,^^^^ °^ Co,

I^Ad: \

CO NBS TECHNICAL NOTE 984

^fSAv of

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE/ National Bureau of Standards

Evaluation OT nasiic

Wallcovering Materials
NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

The National Bureau of Standards' was established by an act of Congress March 3, 1901. The

Bureau's overall goal is to strengthen and advance the Nation's science and technology and

facilitate their effective application for public benefit. To this end, the Bureau conducts

research and provides: (1) a basis for the Nation's physical measurement system, (2) scientific and technological services for industry and government, (3) a technical basis for equity in trade, and (4) technical services to promote public safety. The Bureau's technical work is performed by the National Measurement Laboratory, the National Engineering Laboratory,

and the Institute for Computer Sciences and Technology.

THE NATIONAL MEASUREMENT LABORATORY provides the national system of

physical and chemical and materials measurement; coordinates the system with measurement

systems of other nations and furnishes essential services leading to accurate and uniform

physical and chemical measurement throughout the Nation's scientific community, industry,

and commerce; conducts materials research leading to improved methods of measurement,

standards, and data on the properties of materials needed by industry, commerce, educational

institutions, and Government; provides advisory and research services to other Government

Agencies; develops, produces, and distributes Standard Reference Materials; and provides

calibration services. The Laboratory consists of the following centers:

Absolute Physical Quantities^ — Radiation Research — Thermodynamics and

Molecular Science — Analytical Chemistry — Materials Science. THE NATIONAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY provides technology and technical

services to users in the public and private sectors to address national needs and to solve national problems in the public interest; conducts research in engineering and applied science

in support of objectives in these efforts; builds and maintains competence in the necessary

disciplines required to carry out this research and technical service; develops engineering data and measurement capabilities; provides engineering measurement traceability services; develops test methods and proposes engineering standards and code changes; develops and

proposes new engineering practices; and develops and improves mechanisms to transfer

results of its research to the utlimate user. The Laboratory consists of the following centers:

Applied Mathematics — Electronics and Electrical Engineering' — Mechanical

Engineering and Process Technology^ — Building Technology — Fire Research —

Consumer Product Technology — Field Methods.

THE INSTITUTE FOR COMPUTER SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY conducts

research and provides scientific and technical services to aid Federal Agencies in the selection, acquisition, application, and use of computer technology to improve effectiveness and

economy in Government operations in accordance with Public Law 89-306 (40 U.S.C. 759), relevant Executive Orders, and other directives; carries out this mission by managing the Federal Information Processing Standards Program, developing Federal ADP standards

guidelines, and managing Federal participation in ADP voluntary standardization activities; provides scientific and technological advisory services and assistance to Federal Agencies; and

provides the technical foundation for computer-related policies of the Federal Government.

The Institute consists of the following divisions:

Systems and Software — Computer Systems Engineering — Information Technology.

'Headquarters and Laboratories at Gaithersburg, Maryland, unless otherwise noted; mailing address Washington, D.C. 20234. 'Some divisions within the center are located at Boulder, Colorado, 80303.

The National Bureau of Standards was reorganized, effective April 9, 1978.
Hatfon*) Burfesu of StRnrJ/irds OCT Ifi 1^78

Evaluation of Plastic Wallcovering Materials

^"^^''^'

Elizabeth J. Clark fv,j. f Paul G. Campbell i ^ ^^

Center for Building Technology

National Engineering Laboratory

National Bureau of Standards

Washington, D.C. 20234

Sponsored by

Directorate of Engineering and Services U.S. Air Force Washington, D.C. 20330

Naval Facilities Engineering Command

Department of Navy

Washington, D.C. 20390

Office of Chief of Engineers

U.S. Army

Washington, D.C. 20314

.< °^ 00,

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, Juanita M. Kreps, Secretary

Dr. Sidney Harman, Under Secretary

Jordan J. Baruch, Assistant Secretary for Science and Technology

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS, Ernest Ambler, Director

Issued October 1978
National Bureau of Standards Technical Note 984

Nat. Bur. Stand. (U.S.). Tech. Note 984, 43 pages (Oct. 1978) CODEN: NBTNAE

U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

WASHINGTON: 1978

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402

Stock No. 0O3-003-O1982-8 Price $1.70

(Add 25 percent additional for other than U.S. mailing).
ABSTRACT

The suitability of various test methods for measuring performance of

plastic wallcovering materials was studied. This report contains the

results of performance tests including abrasion resistance, surface texture, fungus resistance, washability and stain resistance. Based on the

test results, tentative recommendations for the revision of Federal

Specification CCC-W-408A, Wall Covering, Vinyl-Coated, have been develloped. These recommendations are based upon the results of tests con- ducted on seventy-two wallcovering materials from seven manufacturers.

Key Words: Abrasion; Federal Specification CCC-W-408A; fungus resistance; stain resistance; surface roughness; vinyl wallcoverings;

wallcovering materials; washability.

Ill
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

1. INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Background 1

1.2 Objectives 2

2. PROCEDURE 2

2.1 Material Coding 2

2.2 Test Methods 3

2.2.1 Abrasion Resistance 3

2.2.2 Surface Texture 5

2.2.3 Fungus Resistance 5

2.2.4 Washability 6

2.2.5 Stain Resistance 7

3. RESULTS 8

3.1 Survey and Selection of Wallcovering Materials ... 8

3.2 Laboratory Evaluation 9

3.2.1 Abrasion Resistance 10

3.2.2 Surface Texture 12

3.2.3 Fungus Resistance 14

3.2.4 Washability 18

3.2.5 Stain Resistance 20

4. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 20

5. ACKNOWLEDGMENT 22

6. REFERENCES 23

Appendix A. Tentative Recommendations for the Revision of

Federal Specification CCC-W-408A, Wall Covering,

Vinyl-Coated 25

Al. Introduction 25

A2. Recommendations 25

A2.1. Abrasion Resistance 25

A2.2. Fungus Resistance 26

A2.3. Washability 27

A2.4. Stain Resistance 28

Appendix B. Federal Specification CCC-W-408A Wall Covering,

Vinyl-Coated 30

IV
LIST OF TABLES

Page

1. Distribution of Plastic Wallcovering Materials

by Manufacturer and Type , . 3

2. The 7-Dlgit Coding System for Plastic Wallcoverings .... 4

3. Staining Agents Used in Stain Resistance Test 7 4. Taber Abrasion Resistance of Plastic Wallcoverings,

500 Cycles, lOOOg Load on Each Wheel 11

5. Comparison of Abrasion Resistance of Plastic Wallcoverings

from Different Manufacturers 12

6. Determination of Surface Texture 13

7. Washability of Plastic Wallcovering Materials 19

8. Summary of Stain Test Results 21

LIST OF FIGURES

Page

1. Front Surface of a Test Specimen for the Fungus

Resistance Test 14

2. Back Surface of Test Specimen for the Fungus Resistance

Test 15

3. An Example of Fungal Growth on a Wallcovering Material , , 16

4. An Example of Fungal Growth on a Wallcovering Material . . 16

5. An Example of Fungal Growth on Backing Material 17

6. An Example of Fungal Growth on Exposed Backing Material

and in the Adhesive Between the Wallcovering and the Glass 17

7. Test Specimen Exhibiting Fungal Growth in the Adhesive

Around the Edges ..... 18

EVALUATION OF PLASTIC WALLCOVERING MATERIALS

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND

The use of plastic wallcovering materials in place of paint and wallpaper is increasing. These materials are comparatively high-cost items

and are expected to have superior performance and longer life than the

products they replace. Yet, there is limited information on their performance. The Department of Defense has used plastic wallcoverings in some military installations and encountered problems in the everyday use

of materials which meet the Federal Specification for Vinyl Coated Wall

Covering, CCC-W-408A[1] ^

' . As a result, the Tri-Services Materials

Committee requested the National Bureau of Standards to perform a laboratory evaluation of the performance of plastic wallcovering materials

and to develop, as necessary, recommendations to update of Federal

Specification CCC-W-408A. Generally, a plastic wallcovering is composed

of a layer of vinyl resins with stabilizers, lubricants, colorants and

plasticizers laminated to a paper or cloth fabric backing [2, 3]. Suitable resins include polyvinyl chloride and copolymers which are predominantly polyvinyl chloride. In 1972, 4.18 billion pounds of polyvinyl

chloride were produced with 128 million pounds being used in wallcoverings [4] . Vinyl coated wallcoverings have been classified into the

following types in Fed. Spec. CCC-W-408A [1]:

Minimum total weight Minimum coating

(oz/yd ) weight (oz/yd )

Type I - Light Duty 7 5

Type II - Medium Duty 13 7 Type III - Heavy Duty 22 12

Light duty wallcoverings are intended for use in areas not subjected to

heavy abrasion or traffic. In effect, they are alternatives to paint

or uncoated wallpaper. Medium duty wallcoverings are intended for use where average or intermediate abrasion or traffic is encountered. Heavy

duty wallcoverings are intended for use in high traffic areas such as corridors in hospitals, hotels or schools.

