorially remove terms and definitions containing the word "asbestos" from D 16. The following definitions will be balloted for inclusion in D 16:

* tint, v -- to confer a small level of color to a coating formulation.

* paint, n -- general, a pigmented (liquid or paste) coating material, or a coating resulting from the application of such a material.

* drying oil, n -- an oil that, when applied as a thin coating, becomes a strong, flexible, cured film because of reaction with atmospheric oxygen. Most drying oils are glycerin esters of highly unsaturated fatty acids.

* crawling, n -- a defect in which a wet coating film recedes from small areas to form an uneven surface.

D01.94, Awards and Memorials

T. Sliva, Chair

The Chair reported on the passing of Lon Adams, Chair of D01.42 on Architectural Coatings. Mr. Adams outstanding contributions to Subcommittee D01.42 resulted in the development of numerous standards. A plaque is being prepared and will be sent to his wife to accompany the Certificate of Appreciation that was to be presented to him at this meeting. The Chair also reported on the passing of Lawrence E. Thieben, Vice Chair of D01.27 on Accelerated Testing since 1991. Mr. Thieben's accomplishments were recognized two years ago by the Awards Committee and a plaque is being presented to his family.

Jackie Fetsko, who is stepping down as Chair of D01.56 on Printing Inks, a position that she has held with distinction for over 25 years, was made an Honorary Member of Committee D01. Elizabeth Haslbeck, Chair of D01.45 on Marine Coatings, was presented with the 2005 Henry Gardner Subcommittee Chair of the Year Award. Dr. Li Lin of DuPont received the William T. Pearce Award for his outstanding contributions to Subcommittee D01.23 and his published work on mar and scratch resistance. Certificates of Appreciation were presented to Art Scarlatti of D01.37 on Ink Vehicles, Gary Leisure of D01.61 on Paint Applicators, and Deborah Fanning of D01.57 on Artist Paints and Related Materials, all in recognition of their leadership in Committee D01.

D01.95, Promotion

L. Pattison, Chair

Publicity (or the lack of it) and fundraising dominated the discussions. The list of publications to which press releases, meeting announcements, and other publicity items are sent will be reviewed and updated. Currently, D01 neither receives much recognition nor has meetings listed in the various paint and coatings magazines. We need to send notices, but also include information on methods being developed. A D01 publicity pamphlet will be developed with the help of Julie Driver of Arizona Instruments. Regarding fundraising, it was clear that a plan must be developed. We need to define what we are selling (what is our product?) and to whom we are selling it. Jim Berry and Gene Praschan agreed to organize a virtual meeting to discuss the subject.

DIVISION 20 RESEARCH

D01.21, Analysis of Whole Paints and Paint Materials

H. Fujimoto, Chair

Twenty-five standards under the jurisdiction of Sub 21 were re-approved in 2004. There are four standards up for re-approval in 2005. These will be balloted along with two standards the committee wants to withdraw, D 215, "Standard Practice for the Chemical Analysis of White Linseed Oil Paints" and D 4358, "Standard Test Method for Lead and Chromium in Air Particulate Filter Samples of Lead Chromate Type Pigment Dusts by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy." The subcommittee wishes to withdraw D 215 because this method uses a Gooch crucible lined with asbestos and because of the belief that no one manufactures white linseed oil paint any longer. In addition, ASTM would like to eliminate reference to the word "asbestos" in its standards. The movement to withdraw D 4358 is based on the belief that lead silico-chromate pigments are no longer being used. W. Golton reviewed the schedule for the June 2005 meeting. Two task groups will be reactivated. These are TG56, Revision of D 3960, "VOC Calculations in Paints" and TG54, "Water in Paints" by Karl Fischer. Since t-butyl acetate has been approved as an exempt solvent by the U.S. EPA., it will be balloted for reference in D 3960. The question was raised whether it should be added to D 6438, a GC method for the determination of the content of certain exempt solvents, needed when determining the VOC of paints and coatings containing these exempt solvents.

The group on ISO Liaison for VOCs discussed two ISO methods in circulation of interest to this group: Work Item N1699 on Volume Nonvolatile, and ISO/CD 11890-2, "Determination of VOC Content--Part 2: Gas Chromatographic Method." Work item N1699 has two parts, a laboratory method, and a theoretical calculation, for volume nonvolatile. The first part is essentially the same as ASTM D 2697, and the second part is essentially the same as ASTM D 5201. The Chair of TC SC9 and Convener of WG 28 will be advised of this. We believe that under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding with TC 35, ISO may be obligated to adopt the existing ASTM standards. ISO/CD 11890 was reviewed for the group by Max Wills. He pointed out that the purpose of the method was to revise an older one to measure VOCs as defined by a European regulation that defines VOC as organic volatiles with boiling points below 240[degrees]C. Because of this, it will not have an impact in the U.S. However, Dr. Wills felt that the method was flawed, and several suggestions for improvements were passed on to Dr. H. Nissler, Convener of the ISO TC 35 working group on VOC, who was present at the meeting.

The group on Clarification of EPA Method 311 provides feedback to the U.S. EPA on their Method 311 for HAPS in coatings. There has been controversy about this method since it was published several years ago because it allows individual laboratories to select their own gas chromatographic methods. About a year ago, NPCA sponsored a round robin based on a tightened version of this method. A statistical analysis was performed, but it has not been completed due to the fact that there still were variations in what some of the collaborators did. Evidently, it needs further tightening. In order to complete the task of this group, Max Wills and Ken Leavell will work with Mr. Nelson to complete the data analysis and prepare a summary for presentation and approval at the next meeting.

