ISO 23322:2021

Overview

ISO 23322:2021 - Paints and varnishes: Determination of solvents in coating materials containing organic solvents only - Gas‑chromatographic method specifies a gas chromatography (GC) procedure for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of solvents in coating materials that contain exclusively organic solvents. The standard covers conventional solvent‑borne coatings, binder solutions and non‑aqueous dispersions. Results are expressed as a mass fraction and are obtained using the internal standard technique. ISO 23322:2021 is not intended for determination of VOC or SVOC content (see ISO 11890-2 for VOC/SVOC).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope & principle
  • Separation of the volatile fraction by GC and quantification from peak areas using an internal standard.
• Sample injection systems
  • Choice of hot‑injection (250–280 °C), cold‑injection (programmable to 300 °C) or headspace injection (sample 150 °C, transfer line 160 °C, 4 min hold).
• Detectors
  • Mass spectrometer / mass‑selective detector (MS/MSD) or flame ionization detector (FID). Detector temperatures must be ≥10 K above the oven maximum to avoid condensation; FID operated between 230–300 °C.
• Column & oven
  • Capillary columns (glass or fused silica), max ID 0.32 mm, suitable polarity and film thickness; oven programmable from 40–300 °C (±1 K control).
• Analytical performance
  • Demonstrated system performance with peak resolution (R) ≥ 1.5 and confirmation that analyte concentrations fall within the quantification range.
• Reagents & calibration
  • Use of internal standards (examples: n‑tetradecane, diethyladipate) and extraction solvents (examples: acetonitrile, methanol). Multi‑point calibration and quality assurance procedures are required.
• Sample handling
  • Guidance for vials (PTFE‑coated septa, fill ~90 %), syringe capacity, data processing and sample preparation (direct injection, headspace, extraction).
• Reporting & precision
  • Expression of results, test report requirements and precision descriptors (repeatability and reproducibility) are included.

Applications and users

ISO 23322:2021 is intended for:

• Quality control laboratories in coatings and paint manufacturing
• Analytical and contract testing laboratories performing solvent composition analysis
• Research & development teams characterizing solvent systems in formulations
• Procurement and regulatory compliance teams requiring standardized solvent composition data (note: for VOC/SVOC regulatory reporting, use ISO 11890-2)

Practical applications include batch QC, formulation troubleshooting, and verification of solvent composition in raw materials and finished coatings.

Related standards

• ISO 11890-2 - Determination of VOC and SVOC (headspace/GC methods)
• ISO 4618 - Terms and definitions for paints and varnishes
• ISO 15528 - Sampling of paints, varnishes and raw materials

Keywords: ISO 23322:2021, paints and varnishes, gas‑chromatographic method, solvents determination, organic solvents, GC headspace, FID, MS, internal standard, capillary column.