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.

Designation: D968 − 22

Standard Test Methods for

Abrasion Resistance of Organic Coatings by Falling
Abrasive1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D968; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
resistance of organic coatings to abrasion produced by abrasive D16 Terminology for Paint, Related Coatings, Materials, and
falling onto coatings applied to a plane rigid surface, such as a Applications
metal or glass panel. D823 Practices for Producing Films of Uniform Thickness
of Paint, Coatings and Related Products on Test Panels
1.2 Two test methods based on different abrasives are
D1005 Test Method for Measurement of Dry-Film Thick-
covered as follows:
ness of Organic Coatings Using Micrometers
Sections
Method A—Falling Sand Abrasion Test 6 – 13
D7091 Practice for Nondestructive Measurement of Dry
Method B—Falling Silicon Carbide Abrasion Test 14 – 21 Film Thickness of Nonmagnetic Coatings Applied to
1.3 These methods should be restricted to testing in only Ferrous Metals and Nonmagnetic, Nonconductive Coat-
one laboratory when numerical values are used because of the ings Applied to Non-Ferrous Metals
poor reproducibility of the methods (see 13.1.2 and 21.1.2). E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
Interlaboratory agreement is improved significantly when rank- Sieves
ing is used in place of numerical values. 2.2 Other Standards:
ANSI B74.12 Specification for the Size of Abrasive Grain
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the — Grinding Wheels, Polishing and General Industrial
standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are for Uses3
information only and are not considered standard. FEPA Standard 42-2 Grains of Fused Aluminum Oxide,
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the Silicon Carbide and other Abrasive Materials for Bonded
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the Abrasives and for General Applications — Microgrits
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- F230 to F20004
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3. Terminology
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor- 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 3.1.1 Abrasion resistance is expressed as the amount of
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the abrasive required to wear through a unit film thickness of the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- coating.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical 3.2 For definitions of other terms used in this standard, refer
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. to Terminology D16.

2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and are the direct Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
responsibility of Subcommittee D01.23 on Physical Properties of Applied Paint the ASTM website.
3
Films. Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
Current edition approved June 1, 2022. Published July 2022. Originally approved 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
4
in 1948. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as D968 – 17. DOI: 10.1520/ Available from Federation of European Producers of Abrasives (FEPA), 20 av.,
D0968-22. Reille, Paris, F-75014, www.fepa-abrasives.com.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 D968 − 22
5
4. Summary of Test Method METHOD A—FALLING SAND ABRASION TEST
4.1 Abrasive particles fall from a specified height through a
guide tube onto the surface of a coated panel until the film is 6. Apparatus and Materials
worn away, exposing a small area of the substrate or previous 6.1 Abrasion Tester, as illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, and
coating layer if two or more coatings are present. The amount consisting of the following elements.
of abrasive per unit film thickness is reported as the abrasion 6.1.1 A funnel with an opening of 20 cm (8 in.). The lower
resistance of the coating on the panel. Silica sand or silicon part of the funnel shall consist of a wall that converges
carbide may be used, as specified. continuously at a 60° angle until the minimum inside diameter
coincides with the outside diameter of the guide tube. The
5. Significance and Use funnel may be continued from this point on as a cylindrical
5.1 Silica sand produces a slower rate of abrasion for collar that fits snugly over the outside diameter of the guide
organic coatings than that provided by silicon carbide. For tube as shown in Fig. 2. The upper part of the funnel may be
some types of coatings, it may also provide greater differen- a 20 cm (8 in.) cylinder.
tiation. 6.1.2 A straight, smooth-bore metal guide tube with an inner
5.2 The abrasion resistance scales produced by the two diameter of 19.1 mm (3⁄4 in.) and outer diameter of 22.2 mm
methods differ, but the methods provide approximately the (7⁄8 in.) and length of 91.4 cm (36 in.), with both ends of the
same rankings of coatings for abrasion resistance. guide tube cut square and all burrs removed. The upper end of
the guide tube shall coincide with the minimum diameter of the
5.3 Each of the methods has been found useful for rating the funnel at the area of the juncture. A gate for starting the flow of
abrasion resistance of specific types of coatings. For example abrasive may be located near the top of the guide tube,
Method A (falling sand) has been used for rating floor coatings consisting of a metal disk inserted into a slit in the side of the
while Method B (falling silicon carbide) has been used for guide tube with a collar that covers the slit when the metal disk
rating coatings for ship decks. is removed. The guide tube shall be firmly supported in a
vertical position.
NOTE 1—A guide tube with an inner diameter greater than 19.1 mm
(3⁄4 in.) may result in a larger overall abraded area due to the lower
concentration of abrasive particles per unit area. Therefore, an increased
amount of abrasive particles may be required to wear through to the base
material, resulting in lower abrasion values being reported.
NOTE 2—A guide tube with an outer diameter greater than 22.2 mm
(7⁄8 in.) will change the established 25 mm (1 in.) distance between the
guide tube and specimen if the measurement is taken from the outer edge
of the guide tube (see 8.2 and Fig. 2).
6.1.3 A suitable receptacle, which shall contain a support for
holding the coated panel at an angle of 45° 6 1° to the vertical.
The opening of the guide tube shall be directly above the area
to be abraded and the position of the support from the bottom
of the guide tube shall be adjustable.
6.1.4 A base which shall be fitted with adjusting screws for
properly aligning the equipment.
6.2 Container, to collect the used abrasive particles after
they have fallen through the receptacle.
6.3 Dry Film Thickness Gage, to measure coating thickness,
according to Test Method D1005 or Practice D7091.
6.4 Standard Abrasive—Natural silica sand from the St.
Peters or Jordan sandstone deposits (located in the central
United States) shall be considered standard when graded as
follows after 5 min of continuous sieving. Use the sieves
described in Specification E11.