Figures in brackets indicate references.

^A copy of Federal Specification CCC-W-408A, is contained in Appendix B.
Manufacturers of plactic wallcoverings have stated that these materials

are durable, abrasion resistant, maintenance free, and stain and soil

resistant. Also, almost any color is available and a wide variety of

textures and designs, including reproductions of grass fiber, wood,

linen and moire. Since plastic wallcoverings are comparatively high

cost items (installation costs of $.38 - ,78/sq. ft, versus $.12 - .19/sq. ft. for painting [5]), they are expected to have superior performance and a longer life than competitive products. When problems

occur with plastic wallcoverings, they can be quite expensive to correct since the coverings cannot readily be painted over and may require

removal. Like paint, plastic wallcoverings also rely on proper preparation of the substrate and good adhesion to the substrate.

Relatively little quantitative information is available on the performance of plastic wallcoverings in regard to abrasion, stain removal,

washability, fungus resistance, and color change. Knowledge of the

behavior and advantages of various backing fabrics, adhesives, coating textures, color patterns and protective top coat is lacking.

The development of new performance tests or the modification of existing performance tests applicable to plastic wallcoverings should provide the basis for revision of the Federal Specification CCC-W-408A,

This, in turn, should provide the military with an improved product

requiring less maintenance.

1.2 OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the laboratory evaluation of plastic wallcovering

materials described in this report were:

1. To survey the presently available commercial plastic wallcoverings,

and to obtain samples of the types, colors, textures and patterns

potentially useful to the military facilities engineer.

2. To evaluate laboratory test methods relating to abrasion resistance,

fungus resistance, washability and stain resistance for suitability

in application to plastic wallcoverings, and to develop additional

test methods to measure performance.

3. To perform laboratory tests and evaluate the performance of the

wallcoverings.

4. To prepare a final report summarizing the findings of the study

including recommendations for improvement of Federal Specification

CCC-W-408A.

2 . PROCEDURE

2.1 MATERIAL CODING

Seventy-two samples of plastic wallcoverings from seven manufacturers

were received. Using code letters to designate the manufacturers, the

distribution of the samples by manufacturer and type according to Fed,

Spec. CCC-W-408A is shown in Table 1.
Table 1

Distribution of Plastic Wallcovering Materials

by Manufacturer and Type

Manufacturer Type I'^ Light Duty

Type II

Medium Duty

Type III

Heavy Duty

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

TOTAL

15 (6 TC)° 19 (6 TC) 3

4 7 (1 TC)

3 (1 TC)

1

6 (1 TC)

1

30 (7 TC)

1 (1 TC)

37 (9 TC)

1 (1 TC)

5 (1 TC)

Type according to classification in Fed. Spec. CCC-W-408A

Materials having a top coat are noted as TC.

Upon receipt, the plastic wallcovering samples were coded for identification. Details of the coding system are given in Table 2. Throughout

the testing, all samples are referred to by their unique code identification. All of the plastic wallcoverings were not included in each test,

2.2 TEST METHODS

2.2.1 Abrasion Resistance

Apparatus The test apparatus consisted of a Taber Abraser as described

in Test Method 5306 of Federal Test Method 191 [6]. The resilient abrasive wheels used were of the CS-17 type.

Certain trade names and company products are identified in order to

adequately specify the experimental procedure. In no case does such

identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National

Bureau of Standards, nor does it imply that the products are necessarily the best available for the purpose.

"A resilient coarse abrasive wheel as described in "Accessories and

Supplies for Taber Model 503 Abraser", distributed by Gardner Laboratory, Inc., P.O. Box 5728, Bethesda, MD. 20014.

3
Digit

1

2

5,6,7

Table 2

The 7-Digit Coding System for Plastic Wallcoverings

7 Digits

Variable

Manufacturer

Type

Color

Coating

Sample number

A to G

1 = Type I (Light Duty)

2 = Type II (Medium Duty)

3 = Type III (Heavy Duty)

1 = Off white

2 = Green

3 = Orange accent

4 = Wood grain

5 = Yellow

6 = Multicolor pattern

7 = Brown

8 = Metallic

1 = no top coat

2 = with top coat

Sequential number of sample

as received

Test Specimen The test specimen consisted of a 105 mm (4 1/8 in) square

of material applied to a piece of cardboard having an adhesive upper sur- face. A hole was punched in the center of the specimen to accommodate

the 6 mm (1/4 in) shaft of the platform. Triplicate test specimens were

prepared.

Procedure The entire test specimen was placed under a 2900g (6,4 lb)

weight to flatten the specimen and adhere materials whose back surfaces were uneven due to the texture. After 24 hours, the test specimen was

removed, brushed with a soft brush to remove loose dirt or dust, and

weighed to the nearest O.OOlg. Before placing the test specimens on the

platform, the wheels were refaced for 50 cycles with an abrasive paper

of the S-11 type to remove plastic dust or other residue from the wheel

surfaces. Then the surfaces of the wheels were brushed to remove loose

particles. The humidity in the room in which the sample preparation and

testing was done remained constant during the procedures. The test

specimen was positioned on the platform and clamped securely. The vacuum pickup nozzle was placed in position slightly above the surface of

the specimen. The abrading wheels were then lowered into test position

1 Abrasive paper, 150 Grit.
and a 1000 g load placed on each. The counter was cleared to zero before starting the vacuum and abrading for 500 cycles. The platform

rotated at approximately 70 rpm. The test specimen was removed,

brushed, and reweighed.

Evaluation The weight loss after 500 cycles from the triplicate specimens was averaged to determine the averaged weight loss for each plastic

wallcovering.

2.2.2 Surface Texture

Apparatus The test apparatus consisted of an aluminum oxide powder

having an average pa

and a straight edge.

having an average particle size of 27 ym (approximately 1 x 10 in)

Test Specimen One test specimen, 40 mm x 40 mm (1,57 in x 1,57 in) was

cut from the plastic wallcovering material.

Procedure The test specimen was placed on a flat longitudinal surface

with its decorative surface up. The aluminum oxide powder was spread on

the surface, and a straight edge was used to distribute the material

evenly over the textured surface and to remove excess. The aluminum

oxide powder was then transferred to a tared aluminum weighing dish and

weighed.

Evaluation The weight of aluminum oxide powder per unit area was used

as an indicator of the degree of texture of the wallcovering. The

greater the weight of powder, the more highly textured the material,

2,2,3 Fungus Resistance

Apparatus The test cabinet consisted of an environmental chamber

(as described in ASTM D3273 [7]) set to maintain a relative humidity

of 95 to 98 percent at a temperature of 32,5° + 1°C (90 ± 2°F) while

providing a continuous inoculation of the surface of exposed panels

with mold spores.

Test Specimen The test specimen consisted of a piece of plastic wallcovering approximately 100 mm x 100 mm (4 in x 4 in) adhered to a 75 mm x 100 mm (3 in x 4 in) glass plate having a small hole midway

between two sides and about 25 mm (1 in) from a third side, A 25 mm

X 100 mm (1 in X 4 in) strip of material down one side was not attached

to the glass, 3,2 ml of adhesive was applied to a 75 mm x 100 mm

^,S, White Airdent Powder No. 1 for Cutting. S.S. White Dental

Manufacturing Co., Philadelphia, PA.
spreading rate of 100 ft /gal. No adhesive was applied to the strip of

material not to be adhered to the glass. The glass plate was placed on

the adhesive surface of the test specimen and pressed down with a roller. Care was taken not to force the adhesive past the edges.

Excess adhesive was removed. A hole was made in the wallcovering cor- responding to the hole in the glass and a wire was placed through it.

The wallcovering and glass surfaces were wiped with ethyl alcohol. The

specimens were placed in a constant temperature and humidity room for

24 hours to cure. Triplicate test samples were prepared.

Procedure The test panels were hung vertically in the environmental

chamber with the bottom of the specimen approximately 75 mm (3 in) above

the surface of the inoculated soil. Sufficient spacing was allowed to

permit free circulation of air and prevent contact between panels or with wall surfaces. The test specimens were distributed randomly about

the chamber. After 4 weeks, the test specimens were removed, air dried

overnight in a well-ventilated room and evaluated.

Evaluation The test specimens were examined visually in accordance with

ASTM D-3274 [8] to determine if fungus was present.

2,2.4 Washability

Apparatus The test apparatus consisted of an electric motor mounted on

a flat metal plate and a mechanism through which the motor imparted a reciprocating motion to a sponge or a brush at a rate of 37 + 2 cycles

(74 + 4 strokes) per minute. The sponge and brush were similar to those

described in Test Methods 6141 [9] and 6142 [10] of Federal Test Method

Standard 141a.

