ASTM D3273-21
Standard Test Method for Resistance to Growth of Mold on the Surface of Interior Coatings in an Environmental Chamber

Standard No.

ASTM D3273-21

Release Date

2021

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Latest

ASTM D3273-21

Scope

1.1 This test method describes the use of an environmental chamber and operating conditions to evaluate the relative resistance of interior coatings to surface fungal growth in a severe interior environment during a 4-week period. 1.2 This test method can be used to evaluate the comparative resistance of interior coatings to accelerated mold growth. Performance at a certain rating does not imply any specific period of time for a fungal free coating. However, a better rated coating nearly always performs better in actual end use. NOTE 1—This test method is intended for the accelerated evaluation of an interior coatings’ resistance to fungal defacement. Use of this test method for evaluating exterior coatings’ performance has not been validated, nor have the limitations for such use been determined. If this test method is to be used for the testing of an exterior coating system, a precautionary statement regarding interpretation of results as being outside of the scope of this test method must be included in the test report. Any accelerated weathering (leaching, weathering machine exposure, etc.) should be reported and should also bear reference to the fact that it is beyond the current scope of this test method. 1.3 Temperature and humidity must be effectively controlled within the relatively narrow limits specified in order for the chamber to function reproducibly during the short test period. Severity and rate of mold growth on a film is a function of the moisture content of both the film and the substrate. A relative humidity of >93 % at a temperature of 32.5 6 1 °C (90 6 2 °F ) is necessary to initiate and maintain mold growth and for test panels to develop rapidly and maintain an adequate moisture level to support mold growth. 1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only. 1.5 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.6 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.

ASTM D3273-21 Referenced Document

• ASTM E177 Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• ASTM E691 Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

ASTM D3273-21 history

• 2021 ASTM D3273-21 Standard Test Method for Resistance to Growth of Mold on the Surface of Interior Coatings in an Environmental Chamber
• 2016 ASTM D3273-16 Standard Test Method for Resistance to Growth of Mold on the Surface of Interior Coatings in an Environmental Chamber
• 2012 ASTM D3273-12e1 Standard Test Method for Resistance to Growth of Mold on the Surface of Interior Coatings in an Environmental Chamber
• 2012 ASTM D3273-12 Standard Test Method for Resistance to Growth of Mold on the Surface of Interior Coatings in an Environmental Chamber
• 2000 ASTM D3273-00(2005) Standard Test Method for Resistance to Growth of Mold on the Surface of Interior Coatings in an Environmental Chamber
• 2000 ASTM D3273-00 Standard Test Method for Resistance to Growth of Mold on the Surface of Interior Coatings in an Environmental Chamber
• 1991 ASTM D3273-86(1991)e1 Standard Test Method for Resistance to Growth of Moid on the Surface of Interior Coatings in an Enviormental Chamber