Whitford Corporation, Box 80, Elverson, PA 19520, USA Telephone (610) 286-3500 Fax (610) 286-3510 Email: sales@whitfordww.com

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WHITFORD TEST METHOD 115A

EVALUATION OF COMPLETENESS OF CURE BY SOLVENT

RUB TEST

1. Scope:

This procedure is to be used to determine the degree of cure of a cured film by the paint film's resistance to a specified solvent.

2. Equipment and Materials:

2.1 Cheesecloth mesh size 28x24, but other mutually agreed upon cloth may be used.

2.2 Test panel at least 5 inches [12.5 cm] long by 3 inches [7.5 cm] wide or other object to be tested.

2.3 Solvent - to be mutually agreed on between seller and purchaser. Typically the following solvents may be used:

2.3.1 Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) 2.3.2 Xylene 2.3.3 Methoxy Propyl Acetate (PMA) 2.3.4 Toluene specifically for rubber coatings

2.4 Suitable solvent resistant gloves.

3. Procedure:

3.1 Wrap two thicknesses of cloth around the index finger and immerse in specified solvent. Immediately begin rubbing the test panel in a back and forth motion in a straight line with a stroke at least three inches [8 cm] long using moderate to heavy pressure. Approximate weight of pressure should be between 2000 and 2500 grams. Rub at a rate of approximately 100 double rubs per minute. The rubs are counted (one forward and one backward to be counted as one double rub) and continued until failure of the film or until the required number of double rubs is reached.

Whitford Test Method: 115A Page: 2 of 3

Detailed Procedure: 3115A Issue: 8 Date Issued: 30 Dec. 2003 USA Issued by: M. W. Miller Europe Issued by: J. Gascoyne

USA Checked by: Europe Checked by: H. C. Wilson

4. Evaluation:

4.1 The coating must withstand the required number of rubs. Record the number of rubs to pass the specification or to failure.

4.2 Failure shall consist of removal of the film to expose the substrate at any spot along the centre of the stroke.

4.3 Duplicate the test to confirm results.

5. Comments/Precautions:

5.1 Voids, scratches, dirt and dust on the test panel, solid particles on the cloth or in the solvent or an irregular surface under the paint film can seriously affect the test results.

5.2 Film thickness should be carefully controlled to ensure reproducibility.

5.3 The cloth must be kept constantly wet while rubbing. If the cloth dries, quickly immerse in solvent and continue rubbing.

5.4 This test may be used to evaluate cure on an object, which does not have a smooth, flat surface. In this case, select the flattest and smoothest area for the test, and rub this area as consistently as possible.

5.5 To protect skin from solvents, wear a rubber glove when performing this test.

6. References

NCCA Technical Bulletin No. II-18

Whitford Test Method: 115A Page: 3 of 3 Appendix 115A

Examples of Pass and Fail Results

Full Pass

Minimum Pass

Failure