Test Specimen The test specimen consisted of an approximately 150 mm x

430 mm (6 in X 17 in) sample of wallcovering material with soil applied

in the center across the width of the material. The soiling medium was prepared and applied in accordance with Test Method 6141 of FTM Std.

No. 141a. After application, it was allowed to air dry for 16 hours in

a well-ventilated room; then, using a stiff brush the excess soil was carefully brushed off. The soiling medium was not baked as described

in the washability procedure in Fed. Spec. TT-P-29 [11] , since preliminary experiments indicated that the heat caused the organic solvent

in the soiling medium to penetrate the wallcovering.

Procedure The test specimen was clamped in place on the apparatus so that the soiled portion was approximately in the middle of the cleaning

stroke. The sponge or brush traveled lenthwise along the test specimen.

The sponge was prepared and renewed after each 25 cycles as described in

Test Method 6141 of FTM Std. No. 141a. After 100 cycles using a sponge

with grit, the sponge was replaced with a brush. The brush was prepared

by immersing the brush bristles in water at 25° to 30°C (77° to 86°F)

for 30 minutes to a depth of 13 mm (1/2 in). The brush was then removed

from the water and rubbed with cake grit soap, conforming to Fed. Spec.

P-S-571, Type A [12], 25 times back and forth (25 times in each direc6
P-S-571, Type A [12], 25 times back and forth (25 times in each direction) using moderate pressure. Care was taken to completely cover the

entire surface of the brush with each stroke of grit soap. The brush

was inserted into the holder and the motor started. After each 25

cycles, the brush was removed, washed with water and the grit soap

applied as outlined above. When 100 cycles had been completed using the

brush, the test specimen was removed and the entire surface rinsed with

water. After the test specimen had air dried, reflectance and gloss measurements were taken as described in Test Method 6141 on an unsoiled area

and an area where soil had been applied.

Evaluation Comparison of the reflectance and gloss measurements from

the soiled and unsoiled areas indicated the success in removing the soil

and the degree of change in appearance,

2.2.5 Stain Resistance

Apparatus The test apparatus consisted of glass rings of approximately

28 mm (1 in) CD, 25 mm (1 in) ID and 12 mm (1/2 in) wide, suitable adhesives for attaching the glass rings to the test specimens, watch glasses,

and the staining agents listed in Table 3,

Table 3

Staining Agents Used in Stain Resistance Test

1. 5% acetic acid 17.

2. 10% ammonia 18.

3. beet juice 19.

4. 10% citric acid 20.

5. 95% ethyl alcohol 21.

6. 3% hydrogen peroxide 22.

7. 1% iodine in ethyl alcohol 23.

8. 100% isopropyl alcohol 24.

9. 100% methyl alcohol 25.

10. 6.6% urea in water 26.

11. distilled water 27.

12. acetone 28.

13. amyl acetate 29.

14. naptha 30.

15. turpentine 31.

16. chocolate syrup 32.

coffee

"Tintex" dye

food coloring

hair dye

household detergent

5% household soap

washable ink

"Mercurochrome"

olive oil

5% phenol

sodium bisulphite (sat. soln.

)

4% sodium hypochlorite

1% trisodium phosphate

tea

mustard (dry in water)

shoe polish (paste)
Test Specimen The test specimen consisted of an approximately 150 mm x

500 mm (6 in X 20 in) sample of wallcovering. Thirty glass rings were

attached to the test specimen using a suitable adhesive. Carnauba wax

was adequate as an adhesive for most staining agents, however, for

organic reagents, i.e., acetone, amyl acetate, naptha, turpentine, an epoxy adhesive which was not dissolved by organics was chosen.

Procedure The method of test followed the procedures described in the

National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) LDl-2.05 Method of

Test for Resistance of Surface to Stains [13]. However, the test procedure was modified by the use of glass rings to contain the stains. The

staining agents were placed in the glass rings on the test specimen,

covered with watch glasses to prevent evaporation and allowed to stand

at a temperature of 24°C (75°F). At the end of 16 hours, the covers

were removed, the staining agents discarded, and the glass rings and the

adhesive were removed. The specimen was rinsed with water, brushed

lightly with a soapy solution, then rinsed with distilled water. After

air drying, the material was examined for a stain by placing the speci- men in a horizontal position at normal table height under a ceiling

height white fluorescent light.

Evaluation The samples were rated using a 0, 1, 2 system:

= completely unaffected

1 = slight stains, slight change in surface texture or appearance

2 = heavy permanent stain; surface texture more than slightly

affected; more than slight change in gloss.

3. RESULTS

3.1 SURVEY AND SELECTION OF WALLCOVERING MATERIALS

The plastic wallcoverings tested in this program were commercial products. To select the specific materials, sample books containing small

material samples were acquired from the producers. These books illustrated the wide variety of materials on the market from lightweight,

flowered patterns to heavy duty materials designed for rugged use. They also showed that a number of important material parameters can vary from one wallcovering material to another and these could influence

the test results. The important parameters for this project were: type,

coating, texture, color, as well as manufacturer. A short explanation

of each follows:

Type Plastic wallcoverings are generally divided into three types on

the basis of the weight of plastic, as specified in Federal Specification CCC-W-408A. However, not only does the thickness of the plastic

vary, but the cloth backing which supports the plastic is also substantially heavier for Types II and III, than Type I. The result is that

a Type III material weighs more than three times as much per unit area

as a Type I material.
Coating To Improve their cleaning properties, some plastic wallcoverings have an additional clear protective coating (top coat) bonded to

the surface. The most commonly used top coat is a poly (vinylfluoride)

(PVF) film. In areas likely to be dirtied or subjected to stains, manufacturers recommend wallcoverings with a top coating.

Texture A third factor which greatly increases the variety in wallcoverings is the surface texture which ranges from very smooth to highly

embossed. The surface texture has an influence on the ease of cleaning.

The greatest variation in texture is found among the Type II wallcoverings. These have sufficient plastic thickness to permit any desired

embossing design. The Type I materials are fairly thin and conse- quently tend to be smooth or have only a light textured effect. The

Type III, heavy duty materials are made for specialized purposes and

since they are intended to be more protective than decorative, the

selection is limited to relatively smooth texture.

Color Plastic wallcovering materials are available in hundreds of solid

colors or patterns. Plastics have color imparted to them in two ways.

A pigment or dye is added during the manufacturing process making the

entire thickness of plastic uniform in color, or a pattern is printed on

the surface to give a desired design or effect. In general, this latter

method is used only on some of the lightest weight materials.

Manufacturer A number of major plastic wallcovering manufacturers were identified. Wallcoverings differ from one producer to another in color

and appearance, and in the amount and type of fillers, pigments, plasticizers, and other additives. These can affect the properties of the

finished product. For this reason, while all plastic wallcoverings have

poly (vinyl chloride) resin as the basic ingredient, certain product

characteristics may be influenced by the addition of components during

the manufacturing process.

Due to the number of manufacturers and the diversity of their materials,

it was not possible to test one specimen of each material. However, it

is believed that enough materials were chosen to give a range representative of the materials on the market. The test materials were selected

to include each Type with textures as similar as possible from manufacturer to manufacturer. When available, a material with a top coat was

chosen. The colors were restricted to three: off-white, pale green, and

orange. When it was not possible to get all three colors, the off-white

sample alone was requested. In some cases, manufacturers provided other

colors of material.

3.2 LABORATORY EVALUATION

Laboratory evaluation of the wallcovering materials fell into four

areas: abrasion resistance, fungus resistance, washability, and stain
resistance. Although Fed. Spec. CCC-W-408A has no requirements for the

latter three performance components, they have been problem areas associated with the performance of wallcoverings.

3.2.1 Abrasion Resistance

The abrasion resistance test included in Fed. Spec. CCC-W-408A is an oscillatory cylinder (Wyzenbeck) method (Fed. Test Method Std. No. 191,

Method 5304 [14]). After study, this method was judged to be inappropriate and instead, the Taber Abrasion test was chosen for use in the

laboratory evaluation. There were several reasons the Wyzenbeck method

was considered inappropriate: first, it is intended to test woven

fabrics; second, results are evaluated with respect to the breaking

strength of the unsupported fabric, a property which does not have the same relevance to the abrasion resistance of plastic wallcoverings

adhered to a wall; and lastly, since wallcoverings are usually intended

to replace painted surfaces, they should be evaluated in the same manner

as paints. The Taber Abrasion test is commonly used to test organic

coatings. It evaluates the resistance of a wallcovering material to

abrasion intended to simulate regular use or cleaning. It consists of

abrading the surface of the material and then determining the amount of

material that has been removed. The abrasion resistance of 43 materials

was evaluated. Only the off-white material was tested where three

colors of the same texture wallcoverings had been received. In addition,

wallcoverings supplied in just a single color were tested. Based upon

preliminary tests, the abrasion conditions chosen were 500 cycles with

a lOOOg load on each wheel of the abrader. The results are given in

Table 4.

