ASTM C1134-90(1995)e1
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Water Retention of Rigid Thermal Insulations Following Partial Immersion
Standard Test Method for Water Retention of Rigid Thermal Insulations Following Partial Immersion
SCOPE
1.1 This test method determines the amount of water retained (including surface water) by rigid block and board thermal insulations used in building construction applications after these materials have been partially immersed in liquid water for prescribed time intervals under isothermal conditions. This test method is intended to be used for the characterization of materials in the laboratory. It is not intended to simulate any particular environmental condition that may be encountered in building construction applications.
1.2 This test method does not address all the possible mechanisms of water intake and retention and related phenomena for rigid thermal insulations. It relates only to those conditions outlined in 1.1. Determination of moisture accumulation in thermal insulations due to complete immersion, water vapor transmission, internal condensation, freeze-thaw cycling, or a combination of these effects requires different test procedures.
1.3 Each partial immersion interval is followed by a brief free-drainage period. This test method does not address or attempt to quantify the drainage characteristics of materials. Therefore, results for materials with different internal structure and porosity, such as cellular materials and fibrous materials, may not be directly comparable. Also, test results for specimens of different thickness may not be directly comparable because of porosity effects. The surface characteristics of a material also affect drainage. Specimens with rough surfaces may retain more surface water than specimens with smooth surfaces, and surface treatment during specimen preparation may affect water intake and retention. Therefore, results for materials with different surface characteristics may not be directly comparable.
1.4 For most materials the size of the test specimens is small compared with the size of the products actually installed in the field. If the surface-to-volume ratios for the test specimens and the corresponding products are different, the test results may be misleading.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard, but the results may also be reported in inch-pound (I-P) units. In this standard I-P units are given in parentheses for information purposes and may be approximate.
1.6 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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e1
Designation: C 1134 – 90 (Reapproved 1995)
Standard Test Method for
Water Retention of Rigid Thermal Insulations Following
Partial Immersion
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 1134; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
e NOTE—Safety caveat was updated and keywords were added editorially in March 1995.
1. Scope 1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard, but the results may also be reported in inch-pound
1.1 This test method determines the amount of water re-
(I-P) units. In this standard I-P units are given in parentheses
tained (including surface water) by rigid block and board
for information purposes and may be approximate.
thermal insulations used in building construction applications
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
after these materials have been partially immersed in liquid
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
water for prescribed time intervals under isothermal condi-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
tions. This test method is intended to be used for the charac-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
terization of materials in the laboratory. It is not intended to
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
simulate any particular environmental condition that may be
encountered in building construction applications.
2. Referenced Documents
1.2 This test method does not address all the possible
2.1 ASTM Standards:
mechanisms of water intake and retention and related phenom-
C 168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulating Materi-
ena for rigid thermal insulations. It relates only to those
als
conditions outlined in 1.1. Determination of moisture accumu-
E 691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
lation in thermal insulations due to complete immersion, water
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
vapor transmission, internal condensation, freeze-thaw cycling,
or a combination of these effects requires different test proce-
3. Terminology
dures.
3.1 Definitions—Terminology C 168 applies to terms used
1.3 Each partial immersion interval is followed by a brief
in this test method.
free-drainage period. This test method does not address or
3.2 Descriptions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
attempt to quantify the drainage characteristics of materials.
3.2.1 WR —short-term water retention rating, the average
S
Therefore, results for materials with different internal structure
of the water retained following the 0.75-h and 3.00-h partial
and porosity, such as cellular materials and fibrous materials,
immersion intervals, kilograms per square metre (percent by
may not be directly comparable. Also, test results for speci-
volume) (for materials tested at 25.4 mm (1.00 in.) thickness).
mens of different thickness may not be directly comparable
(See 4.2.)
because of porosity effects. The surface characteristics of a
3.2.2 WR —long-term water retention rating, the water
L
material also affect drainage. Specimens with rough surfaces
retained following the 168-h partial immersion interval, kilo-
may retain more surface water than specimens with smooth
grams per square metre (percent by volume) (for materials
surfaces, and surface treatment during specimen preparation
tested at 25.4 mm (1.00 in.) thickness). (See 4.2.)
may affect water intake and retention. Therefore, results for
materials with different surface characteristics may not be
4. Significance and Use
directly comparable.
4.1 Materials less than or equal to 15.0 mm (0.59 in.) in
1.4 For most materials the size of the test specimens is small
thickness shall not be tested in accordance with this test
compared with the size of the products actually installed in the
method in order to avoid complete immersion of the speci-
field. If the surface-to-volume ratios for the test specimens and
mens. This type of exposure is beyond the scope of this test
the corresponding products are different, the test results may be
method.
misleading.