The Sampling of Aerosol Paints group is working on a procedure for the sampling of aerosols for further analyses. The Air Resources Board and Max Wills have similar procedures for isolating propellant from the remaining aerosol contents. These will be reviewed and put into ASTM format as a guide or practice since no data is generated. Water-based components may then be further analyzed using ASTM D 6886. The solvent-based aerosol analyses will require extensive work before a specific method can be drafted due to the presence of aromatic hydrocarbon mixtures.

The group on the Rapid Determination of the Nonvolatile Content of Coatings discussed negatives from the first subcommittee ballot of this proposed test method. Two of the negatives had been withdrawn after discussions with the voters and minor changes made. The scope of the method needs to be rewritten to satisfy the other negative. It must be made clear that the test method is for repeat testing (different batches or lots) of the "same" sample as performed in control labs or manufacturing operations. The scope will be rewritten and the method will be re-balloted.

The Determination of Cure Formaldehyde Released from Coatings group discussed D 6902 "Measurement of Formaldehyde Evolved During Cure of Melamine-Formaldehyde-Based Coatings." It appears that the cause of the variability in round robin data and the four hour run time for the test may lie in the homemade reaction vessel i.e., the temperature of the test sample at each stage of the analysis. H. Fujimoto suggested the use of the Brinkman Model 832 KF Thermprep-flexible single sample oven. The oven uses a glass vial that is sealed with a PTFE coated septum, heated in an oven block (quickly); at the specified temperature a double hollow needle pierces the system and transfers the volatiles to a reaction vessel via an inert gas or dried air. Sample prep is easy; there is no outside contamination; a thin paint film is formed by rotating the vial; the specimen can be diluted in the vial. Although the oven is used for KF titrations, it could be modified. The negative is that only one sample can be run at a time. However, the Brinkman Model 774 oven operates like the Model 832, but can handle up to 35 samples or vials placed on its aluminum rotating rack. The group recommended investigation of these ovens to ascertain whether they can be used in D 6902.

The group on GC Analysis of Specific Volatile Components of Paints for VOCs and HAPs considered a draft method for measuring cure volatiles from powder coatings and melamine-cure automotive coatings. The method may also be applied to VOCs and HAPs emitted from air-dry coatings. In the method, a coating specimen is placed in a standard one-quart metal paint and placed in an oven and brought to a specified temperature. Dry nitrogen is swept through the can for one hour. Exit gases are directed through a charcoal sorbent tube or water impinger where the organic volatiles are captured. A precision mass flow controller controls flow through the split stream. After solvent desorption, the volatiles are analyzed by gas chromatography. Results obtained from the analysis of five different powder coatings were presented. Another project of this task group is to demonstrate that ASTM Method D 6886, a direct method for measuring the VOC content of coatings, is applicable to a wide variety of waterborne coatings and gives better precision than EPA Method 24. A modification of D 6886, for measuring the semi-volatiles that do not evaporate under the test conditions of D 2369, was presented. In this modification, the dried paint film from a D 2369 test is extracted with tetrahydrofuran and the extract is then analyzed by GC to determine the residual semi-volatile content.

The task group on Headspace GC Method for Low VOC Levels in Waterborne Products reviewed a draft test method entitled, "Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Content in Waterborne Coatings by Static Headspace Sampling," and data from a round robin. The method was developed through a joint effort of member companies of the Emulsion Polymer Council and the Adhesives and Sealants Council. Both organizations recognized the need for a test method that can measure VOC in waterborne systems at levels that are too low for measurement using EPA Method 24 (D 3960). The proposed method employs static headspace conditions that generate volatilization profiles that mimic the volatilization profiles of VOCs in Method 24 (D 2369). L. Mink reviewed the round robin results. The repeatability was adequate, but the reproducibility ranged from a low of 38% relative for one sample to greater than 100% relative for four of the samples. There is an effort underway by the companies participating in the round robin to better understand and reduce the lab-to-lab variability. H. Fujimoto questioned if the equipment needed for the method, particularly the mass spectrometer used for identification of volatile unknowns, would be readily available to small companies. Chairman Linder stated that the method does not require the use of a mass spectrometer if the identification of most of the volatiles in a sample is already known, and retention time matching can be used if the user has some knowledge of the volatiles that could be present. In cases where identification by mass spectrometry is necessary, the technique is readily available at contract laboratories.

The VOC Credit for Cure Water group briefly reviewed the reason for existence of the task group: To quantify water from the cure of phenolic coatings so that a more accurate VOC value can be obtained. Water is a by-product of the cure reaction, but, currently, only water in the liquid coating can be subtracted from VOC. Cure water is currently treated as a VOC by default. The method has been edited to address comments and negatives on a recent ballot. A virtual meeting was held in 2004 to discuss editing of the method and also the possibility of using upgraded equipment. Since then, a study has been made using a Brinkmann Model 832 oven, where the specimen is in a sealed vial and can be automated. With the new equipment, a sample is placed in a vial, solvent added, sealed, and then mixed. The Chair passed around a vial showing the seal and the thin films. Another concern had been the longevity--9999 seconds. This time was thought to be too long and outside the accepted test time in EPA VOC definitions. The Chair described adjusting parameters to yield favorable results in a more acceptable one hour time frame. Validation would be volatile levels in agreement with those resulting from D 2369. A member asked if all of the theoretical cure water was determined by this test. The Chair answered by stating this test is not about determining all possible cure water and that the only concern is with the amount of cure water generated during the running of D 2369. It was decided that the Chair should edit the method to address time, sample preparation, and equipment. The changes will be sent via e-mail to those who had expressed interest in attending a virtual meeting.

