Overview
EN ISO 22516:2020 (identical to ISO 22516:2019) - published by CEN/ISO - defines a practical test method for determining the non‑volatile and volatile matter content of paints and varnishes during application. The standard covers measurements taken directly after application or after intermediate/final drying and is particularly relevant for water‑thinnable coatings and recoating processes. It emphasises that measured values are relative and depend on application and drying conditions (solvent retention, thermal decomposition, evaporation of low‑molecular constituents).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and principle: Measurement of residue (non‑volatile matter) and mass loss (volatile matter) by weighing coated aluminium foils or test panels before and after controlled drying.
- Two methods:
- Method A (aluminium foil): Soft aluminium foil (30 ± 2 μm), cut typically to 90 × 130 mm, fixed with a magnetic fixture frame. Recommended for both production and laboratory spray booth testing.
- Method B (test panel): Use of standard test panels (~200 × 100 mm, 0.7–1.0 mm thick) prepared per ISO 1514; typically restricted to laboratory booth application.
- Apparatus: precision balance (to 0.1 mg for Method A, 1 mg for Method B), laboratory drying box with controlled ventilation and temperature stability (±2 °C up to 150 °C; ±3.5 °C above).
- Sampling and preparation: Representative sampling per ISO 15528 and sample preparation per ISO 1513.
- Evaluation and precision: Procedures for calculating non‑volatile/volatile matter and defined repeatability/reproducibility criteria; results are comparative rather than absolute.
Applications and who uses it
- Quality control (QC) teams in paint and coatings manufacturing to monitor application result and solvent emissions.
- R&D laboratories evaluating formulation changes, spray parameters, or drying strategies.
- Process engineers and applicators comparing efficiency of different application technologies (spray energy, flow rate) and drying methods.
- Compliance and environmental teams assessing volatile matter related to recoating safety and VOC handling-especially relevant for water‑thinnable systems where intermediate drying is critical.
Related standards
- ISO 1513 - Examination and preparation of test samples
- ISO 1514 - Standard panels for testing
- ISO 4618 - Terms and definitions for paints and varnishes
- ISO 15528 - Sampling of paints, varnishes and raw materials
EN ISO 22516:2020 is a practical, comparative method for assessing coating behaviour during application, useful for manufacturers and applicators seeking reproducible, production‑relevant data on non‑volatile and volatile matter content.