4.2 Materials shall be tested at both actual product thickness
and 25.4 mm (1.00 in.) thickness provided the materials can be
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C-16 on
Thermal Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.33 on
Thermal Insulation Finishes and Vapor Transmission. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.06.
Current edition approved Jan. 10, 1990. Published February 1990. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
C 1134
cut to a thickness of 25.4 mm without changing the original
character of the materials. If a product cannot be cut without
changing the original character of the material, the test report
shall contain an appropriate note to this effect. Results shall be
reported on the basis of equal nominal wetted specimen surface
area (in units of kilograms per square metre) for materials
tested at actual product thickness and on the basis of equal
specimen volume (in units of percent by volume) for materials
tested at 25.4 mm thickness. If a product cannot be cut to a
thickness of 25.4 mm or if the actual product thickness is less
(a) Typical dimensions for an immersion tank
than 25.4 mm but greater than 15.0 mm (0.59 in.), the product
shall only be tested at actual product thickness and results only
reported on the basis of equal nominal wetted specimen surface
area.
4.2.1 By reporting results on the basis of equal nominal
wetted specimen surface area, specimens of different thick-
nesses can be compared equitably. For some specimens, the
water intake and retention primarily may depend on the
nominal wetted surface area available for water intake.
(b) Typical dimensions for a noncorrosive support for the specimens
4.2.2 By reporting results on the basis of equal specimen
FIG. 1 Immersion Tank
volume, specimens can be compared equitably using units that
commonly are selected to represent results of water intake
0.1 g. For some measurements such a sensitivity may be more
testing (percent by volume). For some materials, water intake
than is required, in which case a sensitivity of at least 0.1 % of
and retention primarily may depend on the volume of the
the total mass of the specimen after immersion and the
specimen available for water intake.
weighing container is acceptable. See 7.4.1. To achieve these
4.2.3 In most cases water retention is a secondary perfor-
sensitivities, two different balances may be required.
mance characteristic that has an influence on a primary
5.4 Weighing Container—The weighing container shall be
performance characteristic, such as thermal performance, sur-
made of a nonabsorbent, waterproof, lightweight material and
face accumulation of moisture (that may contribute to fungal
shall be large enough to allow a specimen to be laid flat in the
growth), localized collection of electrolytes (that may contrib-
container.
ute to corrosion), etc. Depending on the primary performance
5.5 Linear Measuring Instrument—The linear measuring
characteristic that is of interest, the preferred units for use in
instrument shall be capable of measuring specimen dimensions
comparing the water retention of different materials may be
to the nearest 0.2 mm (0.01 in.).
either kilograms per square metre or percent by volume.
5.6 Distilled or Deionized Water—Distilled or deionized
4.3 Immersion times in addition to those required by this
water shall be used for testing.
test method may be selected provided that all parties involved
5.7 Drainage Rack—The drainage rack shall be similar to
are in agreement.
that shown in Figs. 2 and 3.
4.4 The water retention characteristics of materials may be
6. Test Specimens
affected by conditions such as elevated temperatures or chemi-
6.1 Six test specimens shall be selected randomly from each
cal exposures.
sample. Only three specimens are required if the product is
5. Apparatus
only to be tested at the actual product thickness or if the actual
5.1 Test Chamber—The test chamber or room where the test product thickness is 25.4 mm (1.00 in.). See 4.2.
is to be run shall be maintained at a temperature of 236 2°C 6.2 The test specimens shall be square with a length and
(73 6 4°F) and a relative humidity of 50 6 5%. width of 3006 10 mm (11.8 6 0.4 in.). The thickness of three
5.2 Immersion Tank—The immersion tank shall consist of of the specimens shall be the same as that of the product or
an open tank of sufficient size to accommodate at least three sample from which the specimens are taken. The thickness of
specimens. Included in the construction of the tank shall be a the other three specimens shall be 25.4 6 1.6 mm (1.00 6 0.06
means for securing the specimens in a level position, that is, a in.), provided the material is greater than 25.4 mm in thickness.
noncorrosive support for the bottom surface of the specimens Specimens shall be cut to this size from thicker stock if
appropriate. See 4.2.
and a similar constraining device for the top surface. The
support and constraining devices shall not contact more than 6.3 Specimen Preparation:
15 % of the specimen surfaces. The pressure exerted on the 6.3.1 Materials normally produced with natural skins or
specimens by the constraining device for the top surface shall specially cut surfaces shall be tested with at least one skin or
be limited to that required to counteract any buoyant force surface intact, and that skin or surface shall be placed in
exerted by the specimens at the beginning of the test. The contact with the water when the test is conducted. The test
immersion tank shall be provided with a water overflow level, report shall contain an appropriate note.