Chair H. Fujimoto of the group on Exploratory Analytical Chemistry distributed information on a new approach to determine water in paints and related materials by a quantitative calcium hydride test kit (inexpensive) made by Dexsil Corporation, which has been used in his lab, when D 4017, "Water by KF Titration, Direct GC and GC/MS" failed to give satisfactory results. In summary, the hydride reacts with the water and produces water and hydrogen gas. A hand held pressure meter converts pressure to volume or weight percent water. Since the hydride reaction with water is stoichiometric, there is direct relationship between pressure and concentration. The test takes about 10-15 minutes. It is our hope that we can say, "If all other water test methods fail, try the Calcium Hydride Method." Since Dr. T.B. Lynn, Director of Research, Dexsil Corporation, sent in a Calcium Hydride method to determine water in paints in ASTM format, it will make our evaluation of the test method easier. Also, Dr. Lynn agreed to send a $500.00 kit to each of the collaborators. Four labs agreed to act as collaborators for the first round robin. Usually, in a round robin, the same samples are sent to all of the labs, but the TG decided it would be easier to have each lab run both the KFT (D 4017) and the Calcium Hydride on six of their paint products in duplicate. If the data shows promise, a new TG will be set up to run a formal round robin and develop an ASTM Method.

D01.23, Physical Properties of Applied Paint Films

P. Guevin, Chair

The Chair of the group on Adhesion, Gordon Nelson, reported that adhesion methods D 2197 (scrape adhesion), D 3359 (tape adhesion) and D 5179 (direct tensile testing) all have been revised or re-approved. The group discussed the article "A Retrospective View of Coatings Adhesion Testing" by Walter K. Asbeck, which appeared in the January 2005 issue of JCT COATINGSTECH. Comments on the meaning of the phrase "Normal Service Life Adhesion Test" were voiced. The group on Hardness, Mar and Abrasion Resistance discussed the revision of D 968, "Abrasion Resistance by Falling Abrasive." ISO has a dynamic hardness test method using the Fisherscope H100 instrument and K. Henderson expressed an interest in seeing round robin test results for the method. The Chair will see if data are available. The revision of method D 3363 on pencil hardness, which shows how to properly prepare the pencil lead, will appear in the 2005 Annual Book of ASTM Standards.

The Scratch/Mar Resistance group met to discuss the results of the ballot of the proposed "Test Method for Measuring Mechanical Aspects of Scratch/Mar Behavior of Paint Coatings by Nanoscratching." Due to a persuasive negative vote, the method was removed from the ballot until statistical studies have been completed and a revision made. At the meeting, Tom Sliva presented the William T. Pierce Award to Dr. Li Lin for his work on mar and scratch resistance measurement, particularly for his paper "Quantitative Characterization of Scratch and Mar Behavior of Polymer Coatings."

The Exploratory Research group discussed the negative vote on the proposed "Test Method for Measurement of Internal Stresses in Organic Coatings by Cantilever (Beam) Method." The voter wanted the group to amend the scope to embrace all coatings. When it was explained to him that this proposed test method was designed for radiation curable coatings and, when proven, powder coatings, the voter withdrew his negative. The test method has been assigned the number D 6991 and will appear in the 2006 Annual Book of ASTM Standards.

D01.24, Physical Properties of Liquid Paints and Paint Materials

C. Schoff, Chair

Negatives and comments resulting from the ballot on the revision of D 5201, "Practice for Calculating Formulation Physical Constants" were considered and corrections/changes will be made. The revised method includes HAPs calculations as well as those for VOC, which will extend its use. The group on Viscosity by Efflux Cups discussed D 1200 "Ford Viscosity Cups," D 4212 "DipType Viscosity Cups," and D 5125 "ISO Flow Cups" and decided to ballot all three for re-approval. Previously, consideration had been given to withdrawing the ISO cup method in favor of ISO 2431. However, D 5125 covers a commercially available 8 mm diameter orifice cup and the ISO method does not. Therefore, D 5125 fulfills an otherwise unmet need and will not be withdrawn. The Rotational Viscometers group discussed the revision of D 2196 "Rheological Properties of Non-Newtonian Materials by Rotational (Brookfield type) Viscometer," which includes changes to make the method more generic and to remove references to viscometers that are no longer available.

Committee D01 has tended to combine dispersion and optical measurement methods. The Dispersion group led by R. Morrison is working to separate dispersion practices from the evaluation methods. The first was D 6619, "Practice for Incorporating Pigments by High Speed Dispersion" and the next should be a sand/media/bead mill practice. However, it turns out that there is a perfectly good ISO method and the plan is to refer to that rather than to write a new practice. The group also reviewed results from the recent ballot on D 1210, "Fineness of Dispersion of Pigment-Vehicle Systems by Hegman-Type Gage," which had been revised to include an alternate method of reading (from the shallow end up instead of the usual from the top down).

D01.26, Optical Properties

N. Barnes, Chair

Current projects include a proposed Guide for Evaluating Color of Semi-Transparent Wood Finishes and a proposed Guide Protocol for How a Supplier and Customer Set a Color Specification for a Material. E. Carter agreed to prepare a revised draft of the latter for the next subcommittee ballot. During the meeting of the tinting strength group, it was noted that the color section of those standards should be combined into one general tinting strength standard. A new working group under N. Barnes will convene to begin writing that standard.

