ASTM C1410-17(2023)

Standard Specification for Cellular Melamine Thermal and Sound-Absorbing Insulation

ABSTRACT
This specification covers cellular melamine thermal and sound-absorbing insulation for use in industrial environments operating within the specified temperature range. Some applications of the thermal insulation materials covered by this standard are subject to building codes for fire performance. A vapor retarder is required when the insulation materials are used for cold surface applications where water vapor condense and may cause a decrease in thermal performance. Open-cell melamine foam is produced when a pentane blowing agent is used to foam a melamine-aldehyde precondensate. Melamine thermal insulation is furnished in three types according to shape and two grades according to facing. The typical facing materials are aluminum foil, aluminized mylar, polyvinylchloride, and polyvinylfluoride. All materials should conform to the required values of oxygen index, specific optical smoke density, surface burning characteristics, density, tensile strength, percent elongation, indentation force deflection, and thermal conductivity.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the type, physical properties, and dimensions of open-cell melamine foam intended for use as thermal and sound-absorbing insulation for temperatures from −40 to +350°F (−40 to +177°C) in industrial environments.  
1.2 Some uses of thermal insulation materials covered by this specification are governed by building codes that address fire performance.  
1.3 The use of an appropriate vapor retarder is required on cold surface applications where water vapor condense and cause a decrease in thermal performance. Refer to Practice C755 for selection of vapor retarders. Facings shall be agreed upon between the purchaser and the manufacturer or supplier.  
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.5 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.  
1.6 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

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 28-Feb-2023
• ICS: 91.100.60 - Thermal and sound insulating materials
• Technical Committee: C16 - Thermal Insulation
• Drafting Committee: C16.22 - Organic and Nonhomogeneous Inorganic Thermal Insulations

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C168-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM C390-08(2024) - Standard Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal Insulation Lots
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM C1363-24 - Standard Test Method for Thermal Performance of Building Materials and Envelope Assemblies by Means of a Hot Box Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM E176-24 - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM E84-23d - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM D2863-23 - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Minimum Oxygen Concentration to Support Candle-Like Combustion of Plastics (Oxygen Index)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM D2863-95 - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Minimum Oxygen Concentration to Support Candle-like Combustion of Plastics (Oxygen Index)
• Effective Date: 29-Sep-2023
• Refers: ASTM E84-23c - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2023
• Refers: ASTM C755-20 - Standard Practice for Selection of Water Vapor Retarders for Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2020
• Refers: ASTM C755-19b - Standard Practice for Selection of Water Vapor Retarders for Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM D2863-19 - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Minimum Oxygen Concentration to Support Candle-Like Combustion of Plastics (Oxygen Index)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM C390-08(2019) - Standard Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal Insulation Lots
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2019
• Refers: ASTM C755-19a - Standard Practice for Selection of Water Vapor Retarders for Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2019
• Refers: ASTM C1363-19 - Standard Test Method for Thermal Performance of Building Materials and Envelope Assemblies by Means of a Hot Box Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2019
• Refers: ASTM C1104/C1104M-19 - Standard Test Method for Determining the Water Vapor Sorption of Unfaced Mineral Fiber Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2019

Overview

ASTM C1410-17(2023) - Standard Specification for Cellular Melamine Thermal and Sound-Absorbing Insulation establishes the requirements for open-cell melamine foam used as thermal and sound-absorbing insulation in industrial environments. This international standard covers the types, physical properties, and dimensions of melamine insulation materials designed for consistent performance in temperatures ranging from −40 to +350°F (−40 to +177°C).

The standard emphasizes the importance of fire performance and moisture protection. Applications in certain environments may be subject to building codes regarding fire safety, and the use of vapor retarders is required for cold surfaces to prevent loss of thermal efficiency.

Key Topics

• Material Types and Grades

  • Type I: Flat slab insulation (available in regular and faced grades)
  • Type II: Pipe and tubing insulation (regular and faced)
  • Type III: Special shapes by agreement
  • Facing Materials: Includes aluminum foil, aluminized mylar, polyvinylchloride, and polyvinylfluoride

• Physical and Environmental Requirements

  • Open-cell melamine foam must meet requirements for:
    • Oxygen index
    • Smoke density
    • Surface burning characteristics
    • Density, tensile strength, and elongation
    • Indentation force deflection
    • Thermal conductivity
    • Water vapor sorption
    • High-temperature shrinkage and smoke toxicity

• Inspection and Testing

  • Inspection requirements for density, dimensions, and thermal conductivity
  • Test methods referenced for fire performance, thermal transmission, sound absorption, and more

• Packaging and Marking

  • Proper labeling including specification, type, grade, manufacturer information, and facing details

Applications

Cellular melamine insulation, as defined by ASTM C1410-17(2023), is widely used for its excellent thermal insulation and sound absorption characteristics in industrial environments. Key applications include:

• Thermal insulation for piping and equipment
  Ensures energy efficiency and temperature stability in manufacturing plants, refineries, and other industrial settings.

