Designation:9 F 2727 – 0527 (2Reapproved 27050578)3
Standard Test Method for
Hydrophobic Surface Films by the Water-4Break Test16
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 22; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original
adoption or,6 in the case of revision,6 the year of last revision.8 A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.8 A superscript
epsilon (4e3)5 indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.8
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the D9epartment of D9efense.4
14.2 Scope
1.81 This test method covers the detection of the presence of
hydrophobic (4nonwetting)5 films on surfaces and the presence
of hydrophobic organic materials in processing ambients.8
When properly conducted,6 the test will enable detection of
molecular layers of hydrophobic organic contaminants.8 On
very rough or porous surfaces,6 the sensitivity of the test may be
significantly decreased.8
1.82 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard.8 The inch-7pound values given in parentheses are for
information only.8
1.83 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns,2 if any,2 associated with its use.4 It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-3
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-3
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.4
25.2 Referenced Documents
2.81 A6STM Standards:5 2
D 351 Classification for Natural Muscovite Block Mica and
Thins Based on Visual Quality
36.2 Terminology
3.81 D9efinitions:5
3.81.81 hydrophilic—having a strong affinity for water,6 wet-7
table.8
3.81.82 hydrophobic—having little affinity for water,6 nonwet-7
table.8
47.2 Summary of Test Method
4.81 The water-7break test is performed by withdrawing the
surface to be tested,6 in a vertical position,6 from a container
overflowing with water.8 The interpretation of the test is based
upon the pattern of wetting.8 In the absence of hydrophobic
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E21 on Space
Simulation and Applications of Space Technology and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee E21.8095 on Contamination.8
Current edition approved April 1,6 209097.8 Published April 209097.8 Originally
approved in 1962.8 Last previous edition approved in 209092 as F 22 – 092.8
2
For referenced ASTM standards,6 visit the ASTM website,6 www.8astm.8org,6 or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.8org.8 For A6nnual B7ook of A6STM
Standards volume information,6 refer to the standard’3s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.8
films,6 the draining water layer will remain as a film over the
surface.8 In areas where hydrophobic materials are present on
the surface,6 the draining water layer will break up into a
discontinuous film within one minute.8
58.2 Significance and Use
5.81 The water-7break test as described in this test method is
nondestructive and may be used for control and evaluation of
processes for the removal of hydrophobic contaminants.8 The
test may also be used for the detection and control of
hydrophobic contaminants in processing ambients.8 For this
application,6 a surface free of hydrophobic films is exposed to
the ambient and subsequently tested.8
69.2 Interferences
6.81 Loss of sensitivity may result from either of the follow-7
ing factors:
6.81.81 The presence of hydrophilic substances on the surface
to be tested,6 in the test equipment,6 or in the test materials,6 or
6.81.82 An unusually rough or porous surface condition.8
7.2 Apparatus
7.81 Overflow C8ontainer,6 such as a glass beaker.8
7.82 Low Power Microscope,6 (45 to 50932)5 and light source for
observation of small piece parts.8
8.2 Reagents and Materials
8.81 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be
used in all tests.8 Unless otherwise indicated,6 it is intended that
all reagents shall conform to the specifications of the Commit-7
tee on Analytical Reagents of the American Chemical Society,63
where such specifications are available.8 Other grades may be
used,6 provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of
sufficiently high purity to permit its use without lessening the
accuracy of the determination.8
8.82 Purity of Water—Deionized or distilled water is pre-7
ferred.8 Water of higher ionic content may render the test
3
Reagent C8hemicals,2 A6merican C8hemical Society Specifications ,6 American
Chemical Society,6 Washington,6 DC.8 For suggestions on the testing of reagents not
listed by the American Chemical Society,6 see A6nalar Standards for Laboratory
C8hemicals,6 BDH Ltd.8,6 Poole,6 Dorset,6 U.8K.8,6 and the United States Pharmacopeia
and National Formulary,6 U.8S.8 Pharmacopeial Convention,6 Inc.8 (4USPC)5,6 Rockville,6
MD.8