D01.27, Accelerated Testing

D. Grossman, Chair

D. Grossman reported to the group on Water Tests that D 1735 "Water Fog" had passed a D01 ballot addressing proposed revisions to change the water purity requirement from "Type III" to "Type IV or better" and goes forward to Society Ballot. The Light and Water Exposure Apparatus group considered ballot results for D 4587 "Fluorescent UV/Condensation Exposures of Paint." The group tabled the item that addressed removing tolerances for Black Panel temperature target values and adding a reference to a new Table X2.3, "Operational Fluctuations on Exposure Conditions," in G154 that addresses all test chamber tolerances. This item will be reconsidered once the new tolerance table has been officially published. Three negatives were received regarding the updated irradiance set point target values in Table 1 "Test Cycles Commonly Used ..." of D 4587, but were found non-persuasive. The task group agreed to add an explanatory note to Table 1 of D 4587 that provides rationale and background for updating the irradiance set points.

Ballot results for D 6695 "Xenon-Arc Exposure of Paints" also were considered. A negative was received regarding the addition of references to the new SAE performance-based standards, SAE J2412 and J2527, but was judged to be non-persuasive. Negatives were received on the removal of tolerances for Black Panel temperature and relative humidity target values in Table 1. They were judged non-persuasive since tolerances for all test chamber parameters are specified in method G155. The task group reiterated its position that D 6695 includes numerous references back to the parent document, G155, and it is appropriate for D 6695 to reference tables in G155 for test chamber tolerances.

D01.28, Biodeterioration

J. G. LaZonby, Acting Chair

The New Environmental Chamber task group discussed a round robin study that was conducted by several labs following the June 2004 meeting. The results of that testing were collated, analyzed, and presented by K. Mearig. The intent of the study was to determine if a salt solution of potassium sulfate could consistently maintain 95% relative humidity during the test and if the fungal growth on the samples would be the same in the presence of the salt solution as with the water. Variability from lab to lab was also assessed. It was determined that less fungal growth was achieved with the salt solution than with water. It was also determined that lesser fungal growth was seen when 95% or higher humidity was not maintained. Other discussions surrounded the spray inoculation of the samples, indirect versus direct inoculation, and concentration of the inoculum. Grading scale discussions included a compression of the scale to a 0-5 range, along with a possible geometric scale to differentiate between lesser levels of growth. No consensus was reached on these issues. Different relative humidity sampling techniques were also discussed. Members agreed to circulate digital photographs of samples supporting fungal growth along with criteria for grading the samples and a rating scale. A target date of mid to late February was established. L. Sadasivan shared her method for keeping samples in individual dishes to prevent cross-contamination between samples. P. Hargrove will incorporate changes agreed upon and distribute a new draft to the group. A virtual meeting will also be planned before the June 2005 meeting to discuss the method draft.

DIVISION 30 PAINT MATERIALS

D01.34, Naval Stores

J. Russell, Chair

The group on Determination of Neutral Content discussed the development of a more rapid method for the measurement of the neutral content of tall oil fractions without the use of diethyl ether. The basis of the method is the use of solid phase extraction columns to separate the neutrals from the acid components of the tall oil fractions. Previous work by S. Dubose had led to the recommendation to use commercially available amino propyl and strong anion exchange columns in series. It has been agreed that other members would then run the method in their own laboratories and report the results at the January 2005 subcommittee meeting. J. Harrison reported on his results and found that the Dubose method gave reasonable results with tall oil fatty acids when using hexane as a solvent, confirming earlier results. However, materials that were essentially neutral, such as esters and alcohols, were also retained on the column rather than passing through. It was concluded that hexane was not a suitable solvent for such materials. It was decided to concentrate future work on tall oil fractions, such as tall oil fatty acids, rosin, and distilled tall oil. Individual members will run the same tall oil fatty acids and DTO using hexane as the solvent. They will look at other solvents for rosin.

The Gum Rosin Characterization group considered the status of the GC method for the identification and characterization of gum rosins. The method already has been published as a PCA test method and is ready for balloting as an ISO method. The ISO method has been simplified to one method of methylation (TMAH) and one GC column, a BDS column. However, a second round robin has shown that other columns can give the same degree of separation, so columns giving equivalent results will be allowed.

The group on Color of Rosin and Its Derivatives heard a report on the status of this project, the goal of which is to have the FDA change the wording of the regulation covering the use of rosin to reflect that the industry now uses Gardner colors and not the USRG scale. Following the advice of regulatory experts, it has been decided to amend the specifications of the rosin derivatives listed in the Food Chemical Codex prior to approaching the FDA. Consequently, the color specification in the FCC descriptions of four rosin esters has been submitted to the Technical Committee of the FCC for comment. In order to be consistent, D 509, Test Methods for Grading Rosin, also needed to be updated. Changes in text, including the Gardner color scale in D 509--in addition to the now outdated USRG scale--were approved by the subcommittee and the method will be balloted as soon as possible.

D01.35, Solvents, Plasticizers and Chemical Intermediates

R. G. Montemayor, Chair

This subcommittee is in charge of many standards, several of which need action in 2005. All overdue standards will be balloted during the first semester of 2005. Problems associated with insufficient attendance at the subcommittee meetings continue, and efforts to maintain the various standards under the jurisdiction of the subcommittee are being impacted negatively. The group on Hydrocarbon Solvents and Ketones has a new method, "Standard Test Method for Isopohorone Purity by Gas Chromatography," that has passed D01 ballot and soon will receive an ASTM number. Revised specifications on MEK (D 740), MIBK (D 1153), and high flash aromatic naphthas (D 3734) will be balloted. The Reactive Monomers group will ballot several purity and other standards. The Chemical Intermediates group has plans to revise and ballot a large number of specifications. The group on Plasticizers and Ester Solvents will revise several specifications and ballot three standards for withdrawal: D 363 Specification for Tricresyl Phosphate, D 1399 Unsafonifiables in TCP, and D 1468 Volatile Matter in TCP.

