1. Scope

1.1 These test methods cover procedures for determining whether a material does or does not flash at a specified temperature or for determining the lowest finite temperature at which a material does flash when using a small scale closed-cup apparatus. The test methods are applicable to paints, enamels, lacquers, varnishes, and related products having a flash point between 0 and 110C (32 and 230F) and viscosity lower than 150 St at 25C (77F). Note 1Tests at higher or lower temperatures are possible.

More viscous materials may be tested in accordance with .

Organic peroxides may be tested in accordance with , which describes the applicable safety precautions.

The U.S. Department of Labor (OSHA, Hazard Communications), the U.S. Department of Transportation (RSPA), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have specified Test Methods D 3278 as one of several acceptable methods for the determination of flash point of liquids in their regulations.

These test methods are similar to International Standards ISO 3679 and ISO 3680.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.3 This standard should be used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled conditions and should not be used to describe or appraise the fire-hazard or fire-risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. However, results of the test may be used as elements of a fire-hazard or a fire-risk assessment which takes into account all of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard or fire risk of a particular end use

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see and .

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D56 Test Method for Flash Point by Tag Closed Cup Tester

D93 Test Methods for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester

D850 Test Method for Distillation of Industrial Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Related Materials

D1015 Test Method for Freezing Points of High-Purity Hydrocarbons

D1078 Test Method for Distillation Range of Volatile Organic Liquids

ISO Standards

Keywords

flash/no flash; flash point; organic peroxides; organic solvents; small scale closed-cup apparatus; Butanol ( sec/tert/n ); Closed-cup flash point methods; Flash point--liquids; Lacquer; Organic peroxides; Setaflash testers; Varnishes; para -Xylene;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 13.220.40 (Ignitability and burning behaviour of materials and products); 87.040 (Paints and varnishes)

DOI: 10.1520/D3278-96R04E01

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.