The 18 Type I wallcoverings had an average weight loss of 0.055g with

the average weight losses for various materials ranging from 0.006g to

0.166g. Only five of the Type I materials tested had an average weight

loss greater than 0.055g. Excluding the four Type I materials with average weight losses greater than 0.100 g, the average weight loss for the

remaining Type I materials was 0.031 g. The average weight loss for the

22 Type II wallcoverings was 0.039g with the average weight losses for

different materials ranging from 0.021g to 0.060g. Ten of the materials

tested had a weight loss greater than 0.039g. The five top coated

Type II wallcoverings had an average weight loss of 0.039g. The average

weight loss for the three Type III wallcoverings was 0.030g. The average weight loss for all of the materials with a topcoating was 0.043 g,

and for those without it was 0.045 g.

It appears that with the exception of the four Type I materials having

average weight losses greater than O.lOOg, there were not large differences in abrasion resistance between the three types of wallcoverings.

Some of the variations within each Type are the results of differences

in the surface texture. The presence of a top coating did not appear

to affect the abrasion resistance of the wallcovering.

10
Table 4

Taber Abrasion Resistance of Plastic

Wallcoverings, 500 Cycles, lOOOg Load on Each Wheel

Loss Range of

Type Sample Code^ Average Loss (g) Triplicates (g)

Type I Elll-OOl 0.109

E161-002 0.166

E161-004 ' 0.156

F161-007 0.012

F161-008 0.122

F112-010 0.049

B141-021 0.034

B141-022 0.021

B112-024 0.036

B112-027 0.063

Blll-030 0.014

Blll-033 0.027

Blll-034 0.042

C161-058 0.034

C141-059 0.033

Clll-060 0.031

Clll-061 0.031

G181-072 0.006

Type II F222-011 0.024

A211-013 0.047

A211-015 0.051

A211-016 0.045

D211-018 0.044

D212-019 0.044

D211-020 0.027

B211-023 0.033

B211-037 0.033

B211-039 0.033

B212-042 0.040

B211-045 0.037

B212-048 0.049

B211-051 0.053

B211-054 0.029

C211-062 0.022

C211-063 0.021

C211-064 0.032

C211-065 0.028

C211-066 0.060

C211-067 0.060

C212-069 0.039

Type III F312-012 0.045

B311-055 0.020

C311-068 0.024

.101 - .115

.160 - .170

.150 - .163

.008 - .016

.122 - .123

.046 - .051

.033 - .037

.020 - .022

.035 - .036

.046 - .085

.013 - .015

.010 - .036

.035 - .048

.031 - .036

.028 - .042

.030 - .033

.030 - .031

.005 - .007

.046 - .051

.042 - .054

.050 - .052

.038 - .052

.038 - .054

.041 - .046

.025 - .031

.031 - .035

.033 - .034

.032 - .034

.038 - .042

.035 - .039

.048 - .050

.052 - .054

.021 - .034

.021 - .023

.018 - .023

.029 - .036

.023 - .031

.057 - .064

.044 - .078

.036 - .043

.023 - .025

.016 - .026

.021 - .026

^ In the seven digit sample code, the first character = manufacturer,

second character = Type, third character = color, fourth character = coating, last three characters = sequential number of sample as received. See Table 2 for details.

11
Of interest was the comparison of abrasion resistance and the source of

the wallcoverings. Table 5 is based upon data of Table 4. The average

weight loss among the seven manufacturers ranges from 0.006g to 0,144g,

while the average weight loss among the three types ranges from 0.030g

to 0.055g. These differences may be related to differences in composition or manufacturing processes.

1 Table 5 Comparison of Abrasion Resistance'^ of Plastic

Wallcoverings from Different Manufacturers

Manufacturer Number of Samples Average loss , g

E

F

A

D

B

C

G

3

5

3

3

16

12

1

0.144

0.050

0.048

0.038

0.035

0.035

0.006

Taber Abraser, 500 cycles, 1000 g load on each wheel

3.2.2 Surface Texture

An effort was made to determine the surface texture and its effect on abrasion resistance. The results are given in Table 6. The quantity

of aluminum oxide powder retained by the surface was an indication of

the texture. Based on the amount of aluminum oxide retained, three

categories of texture were established, i.e., 1) 1250mg-400mg;

2) 399mg-100mg; 3) 99mg-lmg.

The six samples in the 1 category had an average weight loss in the

abrasion test of 0.044g; the nineteen samples in the 2 category had an average weight loss in the abrasion test of 0.046g; and the eighteen

samples in the 3 category had an average weight loss in the abrasion

test of 0.043g. Since the abrasion resistance of the materials in the

three surface texture categories is almost identical, there does not

seem to be any correlation between abrasion resistance and surface texture as determined by this method.

12
Table 6

Determination of Surface Texture

Sample Code Aluminum Oxide Powder Retained

(mg)

Elll-OOl 98.0

E161-002 ' 130.6

E141-004 88.4

E161-007 50.9

F161-008 132.1

F112-010 36.8

F222-011 192.7

F312-012 39.4

A211-013 57.5

A211-015 233.3

A211-016 384.7

D212-018 65.2

D212-019 60.5

D212-020 351.7

B141-021 69.3

B141-022 39.8

B211-023 108.6

B122-024 78.0

B112-027 222.2

Blll-030 258.2

Blll-033 492.5

Blll-034 413.9

B211-037 124.5

B211-039 225.1

B212-042 304.9

B211-045 371.2

B212-048 326.5

B211-051 1023.6

B211-054 1256.5

B311-055 79.3

C161-058 82.8

C141-059 50.5

Clll-060 335.1

Clll-061 283.5

C211-062 62.2

C211-063 215.6

C211-064 356.8

C211-065 272.4

C211-066 ^^7.6

C211-067 515.4

C311-068 ^2.6

C212-069 61.8

G181-072 15.1

13
3.2,3 Fungus Resistance

Although there is currently no fungus resistance test in CCC-W-408A, one

was removed from a prior version some years ago after it was cited as being unnecessary. However, the military services have reported problems with fungus growth on wallcoverings used in rooms having high

humidity such as bathrooms and kitchens. The fungus growth can occur

on the front plastic surface, the cloth backing, or the adhesive.

The test method for Mildew Resistance utilized by the Chemical Fabrics

and Film Association [15] consists of burying the samples in soil for

14 days. Since this is not a realistic comparison to the type of exposure encountered by wallcoverings, this method was not chosen. Instead,

the wallcovering samples were placed in a humid chamber containing mold

spores and the degree of fungal growth was noted.

Thirteen materials were exposed in the fungus resistance test (ASTM

D3273) . These materials were selected from wallcoverings manufactured

by six manufacturers and included three samples with top coating. Most

materials were off white color with a few other colors represented.

The specimen holders (Figures 1 & 2) were glass, and the wallcoverings

were adhered to the glass with the manufacturers' recommended adhesives.

The 25 mm by 100 mm (1 inch by 4 inches) overlap of the wallcoverings

was designed to measure any effect of the fungi on the backing material

alone as no adhesive was applied to this area. Thus the growth of fungi

on the surface of the wallcovering, the backing, and the adhesive could

be readily determined visually.

Figure 1. The front surface of a test specimen for the fungus resistance test.

14
Figure 2. The back surface of a test specimen for the fungus resistance

test. The right portion of the specimen shows the glass substrate to which the plastic wallcovering material was ahered.

The left side of the test specimen, where the code number

is written, is the area where the effect of fungi was evaluated on the backing material alone.

Of the thirteen materials tested in triplicate, only three had no fungus

growth on the front surface of any of the test specimens. Figures 3

and 4 illustrate examples of fungal growth on the wallcovering surface,

A material having no fungal growth is illustrated in Figure 1, Two

materials also had no growth on the exposed backing of the material,

see Figure 2, Fungal growth on the backing material is illustrated in

Figures 5 and 6. The adhesives also promoted the fungal growth as only

a few of the test specimens were free of fungi around the edges at the

interface between the material and the glass. An example of fungal

growth around the edges can be seen in Figure 7. Nine of the materials

developed fungus growth in the adhesive under the glass. This is illustrated in Figure 6.

This evidence indicates that mildew or fungi grow easily on most of the

plastic wallcoverings and their adhesives. Consequently, some type of

fungicide seems necessary in the adhesives, the wallcovering materials,

or a treatment of the surfaces.

15
7^ ^

Figure 3. An example of fungal growth on a wallcovering material,

7

Figure 4. An example of fungal growth on a wallcovering material,

16
"#..§<«F'

1

Figure 5. The backing material at the left has developed fungal growth

during the fungus resistance test.

fiTj-i -

Iw

\

if

' r lWr»g|.l.. ^t - ' " I I'jjDHW r

Figure 6, An example of fungal growth on the exposed backing material

(left side) and in the adhesive between the wallcovering and

the glass.

17
Figure 7. A test specimen exhibiting fungal growth in the adhesive

around the edges.