D01.36, Cellulose and Cellulose Derivatives

J. de Wit, Chair

The next meeting of D01 is scheduled for June 2005. Since we are caught up on our work, members voted unanimously to omit the D01.36 subcommittee meeting in June. Assignments for reviewing standards due in 2006 were made. The subcommittee voted unanimously (thereby passing the subcommittee ballot) to submit the following standards for re-approval without revision: D 1696 Solubility of Cellulose in Sodium Hydroxide, D 1926 Carboxyl Content of Cellulose, D 1343 Viscosity of Cellulose Derivatives by Ball Drop Method, D 2929 Sulfur Content of Cellulosic Materials by X-ray Fluorescence, D 3516 Ashing Cellulose, and D 2363 Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. The last standard does not have a sponsor and does not have adequate precision and bias statements. If we receive negatives because of this, we will ballot to withdraw since we do not have a steward and no way to obtain the needed information to bring this method up to date.

D01.37, Ink Vehicles

D. Weisel, Chair

D. Weisel announced two ASTM awards: A. Scarlatti has received the Service Appreciation Award and Ms. J. Fetsko has been given lifetime honorary membership in D01 after 40 plus years of service. NAPIM hosted a reception in J. Fetsko's honor. The group recruiting new members has been active. A letter was sent to NAPIM members and others and contacts made with UCB Kustom Group yielded positive responses. The Resin/Solvent Compatibility group reviewed D 6038 "Standard Test Method for Determining the Compatibility of Resin/Solvent Mixtures by Precipitation." Several sections of the method will need to be re-balloted. D. Weisel, Chair, reported to the group on Rheology of Ink Vehicles that the round robin based on oscillatory viscometers yielded excellent repeatability and reproducibility. The numbers were superior to those from the Duke Falling Rod viscometer even though several different oscillatory instruments and geometries were used. This method will be balloted by the subcommittee once a precision statement has been added. The Navigator script on "how to run this method on a TA Instrument" was provided by Flint Ink. Flint gave permission to publish this script, but after review, too many special instructions must be added for each rheometertype for it to be any help. The use of rheometers for rotational measurements may be next. D. Weisel will also submit a task force proposal to the March 2005 NPIRI Board of Directors meeting.

DIVISION 40 PAINT PRODUCTS APPLIED ON SITE

D01.42, Architectural Finishes

T. Sliva, Acting Chair

The group on Water Repellency of Wood reported progress on Work Item WK 4926 "Standard Test Method for Anti-Swelling Effectiveness of Water-Repellent Formulations and Differential Swelling of Untreated Wood When Exposed to Liquid Water Environments." Progress also was reported on "Standard Test Method for Low Temperature Film Formation." A new practice, D 7072 "Standard Practice for Evaluating Accelerated Efflorescence of Latex Coatings," has been published. The group on Leaching of Water Solubles reported that the "Practice for Evaluating Leaching of Water Solubles from Latex Paint Films" had been completed and submitted for D01 Committee ballot. Other D01.42 projects showing progress were "Test Method for Touch Up" and "Standard Guide to Testing Exterior Deck Coatings."

D01.44, Traffic Coatings

P. R. Guevin, Chair

Test Method D 4960 "Test Method for Evaluation of Color for Thermoplastic Traffic Marking Materials" will be divided into two standards: (1) one to measure color and (2) one to prepare samples. G. Leggett has revised the color measurement aspects. J. Britt volunteered to revise the sample preparation portion. D 969, "Test Method for Laboratory Determination of Degree of Bleeding of Traffic Paint," contains the term "asbestos" which ASTM wants to remove from all standards. Asphalt felt meeting specification D 4869, "Asphalt-Saturated Organic Felt Underlayment Used in Steep Slope Roofing," may be suitable but more "research" is needed to determine if it can be referenced in the revised test method. Water resistance is important to traffic paints because they are frequently exposed to rain or condensation on bridges. Practice D 870 specifies steel panels but not immersion time. D 1647 requires tin plate and an immersion of 18 hours. Neither seems appropriate for evaluating traffic paints on concrete or asphalt. Because of this, G. Shay's Water Wash-Off Test will be drafted into an acceptable ASTM Test Method form.

D01.45, Marine Coatings

E. Haslbeck, Chair

The main topics of discussion were recent ballot actions, including revision of the copper release rate method D 6442 (edits now limited to LOQ/LOD only); current modifications to the proposed organic biocide release rate method being developed for CDMTD, isothiazolone, and pyrithione (ASTM Z9489Z); the modifications to the newly published method (D 6990) for evaluating biofouling on test panels; and the required modifications to D 3632 that resulted from the publication of D 6990 (we are essentially separating the panel testing method from the evaluation of performance method. Both "topics" were originally included in D 3623, but are now separate).

Recent ISO activity was summarized Biocide release rate methods are being developed for four of the organic biocides: PTBP, Zineb, Tolyfluanid, and Diclofluanid. The methods have been reviewed at the working group level and/or have been introduced as draft international standards. In addition, this ISO working group has recently considered comments from Great Britain's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) office relevant to the "calculation method" for determining biocide release rate. Minutes from the ISO meeting (October 2004) are available from the D01.45 Chair, and detail recent activity and discussions.

Methods D 4939 ("Dynamic Testing Using a Rotating Drum") and D 5479 ("Testing Panels Partially Immersed") are to be edited and sent to be re-balloted before June 2005. Method D 5618 ("Barnacle Adhesion") is to be re-balloted before June 2005. Also, Geoff Swain will draft a new method, "Dynamic Immersion Test Method," and present it at the June 2005 meeting. The Navy [Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA)] is interested in the development/publication of an in-situ biocide release rate method. Follow-up discussions are planned.

