ASTM D4960-20

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Designation: D4960 − 08 (Reapproved 2013) D4960 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Evaluation of Color for Thermoplastic TrafficPavement
Marking Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4960; 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.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method describes the instrumental determination of color of thermoplastic trafficpavement marking materials using
the CIE tristimulusY,x,y color measurement system.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.3 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D7307 Practice for Sampling of Thermoplastic Traffic Marking Materials
D7308 Practice for Sample Preparation of Thermoplastic Pavement Marking Materials
E179 Guide for Selection of Geometric Conditions for Measurement of Reflection and Transmission Properties of Materials
E284 Terminology of Appearance
E308 Practice for Computing the Colors of Objects by Using the CIE System
E313 Practice for Calculating Yellowness and Whiteness Indices from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates
E1164 Practice for Obtaining Spectrometric Data for Object-Color Evaluation
E1347 Test Method for Color and Color-Difference Measurement by Tristimulus Colorimetry
E1349 Test Method for Reflectance Factor and Color by Spectrophotometry Using Bidirectional (45°:0° or 0°:45°) Geometry
F412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Definitions are in accordance with Terminology D883, E284, and F412, unless otherwise indicated.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 thermochromism, n—a change in color that takes place in the thermoplastic material with temperature changes.
3.2.2 thermoplastic traffıcpavement marking material, n—a highly filled 100 % total solids highway marking material that when
heated to a molten state can be extruded or sprayed onto a roadpavement surface and when cooled forms a solid, durable delineator.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The test specimen, representative of the material to be tested, is taken from a molten sample obtained in accordance with
Practice D7307. The thermoplastic specimen is prepared by pouring into a TFE-fluorocarbon coated pan, to form a patty of
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.44 on Traffic Coatings.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2013July 1, 2020. Published November 2013July 2020. Originally approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 20082013 as
D4960D4960 – 08 (2013). – 08. DOI: 10.1520/D4960-08R13.10.1520/D4960-20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
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D4960 − 20
approximately 7.6 cm (3 in.) in diameter. The patty is allowed to cool to room temperature before measuring the color. Color
measurements are made on the flat side or the top side of the thermoplastic patty.
NOTE 1—No significant color differences are encountered in reading the top or bottom of the patty.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method provides a standard procedure for the determination of color of thermoplastic trafficpavement marking
materials. This test method can be used in conjunction with various thermoplastic pavement marking specifications to determine
compliance of the material to said specification. This method can also be used by manufacturers of these materials to determine
the uniformity of thermoplastic trafficpavement marking materials from batch to batch.
5.2 There is a slight variation in color standards and colorimeters. This test method is only applicable when results are reported
with information listing the instrument model designation and calibration standard.
6. Apparatus
6.1 60 mL (2 oz.) Metal Ladle.
6.2 Color Measuring Instrument, conforming to all requirements of Guide E179, Practice E1164, Test Method E1347, Test
Method E1349, and Practice E308 (bidirectional 45°:0°, 45°/0° and 0°/45° capable of reporting data for the CIE D65/2°,
D6510°D65/10° or C/2° illuminant/observer conditions).
6.3 TFE-fluorocarbon Baking Pans or Uncoated Pint Can Lids, for forming 7.6-cm (3-in.) diameter patties.
7. Procedure
7.1 Obtain a representative sample of the thermoplastic pavement marking material following the guidelines of Practice D7307.
Prepare the sample for testing by following Practice D7308.
7.2 Prepare the thermoplastic sample obtained from step 7.1 by following Practice D7308. Allow the material to remain at the
specified temperature and specified time, under constant agitation, as required by the governing specification.
7.3 Remove the thermoplastic sample using a 60-mL (2 oz.) (2-oz.) ladle and pour the thermoplastic sample into a clean,
TFE-fluorocarbon-lined pan, to form a an approximately 7.6-cm (3-in.) diameter patty. If a TFE-fluorocarbon pan is not available,
pour the sample into an uncoated pint tin lid to form a 3-in. an approximately 7.6-cm (3-in.) diameter patty. If the sample is to
be taken from a sample not under constant agitation agitation, then the sample should be stirred vigorously for at least 10 sseconds
prior to removing material for preparation of the test specimen to prevent settling of the components and to provide a smooth
homogeneous surface for color measurement.
NOTE 2—Be extremely careful stirring a low viscosity sample because molten thermoplastic may splash.
7.4 Allow the patty to cool to room temperature for a minimum of 30 min.
NOTE 3—A 30 6 5-min conditioning of the patty negates the initial allows the sample temperature to equilibrate at ambient room temperature, which
minimizes the effects of thermochromism.
7.5 Select the largest port available and calibrate the color-measuring instrument with a whitethe appropriate calibration color
standard according to the instructions supplied by the manufacturer.
7.6 Remove the patty from the TFE-fluorocarbon pan and read the color measurement values from the flat smooth side. If a pint
tin lid is used, then read the top of the patty. Without removing the patty from the sample port immediately take three readings.
For a normal color measurement, record the average of two (2) each readings and record the average.Y,x, and y readings with a
90 degree rotation between each reading.
7.6.1 If there is any evidence of thermochromism (measurements changing with sample orientati
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