as shown in Fig. 1. 6.3.2 Composite materials normally produced with facings
5.3 Balance—The balance shall have a sensitivity of at least or laminates may be tested with or without facings, as required
C 1134
FIG. 2 Drainage Rack for Three Specimens
FIG. 4 Measurement Locations for Determining Test Specimen
Dimensions
FIG. 3 Test Specimen in Drainage Rack
relative humidity of 506 5 %. Allow at least 24 h for the initial
conditioning period and then at least 4 h for each additional
period as needed. Continue conditioning until specimens reach
by the appropriate material specification. The test report shall
contain an appropriate note. constant mass as indicated by a change in mass of 0.2 g or less
between successive weighings. Record the dry mass, M ,of
6.3.3 Care must be taken to avoid making indentations
when handling specimens. Any specimens having surface each specimen to the nearest 0.1 g.
indentations greater than 5.0 mm (0.20 in.) in depth or any 7.3 Using nonabsorbent dummy blocks of the same size as
specimens damaged during preparation shall be rejected and the test specimens, adjust the support and constraining devices
replaced by new specimens prior to testing. so that the dummy blocks are horizontal and level. Make
certain that the immersion tank is also level. Adjust the water
7. Procedure
level in the immersion tank so that it is 10.0 6 1.6 mm (0.39
7.1 Measure test specimen dimensions (length, l, width, w,
6 0.06 in.) above the bottom surface of the dummy blocks.
and thickness, t) to the nearest 0.2 mm (0.01 in.). Measure both Remove the dummy blocks and replace them with the actual
the length and width at three different locations and the test specimens. If necessary, add water to ensure that the
thickness at nine different locations, as shown in Fig. 4. The specimens are immersed to the required depth. If the immer-
average of each set of dimensions shall be used to calculate the sion tank is not provided with an automatic adjustment for the
volume, V, of the specimen. water level, add water at least once during each 24-h period to
7.2 Record the initial mass of each specimen to the nearest ensure that the specimens are immersed to the required depth.
0.1 g, and condition the specimens to constant mass in the 7.4 Remove and weigh the specimens at the following time
laboratory at a temperature of 23 6 2°C (73 6 4°F) and a intervals: 0.75 6 0.03 h, 3.00 6 0.15 h, and 168 6 4 h. These
C 1134
times are required. Longer or intermediate immersion times
M 5 mass of the specimen after immersion time,
t
may be used to provide more information.
t,g,and
7.4.1 Determine the mass of the weighing container to the M 5 mass of the conditioned specimen, g.
nearest 0.1 g. Place each specimen on the drainage rack, as 8.3.2 For each specimen tested at a thickness of 25.4 mm
shown in Fig. 3. Allow 6.0 6 0.5 min. for the drainage of (1.00 in.), calculate the water retention, WR , expressed in
t(%)
water. Remove each specimen from the drainage rack and percent by volume, for each immersion time, t, as follows:
place it in the weighing container with the wet side down.
M 2 M
t 0
WR 5 ·100 (4)
Weigh each specimen and its container to the nearest 0.1 g or t~%!
V
to within 0.1 % of the total mass of the specimen and the
where:
weighing container. (Choose the sensitivity that is largest in
WR 5 water retention of the specimen for time, t,
magnitude or most convenient to use.) Subtract the mass of the t(%)
percent by volume.
weighing container from the total mass, and record the mass of
each specimen in grams to the appropriate sensitivity. Data
NOTE 1—The density of water is assumed to be 1.00 g/cm at 23°C
should be clearly identified by the letter M with the subscript
(73°F).
t
indicating the immersion time, for example M for the mass
0.75
8.4 Calculate the short-term water retention rating, WR , for
S
after a 0.75-h immersion time. Clean and dry the weighing
each specimen, expressed in kilogram per square metre and
container if it is going to be reused, and reweigh it before
percent by volume (for materials tested at 25.4 mm (1.00 in.)
proceeding with the next specimen.
thickness) by averaging the water retention for the 0.75-h and
7.4.2 Return the specimens to the immersion tank, making
3.00-h partial-immersion intervals, determined for each speci-
sure each specimen is placed in the tank with the wet side
men in accordance with 8.3, as follows:
down. Total time elapsed between removal and return of the
WR 2 1 WR 2
0.75~kg/m ! 3~kg/m !
specimens shall not be longer than 8 min.
WR 5 (5)
S~kg/m !
7.4.3 Repeat the procedures given in 7.4.1 and 7.4.2 for
each immersion time.
whe
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