D01.46, Industrial Protective Coatings

L. Smith, Chair

The Surface Preparation group discussed results of the ballot on the new "Test Method for Measurement of Surface Roughness of Abrasive Blast Cleaned Metal Surfaces Using a Portable Stylus Instrument." It was decided to hold a virtual meeting to address the negatives, and to develop plans for a preliminary precision statement obtained under repeatability conditions from one laboratory. H. Roper and J. Brandon have written a paper that shows a correlation between peak count and performance. H. Roper agreed to give a presentation of this research at the June subcommittee meeting.

R. Stachnik advocated re-running a round robin on tapes for D 4417, "Test Method for Field Measurement of Surface Profile of Blast Cleaned Steel." His review of the data showed that the precision and bias estimates were determined with measurements taken outside the applicability of the specific grade of tape. L. Smith pointed out that there was a difference in procedure between the two round robin tests performed on replica tape in that the original round robin for the coarse and x-coarse tape did not identify a specific area on the blasted steel panel, whereas the exact location to measure was marked out when the "painter's grade" tape was tested. This may have influenced results. A task group was established to make recommendations on the need and method to use for a new round robin test. Other changes are needed, such as a better description of the accuracy of the micrometer and a description of the burnishing tool.

D. Allerton, Chair of the Repainting group, presented the results of the round robin test for D 5402, "Standard Practice for Assessing the Solvent Resistance of Organic Coatings using Solvent Rub." The testing evaluated the current D 5402 as well as the coil coaters' finger rub, the cotton swab, and the ball peen hammer methods. The results showed that the finger rub methods gave the lowest coefficient of variation. In addition, the cotton swab method and ball peen hammer method gave several incidences of reverse trends among coatings types. It was decided to revise the standard to include the coil coaters' method, and to add quantification of "moderate" and "heavy" pressure. The information from the round robin test will be passed on to the Coil Coating subcommittee, and a revision to D 5402 will be sent to subcommittee ballot.

W. Corbett presented a first draft of a practice for detecting amine blush. This practice is based on a commercial test kit. Discussions on adding a description of color formation/intensity and false positives were held. This document will be revised and sent to subcommittee ballot. The group on Adhesion discussed the need to perform a round robin test for the Type 5 instrument. It was decided to include all the instruments in D 4541, "Pull-Off Strength of Coatings Using Portable Adhesion Testers." The options were to send the instruments and panels to the various labs, or to run the round robin at the next SSPC annual meeting. The group preferred the latter if dedicated space can be arranged. L. Smith will contact SSPC about getting a room for two days to perform the test, and will also contact the labs and test panel suppliers that had previously agreed to participate.

F. Gelfant presented data from a pilot study related to the proposed test method for "Pull-off Strength of Coatings on Concrete using Portable Adhesion Testers." These data showed that neither dolly size nor load rate was as important as previously thought. Differences in pull-off strengths among instruments tested were most likely due to loading direction. This would negate the use of a universal tensile testing machine as the reference standard for pull-off strength from concrete. A list of questions was then reviewed for task group comment. The document will be sent to subcommittee ballot once the revisions are made. It was pointed out that Committees A03 and D33 are interested in this standard and their members will be sent copies of the document for their comments.

D. Allerton volunteered to Chair the Graffiti Resistance task group. D 6578, "Practice for Determination of Graffiti Resistance," is up for re-approval. The procedure needs to be modified as it was both tedious and time consuming. The practice also requires only 50 double rubs to test for removal, so thickness of the graffiti plays a role in the ranking. Suggestions were made to reduce the size of the spots so more tests could be performed on one panel, to use one spot as a test for gloss retention and then confirm the others by eye, and to use more visual evaluation.

The Hydrogen Sulfide Chamber group discussed the safety issues involved with hydrogen sulfide, the fact that it is most likely sulfuric acid that does the damage, and that hydrogen sulfide and water molecules are about the same size. Therefore, moisture vapor transmission rate of a coating may be predictive of hydrogen sulfide damage. R. Schwab will look into any correlation between moisture vapor transmission and hydrogen sulfide resistance, and report back to the group at the next meeting.

Two new proposed standards were discussed. One was a request for D01.46 to develop a standard for qualifying coatings project specifiers. This was rejected with the recommendation that NACE or SSPC might be the more appropriate group to develop such a standard. The other proposed standard was a method to replicate and measure concrete surface roughness prior to painting. The group decided that D01.46 was an appropriate place for such a method, and will discuss it at the next meeting.

D01.47, Masonry Treatments

T. Sliva, Acting Chair

Barbara Walsh has had to relinquish the Chair of D01.47 as her job responsibilities have changed. It was the decision of the subcommittee to nominate Mr. Vincent Huey of Degussa Corporation as the new Chair of D01.47. T. Sliva reported that the proposed "New Standard Practice for Resistance to Hydrostatic Pressure for Coatings Used in Below Grade Applications Applied to Masonry" had successfully completed Society ballot and would be in the next edition of ASTM book 06.02 as ASTM D 7088. He also reported the need to start a round robin on ASTM D 6490, "Standard Test Method for Moisture Vapor Transmission of Non Film Forming Treatments Used on Cementitious Panels." He will contact various cooperators to assess their willingness to participate. The method also needs to be submitted for reapproval/revision before the next meeting.

F. Gale has agreed to review the proposed "Standard Practice to Determine the Effectiveness of Anti-Graffiti Coatings for Use on Concrete, Masonry and Natural Stone Surfaces by Pressure Washing" and decide what revisions need to be made before submitting the item to ballot. All previous negatives and comments will be reviewed. Other projects include developing standard practices for 1) determining alkaline resistance (including early alkaline resistance) on concrete and masonry and 2) measuring the effectiveness of field applied water repellent treatments using a RILEM tube.

