The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved of the use of ASTM D-7767-11 – Standard Test Method to Measure Volatiles from Radiation Curable Acrylate Monomers, Oligomers, and Blends and Thin Coatings Made from Them, the test method developed by RadTech members for UV/EB thin films.

The action was part of the approval of the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s (SCAQMD) Graphic Arts rule (Rule 1130) and marks the first time the EPA has approved a rule that includes a test method specifically for UV/EB thin films.

RadTech members developed the test method as both federal and local regulators recognized the inadequacy of standard EPA Method 24 for UV/EB materials but could not produce a suitable alternative.

EPA approved of the rule as part of the State Implementation Plan approval process, and the decision validates the ASTM method and offers additional certainty to raw material suppliers, formulators and end users who may wish to employ the method to determine Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content in UV/EB thin film operations.

For more information, visit www.radtech.org or www.epa.gov.