3.2.4 Washability

Since plastic wallcovering materials are intended to have long lifetimes, it is important that they can be easily and repeatedly cleaned

without losing their original appearance.

Forty-five wallcovering materials were included in the washability test.

The results of the reflectance and gloss measurements are given in

Table 7. Only two materials had an original gloss greater than 15 and

only eight materials had a gloss change more than 2 units. The changes

in reflectance of the wallcoverings after the washability tests were often much greater than that of an interior flat latex paint , conforming

to Fed. Spec. TT-P-29H, e.g., par. 3.4.12 . . . "The reflectance of the

cleaned area shall be not less than 95 percent of the value measured on

the unsoiled area before the test; the 85° gloss shall be not greater

than 20." One likely cause of the poor washability of many of the wallcoverings as indicated by the reflectance was the differences in texture. Textured materials are more difficult to clean than smooth surfaces. The effect of any top coating on the cleanability of the wallcoverings was generally overriden by the texture.

18
Table 7 Washability of Plastic Wallcovering Materials

Sample

Code

Daylight Directional Reflectance 85° Gloss

Reflectance on New Material

% Reflectance

Retained

Gloss on New

Material

Gloss Change

After Test

Elll-OOl

E161-002

E161-003

E161-004

F161-005

Flll-008

F112-010

F222-011

F312-012

A211-013

A211-015

A211-016

D211-018

D212-019

D211-020

B141-021

B141-022

B211-023

B112-024

B112-027

Blll-030

Blll-033

Blll-034

B211-037

B211-039

B212-042

B211-045

B212-048

B221-051

B211-054

B311-055

B311-056

C161-058

C141-059

Clll-060

Clll-061

C211-062

C211-063

C211-064

C211-065

C211-066

C211-067

C311-068

C212-069

G181-072

1

88.3

36.5

79.4

77.2

64.5

67.8

60.3

68.0

62.7

82.7

82.8

60.4

60.6

60.9

63.9

9.9

8.1

67.4

66.7

74.2

67.2

66.1

58.8

62.8

75.9

76.9

61.4

63.9

79.3

58.4

64.5

64.8

76.3

8.6

74.2

73.4

75.7

73.6

61.4

54.5

71.0

68.8

74.6

70.7

4.8

Average of two readings.

97.2

81.8

88.3

101.4

93.6

92.3

97.5

83.1

100.8

92.6

41.1

63.1

96.9

98.7

77.5

110.1

107.4

82.3

94.0

86.8

92.6

75.0

74.3

76.3

79.8

78.3

90.6

77.3

88.1

86.1

98.4

99.5

86.9

97.7

63.2

66.9

73.4

72.1

95.0

92.1

84.4

77.0

98.0

96.6

292.0

19

3.0

1.3

1.9

2.8

64.7

1.6

6.7

2.1

12.6

4.9

0.5

0.6

5.0

8.5

0.8

6.8

6.2

0.8

2.5

1.4

0.9

0.7

0.7

0.9

0.8

1.2

0.8

1.4

0.5

0.6

2.6

5.5

1.3

6.0

0.8

0.7

0.8

0.6

0.6

0.8

0.5

0.7

3.9

4.5

87.0

0.5

0.5

-0.1

0.8

8.3

-0.2

3.0

0.3

2.0

0.2

-0.2

-0.2

0.5

1.9

-0.1

1.8

-5.0

-0.2

0.7

0.4

-0.2

0.1

-0.5

-0.1

-0.5

0.3

-0.4

0.4

-0.1

-0.1

-2.3

-2.6

-2.0

-2.3

-0.3

-0.1

-0.5

-0.3

-0.4

-1.4

-0.3

-0.5

-3.5

-0.6

37.4
3.2.5 Stain Resistance

Although Fed. Spec. CCC-W-408A has no requirement for stain resistance,

this property is important since plastic wallcoverings are often found

in areas of heavy use such as kitchens and cafeterias. If a material

is stained, efforts to remove the stain may include vigorously scrubbing

the material with an abrasive material. This could abrade the plastic

without removing the stain, particularly when it has penetrated the

plastic. If a plastic wallcovering is badly stained, it may require

costly replacement of the material.

The stain resistance test results are summarized in Table 8. The staining agents that affected the wallcoverings most were paste shoe polish,

iodine, "Tintex" dye, hair dye, acetone, washable ink and amyl acetate.

The use of a protective top coating improved the stain resistance

markedly but did not protect against paste shoe polish, iodine, "Tintex"

dye, hair dye and acetone. In general, other than acetone, the organic

solvents such as amyl acetate, naptha, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol

and turpentine did not affect the wallcovering materials having a protective top coat.

The names of some of the stains listed in Table 8 may not sound familiar, but these stains are often found in households. For example, vinegar contains acetic acid, orange juice has citric acid, liquor contains

ethyl alcohol, hair bleach contains hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol

is isopropyl alcohol, fingernail polish remover contains amyl acetate.

4. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

A total of 7 2 plastic wallcovering materials obtained from seven manufacturers was examined. Seventeen samples had a protective top coat.

The abrasion resistance, fungus resistance, washability and stain resistance of the materials were evaluated to develop recommendations for a revision of Federal Specification CCC-W-408A, Wall Covering, VinylCoated. The recommendations are included in Appendix A,

In evaluating the abrasion resistance, a Taber Abrasion Test was used

with 500 cycles, and a lOOOg load on each wheel. Since significant differences were found in abrasion resistance within wallcovering Types I,

II, and III, including texture and top coating, the use of an abrasion

resistance test should be desirable to evaluate the performance characteristics of plastic wallcoverings for other than decorative purposes.

Some of the differences may have been related to differences in composition or manufacturing processes.

The fungus resistance test results of the plastic wallcoverings indicated that the plastic material, the cloth backing and the adhesive

all may support fungus growth. A performance requirement for fungus

20
Table 8

Summary of Stain Test Results

Total

Staining Staini

Agent Sum

10% citric acid , 3% hydrogen peroxide

water

mustard

methyl alcohol 1

6.6% urea 1

5% household soap 1

10% ammonia 3

chocolate syrup 3

1% trisodium phosphate 3

5% acetic acid 5

5% phenol 6

beet juice 7 5% household detergent 7 olive oil 8

saturated solution of 13

sodium bisulphite

tea 14

4% sodium hypochlorite 17

turpentine 24

coffee 26

ethyl alcohol 29

isopropyl alcohol 41

naptha 57

"Mercurochrome" 63

food coloring 68

amyl acetate 99

washable ink 100

acetone 117

hair dye 120

"Tintex" dye 122

1% iodine in ethyl 126

alcohol

shoe polish 136

Number of

Samples

Affected

Number of

Samples Having

Top Coat Affected"

1

1

1

2

3

3

5

6

74

7

10

14

11

19

25

29

38

42

48

47

55

58

65

68

68

67

68

1

2

1

1

1

8

2

1

9

13

14

14

14

14

1 The total staining sum is the sum of the stain ratings for a particular staining agent for the 69 materials tested. The maximum total stain

sum is 138. The stain ratings were: 0=unaf fected; l=slight stain,

slight change in surface texture or appearance; 2=heavy permanent stain,

surface texture more than slightly affected, more than slight change in

gloss.

A total of 69 samples was tested.

A total of 14 samples with a top coat was tested.

21
resistance should be Included in Federal Specification CCC-W-408A.

The design of the sample holder uniquely allows examination of the

plastic surface, the backing material and the adhesive.

The washability characteristics of the wallcovering materials as indicated by the reflectance differences were frequently below that of an interior latex flat paint. This seems to be due to the texture of the

wallcovering material. The rougher textured materials were more difficult to clean. Since plastic wallcoverings are expected to perform

better than paints and have a longer life, the inclusion of a washability requirement into Federal Specification CCC-W-408A is a necessity. Reflectance differences should be no greater than 10%. The 85°

gloss difference should be no greater than 2 units.

The ability of a plastic wallcovering material to resist staining by

commonly used household stains is especially important since these wallcoverings are intended to have a long life and are expensive to replace.

Materials such as paste shoe polish, iodine, "Tintex" dye, and hair dye

caused permanent stains on all plastic wallcoverings even if a protective top coating was present. Four stain reagents affected none of the

plastics while eleven reagents affected less than nine of the materials.

A protective top coat significantly improved the stain resistance and

was seriously marked by only the reagents mentioned above and "Mercurochrome", washable ink and acetone. Since many common staining agents

affect some plastic wall coverings, for military use the top coat is

advisable for areas where such staining agents may be present.

5 . ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We wish to thank Ms. Mildred Post for her assistance with the Fungus

Resistance Test. We also wish to thank the manufacturers and suppliers

who donated the materials used in this project.

22
6. REFERENCES

[1] Federal Specification CCC-W-408A, Wall Covering, Vinyl-Coated,

8 pages. Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing

Office, Washington, DC 20402 (October 1971).