5
Hipkins, C. C., and Phain, R. J., “The Falling Sand Abrasion Tester,” ASTM
FIG. 1 Abrasion Test Apparatus Bulletin, No. 143, December 1946, pp. 18–22.

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 D968 − 22

FIG. 2 Details of Abrasion Test Apparatus

0 % retained on a No. 16 (1.18 mm) sieve 8. Standardization

Maximum 15 % retained on a No. 20 (850 µm) sieve
Minimum 80 % retained on a No. 30 (600 µm) sieve 8.1 Pour a quantity of standard sand into the funnel and
Maximum 5 % passing a No. 30 (600 µm) sieve examine the sand stream falling from the lower end of the
The sand is characterized by its grain shape and has a silicon guide tube. Align the apparatus by means of the adjusting
dioxide content greater than 99 %. screws in the base until the inner concentrated core of the sand
NOTE 3—The abrading qualities of sand obtained from different sources stream falls in the center of the flow when viewed at two
may differ slightly even though the sand meets the sieve requirements. positions at 90° to each other. Introduce a measured volume of
Therefore, for maximum precision of test results, the interested parties sand (2 L 6 0.01 L) and determine the time of efflux. The rate
should use sand from the same source. of flow shall be 2 L of sand in 21 s to 23.5 s.

7. Test Specimens 8.2 Secure a trial panel in the testing position, and adjust the
distance from the guide tube to the coated surface face at the
7.1 Apply uniform coatings of the material to be tested to a nearest point to 25 mm (1 in.) when measured in the vertical
plane, rigid surface such as a metal or glass panel. The direction (see Fig. 2). Introduce the sand in increments until a
preferred size of a test specimen is 100 mm × 100 mm (4 in. × spot 4 mm (5⁄32 in.) in diameter is worn through to the base
4 in.). Prepare a minimum of two coated panels for the material. The overall abraded area shall be elliptical in shape
material. The coatings should be applied in accordance with with the center of the area of maximum abrasion on the
Practices D823, or as agreed upon between the interested centerline through the longer axis of the abraded pattern. Slight
parties. final adjustment of the instrument may be required to center the
7.2 Cure the coated panels under the conditions of humidity abrasion spot in the pattern.
and temperature agreed upon between the interested parties.
NOTE 5—The abrasive particle distribution has an effect on the end
NOTE 4—While the minimum of two coated panels is acceptable, point obtained and is dependent on the proper alignment of the guide tube.
evaluating three or more panels per material will provide greater confi- The desired distribution consists of a concentration of particles in the
dence in your test results. center of the falling stream and a decrease in density as the tube wall is

