ASTM D968-25 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D968-25 — Standard Test Methods for Abrasion Resistance of Organic Coatings by Falling Abrasive. This standard describes two falling-abrasive test methods used to determine the resistance of organic coatings applied to rigid panels when subjected to abrasive materials dropped from a fixed height (Method A — falling sand; Method B — falling silicon carbide).

Abstract

Provides test procedures, apparatus requirements, standard abrasives, specimen preparation and test execution for measuring abrasion resistance of organic coatings using a falling-abrasive technique. The standard includes guidance on significance and use, notes differences between abrasives, and cautions that numerical values have poor interlaboratory reproducibility unless testing and ranking procedures are tightly controlled. SI units are stated as the standard.

General information

• Status: Active.
• Publication date: May 23, 2025.
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 25.220.60 (Coatings; paint test methods).
• Edition / version: D968-25 (2025 edition).
• Number of pages: 6 pages.

Scope

These test methods cover determination of the resistance of organic coatings to abrasion produced by abrasive material falling onto coatings applied to plane rigid surfaces (metal or glass panels). Two methods are specified: Method A (falling sand) and Method B (falling silicon carbide). The standard notes that testing for numerical values should be restricted to a single laboratory because of poor interlaboratory reproducibility; ranking comparisons provide better agreement between laboratories. SI units are the standard for recorded values.

Key topics and requirements

• Two alternative test methods: Method A (falling sand) and Method B (falling silicon carbide) with differing abrasion rates and use cases.
• Apparatus description and alignment requirements (guide tube, funnel, panel support at specified angle, and flow-rate checks).
• Standard abrasives and grading (e.g., St. Peters or Jordan sandstone silica sand grading for Method A; specification for silicon carbide for Method B).
• Specimen preparation and coating application/curing references (measure dry film thickness per referenced methods).
• Test execution: controlled abrasive volume flow, measurement of abrasive required to wear through coating or defined end point, and reporting of results in SI units.
• Limitations and precision: poor reproducibility between laboratories for absolute numerical values; better reproducibility for ranking. Users must consider safety and environmental practices.

Typical use and users

Used by coatings manufacturers, quality control and independent testing laboratories, R&D teams, specification writers, and procurement engineers to compare and qualify coatings for wear resistance. Method A has commonly been used for rating floor coatings, while Method B has been used for ship-deck and heavy-duty coatings where a more aggressive abrasive (silicon carbide) is appropriate.

Related standards

Commonly referenced and complementary standards include Test Method D4060 (Taber Abraser), earlier and related falling-abrasive or blast-abrasive methods (historical D0658), and referenced test methods for film thickness and specimen preparation such as D1005, D1186 and D1400. Users should consult the normative references listed in the standard for full cross-references.

Keywords

abrasion resistance, falling sand, falling silicon carbide, organic coatings, wear testing, paint testing, ASTM D968, abrasion test methods, film durability.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D968-25 is a set of standard test methods that measure the abrasion resistance of organic coatings by dropping abrasive material onto coated rigid panels (two methods: falling sand and falling silicon carbide).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers apparatus, standard abrasives, specimen preparation, test procedure, measurement and reporting for falling-abrasive tests, plus guidance on significance, limitations and units (SI). It specifies Method A (falling sand) and Method B (falling silicon carbide).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Coatings manufacturers, independent test laboratories, quality assurance departments, R&D groups, and specifiers who need to assess or compare the relative abrasion resistance of organic coatings.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As of its publication date (May 23, 2025) ASTM D968-25 is the active/current version of the standard. Users should verify any later revisions from ASTM if they need the absolute latest edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ASTM’s D01 committee portfolio dealing with paints and related coatings and is often used alongside other abrasion and coating test methods (for example D4060 and historical related methods).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: abrasion resistance, falling sand, silicon carbide, organic coatings, wear testing, ASTM D968.