[2] Skeist, I., Ed., Plastics in Building, Reinhold Publishing Corp.,

New York, 1966, p. 162.

[3] Modern Plastics Encyclopedia, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1968, p. 534.

[4] Gottesman, Roy T., Chemistry and Technology of Polyvinyl Chloride,

Applied Polymer Science. J. Kenneth Creaver and Toy W. Tess, Ed.,

Organic Coatings and Plastics Chemistry, Div. of the Am. Chem.

Soc, Washington, DC, 1975.

[5] Godfrey, Robert S., Ed., Building System Cost Guide 1977, Robert

Snow Means Company, Inc., Duxbury, Mass 02332 (1977).

[6] Abrasion Resistance of Cloth; Rotary Platform, Double-Head (Taber)

Method, Method 5306, Fed. Test Method Std. No. 191, Textile Test

Methods, Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing

Office, Washington, DC 20402 (1968).

[7] Test for Resistance to Growth of Mold on the Surface on Interior

Coatings in an Environmental Chamber, D3273, ASTM Book of Standards, Part 27 (American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, 1977).

[8] Evaluating Degree of Surface Disfigurement of Paint Films by Fungal

Growth or Soil and Dirt Accumulation, D3274, ASTM Book of Standards, Part 27 (American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, 1977).

[9] Washability of Paints, Method 6141, Fed. Test Method Std. No. 141a,

Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Materials; Methods of Inspection, Sampling, and Testing, Superintendent of Documents, U.S.

Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402 (1965).

[10] Scrub Resistance, Method 6142, Fed. Test Method Std. No. 141a,

Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Materials; Methods of Inspection, Sampling, and Testing, Superintendent of Documents, U.S.

Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402 (1965).

[11] Federal Specification TT-P-29H, Paint, Latex Base, Interior, Flat,

White and Tints, 8 pages. Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Goverment Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402 (March 1974).

23
[12] Federal Specification P-S-571F, Soap, Scouring (Cake Form), and

Soap, Scrubbing, Alkaline (Powder Form), 15 pages. Superintendent

of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402

(February 1973).

[13] Method of Test for Resistance of Surface to Stains, LD 1-2.05, Laminated Thermosetting Decorative Sheets, National Electrical Manufacturers Association, New York, New York 10017 (1971).

[14] Abrasion Resistance of Cloth; Oscillatory Cylinder (Wyzenbeck)

Method, Method 5304.1, Fed. Test Method Std. No. 191, Textile

Test Methods, Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402 (1968).

[15] Mildew Resistance, CFFA-14, Standard Test Methods, Chemical Fabrics and Film Association, New York, New York 10017 (1972),

24
APPENDIX A

TENTATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE REVISION OF

FEDERAL SPECIFICATION CCC-W-408A, WALL COVERING, VINYL-COATED

Al. INTRODUCTION

Tentative recommendations for the revision of the Federal Specification

for Vinyl-Coated wallcoverings have been developed. These recommendations are based upon the results of tests conducted on seventy-two wallcovering materials. The tests are intended to be used in evaluating the

performance of plastic wallcovering materials and may be more severe

than real life situations. The recommendations were developed to

reflect performance characteristics which wallcovering materials would

be expected to show in service; they include revision in the abrasion

resistance test and addition of fungus resistance, washability, and

stain resistance tests,

A2 . RECOMMENDATIONS

A2.1. ABRASION RESISTANCE

The current test method in Federal Specification CCC-W-408A should be

replaced by Test Method 5306 of Federal Test Method 191.

Apparatus The test apparatus should consist of a Taber Abraser or its

equivalent as described in Test Method 5306. The abrasive wheels

should be resilient of the CS-17 type or equivalent. A load of lOOOg

should be placed on each wheel. The platform should rotate at approximately 70 rpm.

Test Specimen The test specimen shall consist of a 105 mm (4 1/8 in)

square of material applied to a piece of cardboard having an adhesive

upper surface. A hole shall be punched in the center of the specimen

to accomodate a 6 mm (1/4 in) shaft of the platform. Triplicate test

specimens shall be prepared. The entire test specimen shall be placed

under a 3000 g weight to flatten it and adhere materials whose back surface is uneven. After 24 hours, remove the test specimen, brush with

soft brush to remove loose dirt or dust.

Abrasion Resistance of Cloth; Rotary Platform. Double-Head (Taber)

Method, Method 5306, Fed. Test Method Std. No. 191, Textile Test

Methods, Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing

Office, Washington, DC 20402 (1968).

A resilient coarse abrasive wheel as described in "Accessories and Supplies for Taber Model 503 Abraser", distributed by Gardner Laboratory,

Inc., PO Box 5728, Bethesda, MD. 20014.

25
Procedure Before placing the test specimen on the platform, reface the

wheels for 50 cycles with an abrasive paper of the S-11 or equivalent

type. Then brush the surface of the wheels to remove loose particles.

The humidity in the room in which the sample preparation and testing is

done should remain constant during the procedures. Weigh the test specimen to the nearest 0.001 g, position it on the platform and clamp

securely. Place the vacuum pickup nozzle in position slightly above the

surface of the specimen. Lower the abrading wheels into test position.

Clear the counter to zero, start the vacuum and abrade for 500 cycles.

Remove the test specimen, brush, and reweigh.

Evaluation The weight loss from three specimens shall be averaged to

determine tha averaged weight loss for the wallcovering material.

Requirement The average weight loss of the three specimens should not

exceed 0.060 g for Type I, 0.050 g for Type II, or 0.040 g for Type III,

A2.2 FUNGUS RESISTANCE

A test method to evaluate fungus resistance of plastic wallcoverings

should be added.

Apparatus The test cabinet should consist of an environmental chamber

(as described in ASTM D327 3 ) capable of maintaining a relative

humidity of 95 to 98% at a temperature of 32.5 + 1°C (90 2°F) while

providing a continuous inoculation of the surface of exposed panels with

mold spores.

Test Specimen Adhere a 100 mm x 100 mm (4 in x 4 in) piece of wallcovering to a 75 mm X 100 mm (3 in x 4 in) glass plate having a small

hole midway between two sides and about 25 mm (1 in) from the top. A

25 mm x 100 mm (1 in x 4 in) strip of material down one side is not

attached to the glass. Apply manufacturer's recommended adhesive to a

7 5 mm X 100 mm (3 in x 4 in) area of the back of the test specimen using

a spreading rate of 100 ft /gal (equivalent to 3.2 ml/sample). No adhesive was applied to the strip of material not to be adhered to the

glass. Place the glass plate on the test specimen and press down. Roll over the surface to adhere more firmly. Care should be taken not to

force the adhesive out past the edges. Remove any excess adhesive. Make

a hole in the ;^st specimen corresponding to the hole in the glass and

place a wire through it. Wipe the wallcovering and glass surfaces with

ethyl alcohol. Leave the test specimens to cure in a constant temperature and humidity room for 48 hours. Triplicate test samples should be

prepared.

^ Abrasive paper, 150 Grit.

4

Test for Resistance to Growth of Mold of the Surface on Interior

Coatings in an Environmental Chamber, D3273, ASTM Book of Standards,

Part 27, American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia,

PA 19103 (1977).

26
Procedure Hang the test panels vertically in the environmental chamber

with the bottom of the specimen approximately 7 5 mm (3 in) above the

surface of the inoculated soil. Allow sufficient spacing to permit free

circulation of air and prevent contact between panels or with wall surfaces. Distribute the test specimens randomly about the chamber. After

4 weeks, remove the test specimens, air dry, and evaluate.

Evaluation The test specimen should be examined to determine if there

is fungus growth on the front surface, the uncovered backing strip

25 mm x 100 mm (1 in x 4 in), the edges at the adhesive, or in the

adhesive under the glass.

Requirement No fungal growth shall be evident on the test specimen.

A2.3 WASHABILITY

A test method to evaluate the washability of plastic wallcovering materials should be added.

Apparatus The test apparatus should consist essentially of an electric

motor mounted on a flat metal plate and a mechanism through which the

motor will impart a reciprocating motion to a sponge or a brush at a rate of 37 + 2 cycles (74 + 4 strokes) per minute. The sponge or brush

shall travel lengthwise along the test panel. The sponge and brush

shall be similar to those described in Test Methods 6141 and

6142 ^ of Federal Test Method Std. 141a.

Test Specimen The test specimen should consist of a wallcovering material sample approximately 150 mm x 430 mm (6 in x 17 in) with soil

applied in the center across the width of the material. The soiling

medium should be prepared and applied in accordance with Test Method

6141 of FTM Std. No. 141a. After application allow to air dry for 16

hours in a well ventilated room, then, using a stiff brush carefully

brush off the excess soil.

Washability of Paints, Method 6141, Fed. Test Method Std. No. 141a,

Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Materials; Methods of Inspection, Sampling, and Testing, Superintendent of Documents, U.S Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402 (1965).

