ASTM C661-15(2022)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Indentation Hardness of Elastomeric-Type Sealants by Means of a Durometer
Standard Test Method for Indentation Hardness of Elastomeric-Type Sealants by Means of a Durometer
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The results obtained by this test method are simply a measure of the indentation into the sealant material of the indentor under load; they are not generally considered a measure of abrasion or wear resistance of the sealant.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes a laboratory procedure for determining indentation hardness of joint sealing compounds (single- and multicomponent) intended for use in building construction.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.
1.3 The committee with jurisdiction over this standard is not aware of any comparable standards published by other organizations.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: C661 − 15 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Test Method for
Indentation Hardness of Elastomeric-Type Sealants by
Means of a Durometer
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C661; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope ness; joint; sealant, non-sag; sealant, self-leveling, and stan-
dard conditions.
1.1 This test method describes a laboratory procedure for
determining indentation hardness of joint sealing compounds
4. Significance and Use
(single- and multicomponent) intended for use in building
4.1 The results obtained by this test method are simply a
construction.
measure of the indentation into the sealant material of the
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
indentor under load; they are not generally considered a
standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.
measure of abrasion or wear resistance of the sealant.
1.3 Thecommitteewithjurisdictionoverthisstandardisnot
5. Apparatus
aware of any comparable standards published by other orga-
5.1 Durometer, TypeA-2, with a dial graduated in units from
nizations.
0 to 100. (See Test Method D2240 for a description of the
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
indentor and a method of calibration of the durometer.)
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 5.2 Rectangular Brass Frame, with inside dimensions
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- 130 mm by 40 mm by 6 mm (approximately 5 in. by 1 ⁄2 in. by
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. ⁄4 in.).
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
5.3 Aluminum Plates, two 16 gauge to 24 gauge, 80 mm by
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
150 mm (approximately 3 in. by 6 in.).
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.4 Thin-Bladed Knife.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical 5.5 Chamber, capable of maintaining 38 °C 6 2 °C (100 °F
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
6 3.5 °F) and 95 % relative humidity.
5.6 Metal Straightedge.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards: 6. Standard Test Conditions
C717 Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
6.1 Unless otherwise specified by those authorizing the
D2240 Test Method for Rubber Property—Durometer Hard-
tests, testing is conducted under standard conditions as defined
ness
in Terminology C717.
3. Terminology
7. Procedure
3.1 Definitions—See Terminology C717 for applicable defi-
7.1 Test for Hardness of Multicomponent Sealants:
nitions of the following terms: compound; elastomeric; hard-
7.1.1 Condition at least 250 g of base compound and
appropriate amounts of curing agent for at least 24 h at
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeC24onBuilding
standard conditions; then mix the components thoroughly for
Seals and Sealants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C24.20 on
5 min.
General Test Methods.
7.1.2 Fill the brass frame, after centering it on the aluminum
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2022. Published January 2022. Originally
plate, with a portion of the conditioned compound and strike it
approved in 1970. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as C661 – 15. DOI:
10.1520/C0661-15R22.
off flat with a metal straightedge. Lift the frame from the
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
sealant after separating it by running a thin-bladed knife along
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
the inside of the frame. Prepare two such specimens and cure
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. them for 14 days at standard conditions.
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C661 − 15 (2022)
NOTE 1—In the case of a self-leveling sealant or compound, do not lift the additional time requested and a reading is taken at the specified time,
the brass frame until the sealant is sufficiently cured so that it will not for example, after 5 s, 10 s, or other specified period. Delayed readings are
spread on the plate. taken in addition to the instantaneous reading. An instrument with a
maximum reading hand is helpful in making such determinations.
7.1.3 At the end of the curing period, take three hardness
7.2 Test for Hardness of Single-Component Sealants:
readings on each specimen at standard conditions. Hold the
7.2.1 Condition at least 250 g of compound for a minimum
durometer on the surface of the specimen and press it firmly
of 24 h at standard conditions before starting the test.
against the surface using a force of about 1.3 kgf (3 lbf). Keep
7.2.2 Center the brass frame on the aluminum plate and fill
the pressure foot parallel to the surface of the specimen. Take
the opening with a portion of the conditioned compound,
the instantaneous indentation reading immediately after mak-
striking the compound off flat with a straightedge. Lift the
ing firm contact between the pressure foot and the specimen.
frame from the sealant after separating it by running a
After taking the first reading, shift the durometer (or specimen)
thin-bladed knife along the inside edge of the frame. Two such
to a new position in order to avoid errors due to fatigue and
specimens shall be prepared.
surface effects from the previous indentation. Take readings on
7.2.3 Cure the test specimens for a total of 21 days as
smooth portions of the
...
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