4.1 This test method is the procedure of choice for determining volatile content of sheet-fed and coldset web offset inks. This information is useful to the ink manufacturer and user and to environmental interests as part of the determination of the mass of volatile organic compounds emitted from the ink.

Note 3: Since these inks do not contain water or any materials currently classified by US EPA as negligibly photochemically reactive (exempt solvents), volatile organic compound content is the same as volatile content. The volatile organic compounds in these inks are high boiling hydrocarbon oils which are, according to US EPA guidelines, 95 % retained in the printed substrate or oxidized into the ink film. Therefore, the mass of volatile organic compound emitted from the ink would be calculated as only 5 % of the volatile organic compound content of the ink as derived from the results of this test method.

1.1 This test method describes a procedure for determination of the weight percent volatile content of sheet-fed and coldset web offset printing inks. Test specimens are heated at 110 °C ± 1 °C for 60 min.

Note 1: Coldset web offset printing is often (also) referred to as non-heatset web offset printing.

1.2 This test method is also applicable to sheet-fed and coldset web offset printing ink vehicles.

Note 2: Vehicle is the liquid portion of the printing ink. Any substance that is dissolved in the liquid portion of the ink is a part of the vehicle.

1.3 This test method is not applicable to ultra-violet (UV) or electron beam cured materials, which must be cured by exposure to UV light or an electron beam as part of the test for volatile content.

1.4 This test method is based on Test Method D2369, in which the allowable ranges are ±0.1 g for specimen weight and ±5 °C for oven temperature. Interlaboratory studies have shown that specimen weight and oven temperature must both be more tightly controlled in order to improve the precision of test results for sheet-fed and coldset web-offset inks. Such inks typically contain a wide range of high-boiling hydrocarbons and often have a volatile content below 25 %.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.6 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For a specific hazard statement see 7.5.1

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.