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 D968 − 22
approached (see Fig. 3). When adjusting the instrument, the entire this operation until a 4-mm (5⁄32-in.) diameter area of the
apparatus should be leveled as to locate the abrasive particle stream in the coating has worn through to the substrate. A convenient
center, rather than by placing a level on the guide tube itself.
NOTE 6—Typical measurements of the abraded area are 25 mm (1 in.)
increment of sand to employ during the test is 2 L 6 0.01 L. As
in width and 30 mm (11⁄4 in.) in length, with the center of the area of the end-point is approached, increments of 0.2 L 6 0.002 L
maximum abrasion within 14 mm to 17 mm (9⁄16 in. to 11⁄16 in.) of the top may be introduced into the funnel.
edge.
10.5 Abrade each of the remaining marked-off areas of the
9. Conditioning coated panel as outlined in 10.3 to 10.4.
9.1 Unless otherwise agreed upon between the interested NOTE 8—Check the alignment of the guide tube at frequent intervals to
parties, condition the coated test panels for at least 24 h at ensure that the concentrated inner core of the sand stream is falling in the
23 °C 6 2 °C and 50 % 6 5 % relative humidity. Conduct the center of the flow (see 8.1).
NOTE 9—After 25 passes through the apparatus, resieve the sand with
test in the same environment or immediately on removal a No. 30 sieve to remove fines. Replace the sand after 50 passes.
therefrom. NOTE 10—Excessive moisture level of the sand may influence the
results. To minimize this, store sand in a humidity-controlled environment.
10. Procedure Drying the sand for 1 h in an oven at approximately 82 °C (180 °F) can
10.1 On each coated panel mark three circular areas, each correct this condition.
approximately 25 mm (1 in.) in diameter, and so arranged that 10.6 Repeat 10.1 – 10.5 on at least one additional panel
each can be properly positioned in the panel support of the coated with the material under test.
abrasion tester according to 10.3.
10.2 Measure the thickness of the coating by Test Method 11. Calculation
D1005 or Practice D7091 in at least three locations within each 11.1 For each area of the coated panel tested, calculate the
area. Record the mean of each set of measurements as the abrasion resistance, A, in litres per µm from the following
thickness of the coating over the respective area. equation:
10.3 After conditioning, secure the coated panel in the tester A volume 5 V/T (1)
as described in 8.2. Adjust the panel so that one of the marked
where:
areas will be centered under the guide tube.
V = volume of abrasive used, L (to one decimal place) and
NOTE 7—Positioning the coated panel so the marked-off areas are T = thickness of coating, µm (to two decimal places).
oriented horizontally will minimize the abrasive particles from contacting
the areas not being tested. 11.2 Calculate the mean of the abrasion resistance values
10.4 Pour standard sand, measured volumetrically, into the obtained for each area tested of the coated panel and the mean
funnel. Withdraw the gate and allow the sand to flow through value of the replicate panels.
the guide tube and impinge on the coated panel. Collect the NOTE 11—Previous versions of this method reported thickness of
sand in a container located at the bottom of the tester. Repeat coating in mils.