• Sound-absorbing panels and linings
  Reduces noise in mechanical rooms, HVAC systems, and acoustic enclosures for improved workplace safety and comfort.

• Cold surface and cryogenic applications
  When paired with suitable vapor retarders, melamine insulation prevents water vapor condensation and maintains insulation performance at low temperatures.

• Environments requiring fire safety
  Meets strict requirements for flame spread, smoke development, and toxicity, supporting compliance with fire codes and safety standards.

• Custom shapes and specialty uses
  Available in various forms and finishes, allowing engineers and builders to tailor insulation to specific industrial needs.

Related Standards

The use and specification of cellular melamine thermal and sound-absorbing insulation are closely linked to several other ASTM and international standards, including:

• ASTM C168: Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• ASTM C177, C335, C518, C1045, C1363: Test methods for thermal transmission and heat transfer properties
• ASTM C423, E795: Sound absorption testing and specimen mounting practices
• ASTM D2863, E84, E176, E2231, E662: Fire performance, oxygen index, surface burning, and smoke density testing methods
• ASTM C390, C755, C1104/C1104M, C585: Sampling, vapor retarder selection, water vapor sorption, and dimensions for pipe insulation
• Boeing Standard 7239 and IMO Resolution MSC.41(64): Toxicity and smoke tests for specialty applications

Practical Value

Adhering to ASTM C1410-17(2023) ensures that industrial insulation systems using cellular melamine foam provide reliable thermal and acoustic performance, meet safety requirements, and comply with building codes. Proper specification and testing help avoid costly failures, improve efficiency, and support long-term performance in demanding environments.

Keywords: cellular melamine insulation, thermal insulation, sound-absorbing insulation, ASTM C1410, open-cell foam, fire performance, industrial insulation, energy efficiency, vapor retarder, acoustic insulation, pipe insulation