D01.52, Factory Coated Wood Products

M. Foster, Chair

Reviewed weathering test methods, including D 5722, "Accelerated Outdoor Weathering of Factory Embossed Hardboard ...," the exterior durability section of D 2830 "Specification for Factory Applied Wood Coatings," and D 358, "Specification for Wood to be Used as Panels in Weathering Tests of Coatings." The group would like to see if D 5722 could be applicable to primed wood, but need test material. After discussion, it was decided that D 358 does not belong in D01.52 since is not specifically for hardboard. Tim Brooke will find a better home for the test. D 5235, "Microscopical Measurement of Dry Film Thickness of Coatings on Wood Products," needs a precision and bias statement. T. Rieth presented data from the recent round robin, but variation was considerable and was worse on retesting six months later. The method may have to go without a proper precision and bias statement, but with an explanatory note. Many other methods will be reviewed and balloted. The subcommittee would like to have a virtual meeting to discuss them.

D01.53, Coil Coated Metal

C.A. Gosselin, Chair

Task group Chair D. Cocuzzi reported to the group on Accelerated Weathering that during the June meeting in Pittsburgh detailed results will be reported on the ten-year exposure panels. Mr. Cocuzzi will present the data for review, together with the panels. This information should be publicized through journals or even as an ASTM symposium. C. Gosselin will follow up on publicity.

The major activity of the task group on Dry Film Thickness is to investigate the elements contributing to precision analysis for D 5796, "Standard Test Method for Measurement of Dry Film Thickness of Thin Film Coil-Coated Systems by Destructive Means using a Boring Device." Now that many of the instruments in the field have been updated and maintained as a result of an earlier study conducted by J. Henderson, a round robin study is planned to determine the general level of precision of the instrument when variables such as operators, machines, coatings, etc. are considered. Some standards will be tested and included in that data set and subsequently analyzed statistically by a team led by D. Cocuzzi. Based on this analysis, the details of the round robin study will be determined. During the June meeting, the final results of the earlier testing will be presented as basis for the next round robin analysis.

A new standard, Z 9405Z "Test Method for Determining the Relative Resistance of a Coated Surface to Solvents Using a Mechanical Rubbing Machine," was balloted at the subcommittee level and received three negatives and several comments, particularly concerning the lack of precision and bias. One negative vote was cast because it was thought that not enough of the test parameters were specified. Following discussion, it was agreed that precision and bias, including correlation with D 5402, "Standard Practice for Assessing the Solvent Resistance of Organic Coatings Using Solvent Rubs," were important considerations. Testing of undercured PVDF topcoats, low resistance primers, and backer coatings from coil line retains have indicated a correlation with other test methods. The negatives were found persuasive. D. Cocuzzi will revise the test method and the changes will be included on the next D01 ballot. The revisions that reflect the persuasive negatives include: defining "failure at breakthrough" (D 5402 will be reviewed for guidance in this definition and incorporated as a reference specification); defining an updated cotton pad as a substitute for cheesecloth; identifying the operating parameters of the instrument (e.g., stroke length, strokes per minute, pressure, etc.); and incorporating a stronger statement indicating that precision and bias were under development.

C. Higginbotham introduced the subject of wet-stack testing. Some work has already been done in conjunction with NCCA. A task group will look into the viability of an accelerated method. The objective is to find or create an accelerated test method that will duplicate the corrosion observed in the field. A report is due at the June meeting detailing whether or not it will be worth moving forward with method development, or conversely, whether a suitable method already exists. G. Peake brought up the subject of total solar reflectance (TSR) measurements. The first question was related to whether there was a need for a practice specifying how panels are prepared for TSR measurements, and, secondly, if there was a need for a study comparing the two methods. The ensuing discussion verified that more general education is needed. Work resulting in an educational piece that details the effects of coating parameters (substrate, pretreatment, primer, film thickness, etc.) on TSR measurements would be worthwhile. At the June meeting, G. Peake will discuss the type of document related to this issue that would be appropriate for ASTM.

D01.55, Factory Applied Coatings on Preformed Products

R. S. Diem, Chair

A Task Group reviewed a proposed "Standard Practice on Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) of Liquid Coatings." Several revisions were proposed and the Task Group Chairman, Gene Praschan, agreed to make the necessary revisions and forward the updated Practice for review at the June 2005 meeting.

D01.56, Printing Inks

P. Ford, Chair

Jackie Fetsko announced she was resigning as Chairman for Subcommittee D01.56 Printing Inks. She nominated Peter Ford for Chairman to replace her. There were no other nominations, and Mr. Ford was elected unanimously. He will select his officers at the next meeting, namely vice-chairman, and secretary.

The group on Fineness of Grind discussed the results of the ballot on the revision of D 1316. There was one negative vote pointing out that the procedure needs a precision statement for the automatic method. It was accepted that a new precision statement was necessary, but not a reballoting of the whole procedure. Chair J. Fetsko reported to the Falling Rod Viscometer group that method D 4040 had been balloted for re-approval by the subcommittee. There were no negative votes or comments. She will add a history of the Laray viscometer along with Laray & Lehmann charts to the research report. R. Cook will take three samples and draw the graphs on the charts.

The Ink Mileage group discussed the new method that had just been balloted by the subcommittee. There were no negatives. One comment suggested that the definition for Ink Mileage change from weight per area (g/[m.sup.2]) to area per weight ([m.sup.2]/g). The subcommittee agreed that area per weight was better. D. Ness will make the changes to the Precision Statement and submit the method for D01 ballot. The group on Radiation Curing reviewed new test method D 7086 "Relative Cure of Energy--Cured Inks and Coatings," which was balloted and passed with one comment. The comment consisted of reporting both the length and width of the alternate test strips, and that these measurements should be in metric units. E. Kobylarz will make the necessary changes.

