Overview
EN ISO 23322:2021 - Paints and varnishes - Determination of solvents in coating materials containing organic solvents only - Gas‑chromatographic method - specifies a standardized gas‑chromatographic (GC) procedure for the qualitative and quantitative determination of solvents in coating products that contain only organic solvents. Applicable materials include conventional coating materials, binder solutions and non‑aqueous dispersions composed solely of organic solvents. The method is explicit that it is not for determining total VOC or SVOC content (see ISO 11890‑2 for VOC/SVOC).
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard defines the analytical approach and performance expectations for GC analysis of solvents in paints and varnishes:
- Scope and principle: qualitative and quantitative GC determination of solvent composition; results expressed as mass fraction.
- Apparatus: requirements for the gas chromatograph, including sample injection system (direct injection and headspace options), oven, detector and capillary separation column; injection syringe and sample vials are specified.
- Calibration and reagents: use of calibration substances, internal standards and suitable extraction solvents; multi‑point calibration procedures are required.
- Sample preparation and injection: procedures for direct injection, headspace injection, and preparation of test samples (including approaches without multiple standard additions).
- Data processing and quality assurance: criteria for data acquisition, system performance checks, and internal quality controls.
- Precision: repeatability and reproducibility metrics are addressed; Annex A gives example GC method conditions.
- Limitations: explicitly not intended for VOC/SVOC content determination.
Applications and users
EN ISO 23322:2021 is practical for organizations needing accurate solvent profiling in solvent‑borne coatings:
- Quality control and QC laboratories in paint and coatings manufacturing
- Analytical and third‑party testing laboratories performing composition verification and product release testing
- R&D teams developing solvent systems or reformulated coatings
- Regulatory and compliance groups verifying formulation declarations (note: separate standards for VOC/SVOC)
- Raw materials suppliers and formulators who must identify and quantify solvent components
Benefits include standardized, reproducible solvent identification and quantification that supports product specification, troubleshooting, regulatory documentation and formulation control.
Related standards
- ISO 11890‑2 - methods for determination of VOC and SVOC (referenced for VOC/SVOC analysis)
- ISO 4618 - paints and varnishes terms and definitions
- ISO 15528 - sampling of paints, varnishes and related raw materials
Keywords: EN ISO 23322:2021, ISO 23322:2021, gas‑chromatographic method, paints and varnishes, solvents in coatings, organic solvents, headspace injection, direct injection, GC calibration.