Scrub Resistance, Method 6142, Fed. Test Method Std. No. 141a,

Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Materials; Methods of Inspection, Sampling, and Testing, Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402 (1965).

27
Procedure Clamp the test panel in place on the apparatus so that the

soiled portion is approximately in the middle of the cleaning stroke.

Prepare the sponge initially and renew it after each 25 cycles as described in Test Method 6141 of FTM Std. No. 141a. After 100 cycles

using a sponge with grit, replace the sponge with a brush. Prepare the

brush by immersing the brush bristles in water at 25° to 30°C (77° to

86°F) for 30 minutes to a depth of 130 mm (1/2 in). Remove the brush

from th^ Witer and rub cake grit soap, conforming to Fed. Spec. P-S-571,

Type A ' 25 times back and forth (25 times in each direction) across

the brush using moderate pressure. Be sure to completely cover the

entire surface of the brush with each stroke of grit soap. Insert the

brush into the holder and start the motor. After each 25 cycles, remove

the brush, wash with water and apply grit soap as outlined above. When

100 cycles have been completed using the brush, remove the test specimen

and rinse the entire surface with water. When dry, take reflectance and

85° gloss measurements as described in Test Method 6141 of FTM Std. 141a

on an area where soil had been applied and on a piece of new material.

The new material should be used to compare because the unsoiled area on

the sample gets contaminated with soil, soapy water and grit during the

cleaning procedure.

Evaluation The wallcovering materials shall be evaluated by comparing

change in reflectance and gloss measurements, as well as visual examination.

Requirement The reflectance of the cleaned area shall not be less than

90% of the value measured on a piece of new material. The 85° gloss

shall not change more than 2 units.

A2.4 STAIN RESISTANCE

A test method to evaluate stain resistance of plastic wallcovering

materials should be added.

Cake Bon Ami, Dy and Frick's Spar Polish, etc., are suitable for this

purpose.

Federal Specification P-S-571, Soap, Scouring, (Cake Form), and

Soap, Scrubbing, Alkaline (Powder Form), 15 pages (February 1973),

Superintendent of Documents, U,S. Government Printing Office,

Washington, DC 20402,

28
Apparatus The test apparatus consists of glass rings of approximately

30 mm (1.2 in) OD with 25 mm (1 in) ID and covers. The staining agents

include:

1. 10% citric acid

2. 3% hydrogen peroxide

3. distilled water

4. dry mustard (in water)

5. 6,6% urea

6. 5% household soap

7. 10% ammonia

8. chocolate syrup

9. 1% trisodium phosphate

10. 5% acetic acid

11. 5% phenol

12. beet juice

13. 5% household detergent

14. olive oil

15. sodium bisulphite (sat. soln.)

16. tea

17. 4% sodium hypochlorite

18. coffee

19. "Mercurochrome"

20. food coloring

21. washable ink

Test Specimen The test specimen should consist of an approximately

150 mm X 500 mm (6 in x 20 in) sample. Adhere 21 glass rings to it

using a suitable adhesive. Carnauba wax is an adequate adhesive for

most reagents.

Procedure Apply the staining agents to the test specimen, cover and

allow to stand at a temperature of 24°C (75°F). At the end of 16 hours, remove the covers, discard the staining agents, then remove the glass

rings and the adhesive. Rinse the specimen with water, brush lightly

with a soapy solution, then rinse with water. After air drying, examine

the material for a stain by placing the specimen in a horizontal position at normal table height under overhead ceiling height white fluorescent light.

Evaluation Rate the samples using a 0, 1, 2 system

= completely unaffected

1 = slight stains, slight change in surface texture or appearance

2 = heavy permanent stain, surface texture more than slightly

affected, more than slight change in gloss.

Requirement Type I materials shall be completely unaffected by staining

agents one through fourteen. Type II materials shall be completely

unaffected by reagents one through eighteen. Type III materials and any

plastic wallcovering having a clear top coating shall be unaffected by

all staining agents.

29
APPENDIX B

FEDERAL SPECIFICATION

WALL COVERING, VINYL- COATED

CCC-W-4-08A

October 7. 1971

SUPERSEDING

Fed. Spec. CCC-W-408

May 8, 1963

This specification was approved by the Coinmission'er, Federal Supply

Service, General Services Administration, for the use of all

Federal agencies.

1. SCOPE AND CLASSIFICATION

1.1 Scope . This specification covers vinyl-coated wall covering.

1.2 Classification . The vinyl wall covering shall be of the following

types, as specified (see 6.2).

Type I - Light Duty.

Type II - Medium Duty.

Type III - Heavy Duty.

2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

2.1 The following documents, of the issue in effect on date of invitation

for bids or request for proposal^ form a part of the specification to the

extent specified herein.

Federal Specification:

PPP-P-1136 - Packaging and Packing of Coated (Plastic; Rubber) and

Laminated Fabrics

Federal Standards :

Fed. Std. No. 123 - Marking for Domestic Shipment (Civll Agencies).

Fed. Test Method

Std. No. 191 - Textile Tests Methods.

30
(Activities outside the Federal Government may obtain copies of Federal

Specifications, Standards, and Handbooks as outlined under General Information in the Index of Federal Specifications and Standards and at the prices

indicated in the Index. The Index, which includes cumulative monthly supplements as issued, is for sale on a subscription basis by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.

(Single copies of this specification and other Federal Specifications

required by activities outside the Federal Government for bidding purposes

are available without charge from Business Service Centers at the General

Services Administration Regional Offices in Boston, New York, Washington,

DC, Atlanta, Chicago, Kansas City, MO, Fort Worth, Denver, San Francisco,

Los Angeles, and Seattle, WA.

(Federal Government activities may obtain copies of Federal Specifications,

Standards, and Handbooks and the Index of Federal Specifications and Standards from established distribution points in their agencies.)

Military Standards :

MIL-STD-105 - Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes.

MIL-STD-129 - Marking for Shipment and Storage.

(Copies of Military Specifications aJid Standards required by contractors in

connection with specific procurement functions should oe obtained from the

procuring activity or as directed by the contracting officer.)

2.2 Other publications . The following documents form a part of the specification to the extent specified herein. Unless a specific issue is identified,

the issue in effect on date of invitation for bids or request for proposal shall

apply.

Americaji Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standards ;

D751 - Testing Coated Fabrics.

E84 - Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials.

(Application for copies should be addressed to the American Society for

Testing and Materials, 1916 Race Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19103.)

National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc., Agent;

National Motor Freight Classification.

(Application for copies should be addressed to the American Trucking

Association, Inc., Tariff Order Section, I6l6 P Street, N.W., Washington,

DC 20036.)

31
Uniform Classlf ication Committee, Agent

Uniform Freight Classification.

(Application for copies shoiild be addressed to the Uniform Classification

Committee, Room 202 Union Station, 516 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, XL 6O6O6.)

(Technical society and technical association specifications and stazidards are generally available for reference from libraries. They are also distributed among technical groups and using Federal agencies.)

3 . REQUIREMENTS

3 .1 Material .

3.1.1 Supporting material . The supporting substrate of the material shall

be of cotton cloth, nonwoven fiberglass, asbestos, or other suitable materials,

the use of which enables the vinyl-coated wall covering to meet the requirements of this specification.

3.1.2 Coating compound . The coating compound shall be formulated from

virgin polymerized or copolymerized vinyl chloride resin, suitably plasticized,

stabilized, and integrally pigmented.

3.1.3 Top coating . When necessary to meet the requirements of table I, a clear top coating or film may be used.

3.1.4 Coated wall covering . The physical properties for vinyl wall covering

covered by this specification shall conform to the requirements of table I.

3.2 Color and grain . The color and grain of the vinyl wall covering shall

be as specified (see 6.2).

3.3 Length and width . The length and width of the wall covering shall be

as specified (see 6.2).

3.4 Marking . Each roll shall have two identical labels, one inside the

wrapping and one outside the wrapping. The labels shall indicate gross length,

piece length, pattern, and color identification.

3.5 Workmanship . The vinyl wall covering shall conform to the quality and

grade of product established by this specification. The occurrence of defects

shall not exceed the applicable quality levels.

32
TABLE I. Physical properties

Requirements Type I Type II Type III

Total weight (ounces /square yard, min.)

Minimum coating weight (ounces /square

yard, min.)

Breaking strength (pounds, min.)

Warp

Filling

Tear strength, (scale reading, min.)

Warp

Filling

Adhesion (pounds /inch, min.) \J

Abrasion resistance (Double rubs)

Flame spread (max.)

Smoke development (max.)

Color fastness to light

Blocking, (scale rating max.)

Shrinkage (percent max.)

Warp

Filling

Cold crack © 20° F.

Heat aging (7 days at 158° F.)