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: C1410 − 17 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Specification for
Cellular Melamine Thermal and Sound-Absorbing Insulation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1410; 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.
1. Scope C177 Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measure-
ments and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of
1.1 This specification covers the type, physical properties,
the Guarded-Hot-Plate Apparatus
and dimensions of open-cell melamine foam intended for use
C335 Test Method for Steady-State Heat Transfer Properties
as thermal and sound-absorbing insulation for temperatures
of Pipe Insulation
from −40 to +350°F (−40 to +177°C) in industrial environ-
C356 Test Method for Linear Shrinkage of Preformed High-
ments.
Temperature Thermal Insulation Subjected to Soaking
1.2 Some uses of thermal insulation materials covered by
Heat
this specification are governed by building codes that address
C390 Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal
fire performance.
Insulation Lots
1.3 The use of an appropriate vapor retarder is required on
C423 Test Method for Sound Absorption and Sound Absorp-
cold surface applications where water vapor condense and
tion Coefficients by the Reverberation Room Method
cause a decrease in thermal performance. Refer to Practice
C518 Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission
C755 for selection of vapor retarders. Facings shall be agreed
Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus
upon between the purchaser and the manufacturer or supplier.
C585 Practice for Inner and Outer Diameters of Thermal
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
Insulation for Nominal Sizes of Pipe and Tubing
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
C755 Practice for Selection of Water Vapor Retarders for
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
Thermal Insulation
and are not considered standard.
C1045 Practice for Calculating Thermal Transmission Prop-
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
erties Under Steady-State Conditions
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
C1104/C1104M Test Method for Determining the Water
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Vapor Sorption of Unfaced Mineral Fiber Insulation
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
C1363 Test Method for Thermal Performance of Building
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Materials and Envelope Assemblies by Means of a Hot
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
Box Apparatus
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
D2863 Test Method for Measuring the Minimum Oxygen
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Concentration to Support Candle-Like Combustion of
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Plastics (Oxygen Index)
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
D3574 Test Methods for Flexible Cellular Materials—Slab,
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Bonded, and Molded Urethane Foams
2. Referenced Documents
E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Building Materials
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
E662 Test Method for Specific Optical Density of Smoke
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on
Generated by Solid Materials
Thermal Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.22 on
E795 Practices for Mounting Test Specimens During Sound
Organic and Nonhomogeneous Inorganic Thermal Insulations.
Current edition approved March 1, 2023. Published April 2023. Originally
Absorption Tests
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as C1410 – 17. DOI:
E2231 Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of
10.1520/C1410-17R23.
2 Pipe and Duct Insulation Materials to Assess Surface
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Burning Characteristics
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1410 − 17 (2023)
TABLE 1 Common Dimensions TABLE 2 Insulation Tolerances
Type I Type II Type Type I Type II
Width, in. (mm) 12 to 50 (305 to 1270) N/A Width, in. (mm) ± ⁄4 (6.4) N/A
1 1
Length, in. (mm) 48 to 100 (1219 to 2540) 36 or 48 (914 or 1219) Length, in. (mm) ± ⁄4 (6.4) ± ⁄8 (3.2) −0
1 1 1 1
Thickness, in. (mm) ⁄4 to 20 (6.4 to 508) ⁄2 to 5 (12.7 to 127) Thickness, in. (mm) ± ⁄8 (3.2) or 2 % whichever ± ⁄8 (3.2) –0 or 2 %
is smaller whichever is smaller
2.2 Boeing Standards:
Boeing Specification Support Standard 72396
5.1.10 Jacket facing type.
2.3 International Maritime Organization:
Resolution MSC.41(64) Interim Standard for Measuring
6. Materials and Manufacture
Smoke and Toxic Products of Combustion Interim Stan-
6.1 Typically a hydrocarbon blowing agent is used to foam
dard for Measuring Smoke and Toxic Products of Com-
melamine formaldehyde resins. The result is an open-cell
bustion
melamine foam. The blowing agent is drawn off in the
3. Terminology
manufacturing process and is not residual in the foam.
3.1 Definitions—Terms used in this specification are defined
6.2 Facing materials incorporated into the design of pipe
in Terminology C168 and also in Terminology E176 as
insulation or flat slab shall be agreed upon between the
appropriate
purchaser and the manufacturer or seller. Typical materials are
as follows:
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
6.2.1 Aluminum Foil—Aluminum foil laminated to a sup-
3.2.1 melamine foam—a low-density, flexible cellular, open-
porting membrane.
cell foam made from the polymerization and foaming of
6.2.2 Aluminized Mylar—Aluminized mylar film laminated
melamine-formaldehyde resins.
to a supporting membrane.
3.2.2 flexible cellular—a cellular organic polymeric material
6.2.3 Polyvinylchloride—Polyvinylchloride either plain or
that will not rupture within 60 s when a specimen 8 by 1 by 1
reinforced with polyester.
in. (200 by 25 by 25 mm) is bent around a 1-in. (25-mm)
6.2.4 Polyvinylfluoride—Polyvinylfluoride reinforced with
diameter mandrel at a uniform rate of one lap in 5 s in the form
fiberglass and rubber.
of a helix at a temperature between 65 and 85°F (18 and 29°C).
7. Physical Properties
4. Classification
7.1 Melamine thermal insulation shall conform to the physi-
4.1 Melamine thermal insulation are furnished in the fol-
cal requirements in Table 3, which shall constitute acceptance
lowing types and grades:
or rejection values for this specification when tested by test
4.1.1 Type I—Flat slab:
methods specified in Section 14.
4.1.1.1 Grade 1—Regular (core foam with no facing).
4.1.1.2 Grade 2—Faced foam.
NOTE 1—Data in Table 3 is for unfaced products; facings affect the
4.1.2 Type II—Pipe and tubing insulation: properties listed.
NOTE 2—Melamine foams are hydrophilic and will absorb water or
4.1.2.1 Grade 1—Regular (core foam with no facing).
moisture. Any system exposed to water, moisture, high humidity or that is
4.1.2.2 Grade 2—Faced foam.
used on cold installations must be protected by a vapor retarder or
4.1.3 Type III—Special shapes.
moisture retarder system.
4.1.4 Special Facings.
7.2 The sound-absorption results for unfaced melamine
foam shall conform to the performance requirements in Table
5. Ordering Information
4 of this specification.
5.1 Purchase orders for melamine thermal insulation shall
7.3 Do not use values stated in Tables 3 and 4 as design
specify any or all of the following:
values. It is the buyer’s responsibility to specify design
5.1.1 Title, number, and year of this specification.
requirements and obtain supporting documentation from the
5.1.2 Type and grade designation (see 4.1).
material supplier.
5.1.3 Length, width and thickness required (see Table 1).
5.1.4 Tolerance, if other than specified (see Table 2).
8. Inspection Requirements
5.1.5 Quantity of material.
5.1.6 Special packaging or marking, when required. 8.1 The physical requirements for density and thermal
5.1.7 Special requirements for inspection and for testing. conductivity at 75°F mean temperature (unless otherwise
5.1.8 Thermal conductivity at mean temperature of flat agreed upon between the purchaser and the supplier) as listed
stock. in Table 3 are defined as inspection requirements (refer to
5.1.9 Manufacturers name, address, and telephone number. Practice C390).
8.2 All dimensional requirements, as described in Tables 1
The Boeing Company, Boeing Technology Services, Seattle, WA, http:// and 2, are defined as inspection requirements.
www.boeing.com.
8.3 All workmanship and appearance requirements, as de-
International Maritime Organization, 4 Albert Embankment, London, United
Kingdom, http://www.imo.org. scribed in Section 11, are defined as inspection requirements.
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