The thickness or mass per unit area of a coating is often critical to its performance.

For some coating-substrate combinations, the beta backscatter method is a reliable method for measuring the coating nondestructively.

The test method is suitable for thickness specification acceptance if the mass per unit area is specified. It is not suitable for specification acceptance if the coating thickness is specified and the density of the coating material can vary or is not known.

1.1 This test method covers the beta backscatter gages for the nondestructive measurement of metallic and nonmetallic coatings on both metallic and nonmetallic substrate materials.

1.2 The test method measures the mass of coating per unit area, which can also be expressed in linear thickness units provided that the density of the coating is known.

1.3 The test method is applicable only if the atomic numbers or equivalent atomic numbers of the coating and substrate differ by an appropriate amount (see 7.2).

1.4 Beta backscatter instruments employ a number of different radioactive isotopes. Although the activities of these isotopes are normally very low, they can present a hazard if handled incorrectly. This standard does not purport to address the safety issues and the proper handling of radioactive materials. It is the responsibility of the user to comply with applicable State and Federal regulations concerning the handling and use of radioactive material. Some States require licensing and registration of the radioactive isotopes.

1.5 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.