FIG. 3 Example of Abrasive Particle Stream

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 D968 − 22
12. Report 14.2 Standard Abrasive—Silicon carbide grain shall be
12.1 Report the following information for each coated panel considered standard when graded as follows after 5 min of
tested: continuous sieving:
12.1.1 Temperature and humidity during curing and at the 0 % retained on a No. 10 (2.00 mm) sieve
Maximum of 20 % retained on a No. 14 (1.40 mm) sieve
time of testing, Minimum of 45 % retained on a No. 16 (1.18 mm) sieve
12.1.2 Type and source of abrasive, Minimum of 70 % retained on a No. 16 (1.18 mm) and No. 18
(1.00 mm) sieve
12.1.3 Litres of abrasive used for each area tested, 3 % Maximum passes a No. 20 (850 µm) sieve
12.1.4 Wear pattern measurements, if different than 8.2 and
These grading requirements correspond to No. 16 grit in
Note 6,
accordance with ANSI B74.12. These grading requirements
12.1.5 Coating thickness in µm for each area tested,
also correspond to F16 grit in accordance with FEPA Standard
12.1.6 Abrasion resistance values for each area tested,
42-2.
12.1.7 Mean abrasion resistance for each coated panel
14.2.1 Use the sieves described in Specification E11.
tested, and
12.1.8 Mean abrasion resistance and range of the replicate
15. Test Specimens
coated panels.
15.1 Prepare the coated panels as outlined in 7.1 and 7.2.
13. Precision6
13.1 On the basis of an interlaboratory test of this test 16. Standardization
method in which three laboratories tested four types of coatings 16.1 Standardize the abrasion tester by the procedures given
differing in their abrasion resistance, the within-laboratory in 8.1 and 8.2, with the following exceptions:
coefficient of variation was found to be 9 % with 22 df and the 16.1.1 Use silicon carbide grain where sand is specified.
between-laboratories coefficient of variation 35 % with 7 df.
16.1.2 Weigh the volume of silicon carbide grain to be
Based on these coefficients, the following criteria should be
introduced into the tester. Determine the efflux time for this
used for judging the acceptability of results at the 95 %
volume. The rate of flow shall be 10 g ⁄s 6 1 g ⁄s.
confidence level.
13.1.1 Repeatability—Two results, each the mean of three
17. Conditioning
runs, obtained by the same operator should be considered
suspect if they differ by more than 25 % of their mean value. 17.1 Unless otherwise agreed upon between the interested
13.1.2 Reproducibility—Two results, each the mean of three parties, condition the coated panels for at least 24 h at 23 °C 6
runs, obtained by operators in different laboratories should be 2 °C and 50 % 6 5 % relative humidity. Conduct the test in the
considered suspect if they differ by more than 118 % of their same environment or immediately on removal therefrom.
mean value.
18. Procedure
NOTE 12—The reproducibility of this test is improved substantially
when rankings of the coatings by magnitude of abrasion resistance are 18.1 Measure the thickness of the coating by the procedures
used. In the interlaboratory test for evaluating precision, all laboratories given in 10.2.
ranked the coatings in the same order.
13.2 Bias—At the time of the study, there was no accepted 18.2 Abrade the coated panel by the procedures given in
reference material suitable for determining bias for this test 10.1 – 10.5 using silicon carbide as the abrasive. Determine the
method, therefore no statement on bias is being made. volume or weight, or both, of abrasive used to reach the end
point.
METHOD B—FALLING SILICON CARBIDE TEST
18.3 Repeat 18.1 and 18.2 on at least one additional coated
panel of the material under test.
14. Apparatus and Materials
14.1 Abrasion Tester, as described in 6.1, with two excep- 19. Calculation
tions:
19.1 For each area of the coated panel tested, calculate the
14.1.1 A metal washer with an opening of 8.5 mm 6
abrasion resistance in litres per µm from the equation given in
0.1 mm is centered in the bottom opening of the funnel to
11.1 or, calculate the abrasion resistance, A, in kilograms per
restrict the flow of the abrasive.
µm from the equation (see Note 11):
14.1.2 The disk gate installed in a slit at the top of the guide
tube may be replaced by a gate in the bottom of the funnel. This A weight 5 W/T (2)
gate consists of a solid metal disk attached to a long vertical where:
screw and mounted above the washer.
W = weight of abrasive used, kg (to one decimal place) and
T = thickness of coating, µm (to two decimal places).
6
19.2 Calculate the mean of the abrasion resistance values
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D01-1037. Contact ASTM Customer obtained at each area tested of the coated panel and the mean
Service at [email protected]. values of the replicate panels.

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 D968 − 22
20. Report 21.1.2 Reproducibility—Two results, each the mean of three
20.1 Report the information specified in Section 12 for each runs, obtained by operators in different laboratories should be
coated panel tested. Abrasion resistance may be reported as considered suspect if they differ by more than 147 % of their
litres per µm or as kilograms per µm. mean value. See Note 12.

21. Precision6 21.2 Bias—At the time of the study, there was no accepted
reference material suitable for determining bias for this test
21.1 An interlaboratory test was conducted in which opera- method, therefore no statement on bias is being made.
tors in three laboratories tested four coatings having a broad
range of abrasion resistance. The within-laboratory coefficient
22. Keywords
of variation was 19 % with 16 df. The between-laboratories
coefficient of variation was 45 % with 8 df. Based upon these 22.1 abrasion; abrasion (of paints/related coatings); falling
coefficients, the following criteria should be used for judging abrasive tester; falling sand abrasion test; falling silicon
the acceptability of results at the 95 % confidence level: carbide abrasion test; resistance
21.1.1 Repeatability—Two results, each the mean of three
runs, obtained by the same operator should be considered
suspect if they differ by more than 56 % of their mean value.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee D01 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (D968 – 17)
that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved June 1, 2022.)

(1) Updated Summary of Test. (5) Revised Fig. 2 and added Fig. 3.
(2) Incorporated details of apparatus into 6.1. (6) Deleted 8.3.
(3) Added Dry Film Thickness Gage to apparatus section. (7) Added Note 7.
(4) Added Note 5. (8) Replaced unit reference of mils with µm.

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