Crocking

13 22

12

40 50 100

30 55 95

14 25 50

12 25 50

2 3 3

200+ 30(>f 1000+

25 25 25

50 50 50

No change No change No change

No. 2 No. 2 No. 2

2.0 2.0 2.0

1.0 1.0 1.5

No change

2/

Good

No change

2/

Good

No change

2/

Good

\J Nonwoven supporting materials shall be bonded to the wearing surface. When

an attempt is made to pull the wearing surface from the backing by hand,

the backing shall delaminate or break before failure of the bonding.

"V The specimen shall not become stiff, brittle, soft, tacky, discolored, or show loss of grain.

4. QUALITY ASSURANCE PROVISIONS

4.1 Responsibility for inspection . Unless otherwise specified in the

contract or purchase order, the supplier is responsible for the performance

of all inspection requirements as specified herein. Except as otherwise

specified, the supplier may utilize his own facilities or any commercial

laboratory acceptable to the Government. The Government reserves the right

to perform any of the inspections set forth in the specification where such

inspections are deemed necessary to assure that supplies and services conform

to prescribed requirements

.

4.2 Sampling .

4.2.1 Lot. A lot shall consist of each type of vinyl wall covering offered

for delivery at one time.

33
4.2.2 Visual and dimensional examination . Sampling for this examination

shall be in accordance with level S-3 in MIL-STD-105. The sample unit shall

be one completely fabricated roll.

4.2.3 Sampling for tests . Samples for tests shall be in accordance with

level S-1 of MIL-STD-105. The sample unit shall be on completely fabricated

roll.

4.3 Visual and dimensional examination . Wall covering shall be examined

for the defects list in table II. The acceptable quality level shall be 2.5

percent defective for major defects and 4.0 percent defective for minor defects

TABLE II. Classification of defects

Defects Major Minor

Type not as specified

Dimensions not as specified

Imbedded foreign matter

Not the color specified

Edges not cleanly and evenly trimmed (when specified)

Uneven coating (blisters)

Evidence of delamination

Not free from grease, oil, or dirt

Damages or defects but not affecting function

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

4.4 Tests . Each sample selected in accordance with 4.2.3 shall be tested

by the methods of Fed. Test Method Std. No. 191 as indicated in table III.

TABLE III. Tests methods

Test

Total weight

Coating weight

Breaking strength

Warp

Filling

Tear strength

Warp (1)

Filling (1)

Adhesion

Abrasion (2)

Flame spread)

Smoke development)

Color fastness (3)

Blocking

Requirement Test Method

Table

Table

I

I 5041

5041

Table

Table

I

I 5100

5100

Table

Table

Table

Table

Table

I

I

I

I

I

5132

5132

ASTKD751

5304

ASTM E84

Table

Table

I

I 5660

5872

34
TABLE III. Test methods (con.)

Test Requirement Test Method

Heat aging Table I 5850

Crocking Table I 5650

Shrinkage Table I Par. 4.4.1

Cold crack Table I Par. 4.4.2

(1) Perform type I test without augmenting weight. Perform type II and III

test augmenting weight.

(2) Use a fine emery cloth, such as emery '0' paper, with 3 pounds pressure

and 6 pounds tension.

(3) Expose for 200 hours with coated side exposed.

4.4.1 Shrinkage . Three specimens 10 by 10 inches shall be soaked for 30

minutes in distilled water at standard conditions in accordance with Fed. Test

Method Std. No. 191, then withdrawn from the water and dried in a circulating

air oven at 200° F. for 30 minutes. The specimens shall then be conditioned

at standard conditions for a period of 8 hours and remeasured. Determine the

percent shrinkage as follows:

Percent shrinkage= A-B X 100

A

A - measurement before test; B - measurement after test.

4.4.2 Cold crack . One sample 2 inches by 8 inches from each direction of

the wall covering and a 1/2- inch mandrel shall be conditioned at plus 20* F.

for a minimum of 30 minutes before testing. After conditioning and without

removal from the test conditions, the sample shall be bent quickly 180 degrees

around the 1/2-inch mandrel and the sample shall meet at not more than 1/4-

inch behind the mandrel. The uncoated side of the wall covering shall contact

the mandrel.

4.5 Inspection of preparation for delivery . The packaging, packing, and

marking of the wall covering shall be inspected to determine conformance with

the applicable requirements of section 5 of this specification.

5. PREPARATION FOR DELIVERY

5.1 Packaging . Packaging shall be level A or C as specified (see 6.2).

5.1.1 Level A . The wall covering shall be packaged in accordance with the

applicable level A requirements of PPP-P-1136.

5.1.2 Level C . The wall covering shall be packaged in accordance with the

supplier's standard practice.

5.2 Packing . Packing shall be level A, B, or C as specified (see 6.2).

J5
5.2.1 Level A . The packaged wall covering shall be packed in accordance

with the applicable level A requirements of PPP-P-1136.

5.2.2 Level B . The packaged wall covering shall be packed in accordance

with the applicable level B requirements of PPP-P-1136.

5.2.3 Level C . The wall covering shall be packed to insure carrier

acceptance and safe delivery to destination at lowest rates in compliance

with Uniform Freight Classification rules or National Motor Freight Classification rules.

5.3 Marking . In addition to any special marking required by the contract

or order, interior packages and shipping containers shall be marked in accord" ance with Fed. Std. No. 123 or MIL-STD-129, as applicable (see 6.2).

6 . NOTES

6.1 Intended use .

a. Type I wall covering is intended for ceilings and as a covering for areas not subjected to abrasion.

b. Type II wall covering is for general use in areas of average traffic

and scuffing.

c. Type III wall covering is for use primarily as wainscot or lower wall

protection for areas exposed to damage by moveable equipment or to

abusive conditions such as exist in hospitals,

6.2 Ordering data . Purchasers should select the preferred options permitted herein and include the following information in procurement documents.

a. Title, number, and date of this specification.

b. Type required (see 1.2).

c. Color and grain required (see 3.2).

d. Length and width required (see 3.3).

e. Level of packaging and level of packing required (see 5.1 and 5.2).

f. Marking required (see 5>3).

36
6.3 Application . Vinyl wall covering should be applied with adhesive

recommended by the wall covering manufacturer in strict' accordance with his

printed instructions. Adhesives not attacked by fungus should be used for

installations of wall covering in areas where fungal degradation is a problem.

MILITARY CUSTODIANS:

Navy - YD

Air Force - 84

Preparing activity :

Navy - YD

CIVIL AGENCY INTEREST:

GSA - FSS

(Project No. 5640-0224)

Copies of publication GCC-W-40SA may be obtained from the General Services

Administration, acting as an agent for the Superintendent of Documents.

Price 15 cents each.

37

•i! U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1978 0-261-238 (244)
NBS-114A (REV. 7-73)

U.S. DEPT. OF COMM. BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA

SHEET

1. PUBLICATION OR REPORT NO. TN 984

2. Gov't Accession

No.

3. Recipient's Accession No.

4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE

Evaluation of Plastic Wallcovering Materials

5. Publication Date October 1978

6. Performing Organization Code

7. AUTHOR(S)

Elizabeth J. Clark, Paul G. Campbell

8. Performing Organ. Report No.

9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20234

10. Project/Task/Work Unit No.

11. Contract /Grant No.

12. Sponsoring Organization Name and Complete Address (Streel, City, State, ZIP)

Directorate of Engineering & Services, U.S. Air Force,

Washington, DC 20330; Naval Facilities Engineering Command,

Dept. of Navy, Washington, DC 20390; Office of Chief of

Engineers, U.S. Army, Washington, DC 20314

13. Type of Report & Period Covered

Final Report

14. Sponsoring Agency Code

15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

16. ABSTRACT (A 200-word or less factual summary of most significant information. If document includes a significant

bibliography or literature survey, mention it here.)

The suitability of various test methods for measuring performance of plastic wallcovering materials x^ras studied. This report contains the results of performance tests including abrasion resistance, surface texture, fungus resistance, washability and

stain resistance. Based on the test results^ tentative recommendations for the revision of Federal Specification CCC-W-408A, Wall Covering, Vinyl-Coated, have been

developed. These recommendations are based upon the results of tests conducted on seventy-two wallcovering materials from seven manufacturers.

17. KEY WORDS (six to twelve entries; alphabetical order; capitalize only the first letter of the first key word unless a proper name; separated by semicolons)

Abrasion; Federal Specification CCC-W-408A; fungus resistance;, stain resistance;

surface roughness; vinyl wallcoverings- wallcovering materials; washability.

18. AVAILABILITY [T Unlimited

1 For Official Distribution. Do Not Release to NTIS

IX Order From Sup. of Doc, U.S. Government Printing Office Washington, D.C. 20402, SD Stock No. SN003-003

[ Order From National Technical Information Service (K'TIS) Springfield, Virginia 22151

19. SECURITY CLASS

(THIS REPORT)

UNCLASSIFIED

20. SECURITY CLASS

(THIS PAGE)

UNCLASSIFIED

21. NO. OF PAGES

43

22. Pr

$1.70

USCOMM-DC 66039-P7I

s U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1978 261-233/24
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