Standard Test Method for
Low Concentrations of Antimony in Paint by Atomic
Absorption Spectroscopy1

This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3717; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the content
of antimony in the range between 50 and 200 ppm (mg/kg)
present in the solids of liquid coatings or in dried films
obtained from previously coated substrates. There is no reason
to believe that higher levels could not be determined by this
test method, provided that appropriate dilutions and adjustments in specimen size and reagent quantities are made.

1.2 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. Specific hazard
statements are given in Section 7.

2. Referenced Documents

2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 1193 Specification for Reagent Water2
D 2832 Guide for Determining Volatile and Nonvolatile
Content of Paint and Related Coatings3

3. Summary of Test Method

3.1 The sample of liquid coating or dried film is prepared
for analysis by dry ashing at 500°C, followed by refluxing with
hydrochloric acid and stannous chloride. The antimony content
of the acid extract is determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy.

4. Significance and Use

4.1 The permissible level of heavy metals in certain coatings is specified by governmental regulatory agencies. This test
method provides a fully documented procedure for determining
low concentrations of antimony present in both water- and
solvent-reducible coatings to determine compliance.

5. Apparatus

5.1 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, consisting of an

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