A new method for "Print Gloss" has been balloted. There were no negative votes, but a number of comments, including 1) the readings should be changed from percent gloss to gloss units, 2) the test method should include the machine direction and state that the measurement should always be taken the same way, 3) in the preparation section, a section should be included on how to select an angle and include a statement that if using a single angle, it should be [60.sup.0], and 4) a note should be inserted after the preparation section indicating that care should be taken to ensure standards are clean. Danny Rich disagreed with the definition of gloss in the method. He will be contacted for his definition. Typographical errors will be corrected.

D01.57, Artists' Paints and Related Materials

M.D. Gottsegen, Chair

The group on Toxicity discussed negatives from the recent balloting for re-approval of D 4236, "Standard Practice for Labeling Art Materials for Chronic Health Hazards." It was decided that one negative comment was non-persuasive on the basis that it was not within the scope of ASTM D 4236 to deal with the use of "non-toxic." The subcommittee also thought that a better way to deal with the issue was to approach the Federal Trade Commission about changing their rules with regard to the term "non-toxic." Dr. Stopford, the Chair of the Toxicity Determination group, reported that there had been a problem with barium sulfate swallow testing in Brazil and that he had been analyzing and testing a range of art materials to see if different results were obtained when testing an ingredient vs. the art material containing the ingredient. He also said that if the results of this analysis are as he suspects, he would recommend that ASTM D 5517, "Determination of Extractability of Metals from Art Materials," be revised to require that the art material itself, rather than ingredients, be tested.

The Pastel group Chair, V. Elliott, led a discussion of the Pastel standard, and it was pointed out that it was necessary to keep particles from the samples out of the testing apparatus, so some modification must be made to the samples. After discussion, it was agreed to send out the latest draft for further discussion at the next meeting. I. Garrett will look into options such as using a wafer, a film cover, or the pastel itself, that would work for both the spectrometer and the sun test. It was suggested that it would be best if consumers could also perform the test. The Chair of Hazardous Art Material Waste Disposal, B. Griffin, circulated two new drafts of a standard practice (one for individuals and one for institutions) for safe disposal, and asked for further comments. M. Gottsegen agreed to review and distribute drafts to the subcommittee prior to the next meeting.

D01.61, Paint Application Tools

J. D. Feathers, Chair

T. Sliva, Chair of the group on Paint Brushes distributed copies of D 7073 "Standard Guide for Application and Evaluation of Brush and Roller Applied Paint Films." This guide was developed for laboratory personnel, giving them both guidance in application procedures and techniques for comparing coatings of similar color. The Chair is currently soliciting ideas on methods for attributes of brush parts that could be used to verify differences in quality, new practices involving brushes for use by laboratory personnel, and other suggestions for the future direction of the task group.

The group on Paint Rollers reviewed the latest draft of the proposed "Test Method for Fiber Shedding of Paint Roller Covers." Pictures will be added to the next draft to depict "lint" to aid in the defining of this defect. An appendix will also be developed that will list roller fabric characteristics that may affect test results. Results of a recent round robin were discussed. There is still a large variation in the results seen by the cooperators. Another round of tests will be done to better define if the variation is coming from the test samples or the test operators. Samples of rollers from Shur-Line will be provided for the next testing. All graded paint-outs will be sent to D. Sinykin for additional analysis to judge whether defect interpretation is another source of variation. This testing will be done on two separate days to gather data for the Precision and Bias statement.

The Knitted Paint Applicator Fabrics group discussed the latest draft of the proposed "Practice for Physical Characterization of Sliver Knitted Paint Applicator Fabrics." A new section on shearable pile density was reviewed. Additional editorial changes were suggested and will be incorporated. In addition, a section on measurement of fabric tensile strength is under development. The group on Fracture Resistance reviewed the latest draft of the proposed method for "Testing Fracture Level of Paintbrush Filaments." This method is registered as Work Item 6755. Changes will be made and the method will be balloted.

The Brush Stiffness group discussed the proposed "Methods for Evaluating Paint Brush Stiffness." Editorial changes were suggested, including consistent use of the term "length clear." A change was suggested to the amount of scale pre-load before setting to zero. A step will also be added requiring the aligning of the brush filaments on the scale to assure uniform contact. The term "deflection" will be added to make searching for this method easier. A new draft incorporating these above changes and upgraded pictures of the equipment will be completed prior to the June meeting.

G03.02, Natural Environmental Testing

J. Robbins III, Chair

The group on Black Panels has completed work on a new document entitled, "Specification for Manufacturing and Use of Black and White Panel Temperature Devices for Natural Weathering Tests." This standard has been published and is now available. The group on Outdoor Tests had two standards balloted prior to the January 2005 meeting: G 7, "Standard Practice for Atmospheric Environmental Exposure Testing of Nonmetallic Materials" and G 24, "Standard Practice for Conducting Exposures to Daylight Filtered through Glass." Both passed G-3 ballot with no negatives and will be published in the near future. The Accelerated Outdoor Weathering group reviewed a subcommittee ballot of G 90, "Standard Practice for Performing Accelerated Outdoor Weathering of Nonmetallic Materials Using Concentrated Natural Sunlight." The G03.02 ballot received one negative vote and the standard will be revised and sent for a G03.02/G-3 ballot prior to the next meeting.

G03.04, Biological Deterioration

No Chair

W. Ketola announced to the group that S. Brown was stepping down as the G03.04 subcommittee chair and that a replacement was needed. He asked for volunteers.