Adhesion testing evaluates a coatings properties or coating systems ability to adhere to a substrate. These can be performed to evaluate capability to apply paint or to qualify a new coatings performance.

Qualitative and quantitative tests are available for evaluating the adhesion of organic and inorganic coatings on various substrates. Methods include: Pull off testing, Bend, Burnishing, Chisel-Knife, File, Grind-Saw, Heat-Quench, Impact, Peel and Scribe-Grid-Tape testing.

Many adhesion methods require conditioning or exposure to a specific environment prior to test. Aerofin Laboratories have the facilities to subject test pieces to the following conditions; humidity, temperature, immersion and corrosion salt spray, to name a few.

• Test Methods include:
• ASTM B 571
• ASTM D 3359
• ASTM D 2794
• ISO 2409
• Federal Test Method 6301.3
• BSS 7225
• ISO 4624

Viscosity is a measure of how resistant a paint is to spreading or more commonly how “thick” a paint is. This is an important characteristic, because it determines how it performs when applied with different tools such as brushes, rollers, and sprayers. There are various ways of determining viscosity, most commonly used in the paint industry are:

• ASTM D4212 standard test method for viscosity by dip type viscosity cup.
• ISO 2431 determination of flow time by use of flow cups.

Density or weight per volume measurements of a paints or coating are important for batch-to-batch consistency and accuracy purposes. Part of quality control process, ensuring the final product has the correct amount of each material required in the coating formulation. Density helps confirm customers consistently achieve consistent, high-quality coatings and that those coatings perform as expected. Density is determined using a density cup, where a known volume of product can be weighed accurately. Common methods of determining paint density include:

• ASTM D1475

Non-volatile Residue (NVR) or non-volatile matter is the soluble, suspended or particulate material remaining following evaporation of the volatile solvent which contains the material. NVR determination involves evaporating the organic solvent followed by measuring the residue gravimetrically using a sensitive balance and carefully-tared weighing vessels. NVR tests in relation to paints determine if the theoretical or calculated percentage solid of the coating are within range and can be used as an appropriate means of determining dry film volume.

A method of determining hardness of a single coating or paint system. Testing is conducted by pushing pencils of known hardness over a coatings surface at a constant angle with a known force and assessing its resistance to marking or deformation.

Pencil hardness tests are performed in order to asses performance of a paint or coating. Regardless of its primary function the coating or paint must have adequate performance capabilities for its intended purpose. Pencil hardness indicates a paint or coating ability to resist deformation.

Test Methods Include:

• BS EN ISO 15184

Coating thickness testing is carried out to ensure that the required depth of coating is applied for it to perform it’s function in service. Coating thickness measurements may be performed non destructively using an Eddy current meter or destructively, where a specimen can be cross sectioned and mounted for microscopic assessment.

Test Methods include:

• ASTM D 1186
• ISO 2178
• ISO 2808

Microsection thickness evaluations provide a visual of the coating system where individual layers can be measured. Micrographs can be incorporated into the laboratory report.

Photographic reports can be provided for optical microscopy methods such as intergranular attack where accurate scales and measurements can be added to enhance the micro-graphs. The software can be used to measure any visible elements within a micro-graph. for Example, indent depth, scratch depth, pitting, heat affected zone and alpha case.