ASTM C1438-13(2017)

Standard Specification for Latex and Powder Polymer Modifiers for use in Hydraulic Cement Concrete and Mortar

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the performance criteria for latex and powder polymer modifiers for improving the adhesion and reducing permeability of hydraulic cement concrete and mortar. The polymer modifiers are classified either for general use or for use in areas not exposed to moisture and should be able to produce test mortar or test concrete that conforms to the specified requirements.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers performance criteria for latex and powder polymers when used as modifiers in hydraulic cement concrete and mortar to improve adhesion and reduce permeability (see Note 1).
Note 1: For further information concerning theory, benefits, limitations, and applications of polymer-modified hydraulic cementitious mixtures, refer to ACI 548.3R-09.2  
1.2 The performance criteria are based on certain property changes that are achieved by use of the polymer modifier when compared to reference concrete or mortar (Test Methods C1439).  
1.3 Prepackaged, proprietary mortar products are not included in this specification. Also, this specification covers only those materials contained in the reference or test mixtures listed in Test Methods C1439.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.  
1.5 The following precautionary statement pertains only to the test method portion, Section 10, of this specification: 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: 30-Sep-2017
• ICS: 91.100.10 - Cement. Gypsum. Lime. Mortar
• Technical Committee: C09 - Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Drafting Committee: C09.44 - Polymer-Modified Concrete and Mortars

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C1438-13 - Standard Specification for Latex and Powder Polymer Modifiers for use in Hydraulic Cement Concrete and Mortar
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM C125-19a - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM C125-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM C125-18b - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM C125-18a - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM C125-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM C125-16 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2016
• Refers: ASTM C494/C494M-16 - Standard Specification for Chemical Admixtures for Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2016
• Refers: ASTM C125-15b - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2015
• Refers: ASTM C125-15a - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2015
• Refers: ASTM C494/C494M-15 - Standard Specification for Chemical Admixtures for Concrete
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM C125-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2015
• Refers: ASTM C125-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2014
• Refers: ASTM C125-13b - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2013
• Refers: ASTM C1439-13 - Standard Test Methods for Evaluating Latex and Powder Polymer Modifiers for use in Hydraulic Cement Concrete and Mortar
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013

Overview

ASTM C1438-13(2017) specifies the requirements for latex and powder polymer modifiers used in hydraulic cement concrete and mortar. Published by ASTM International, this standard outlines the performance criteria necessary for these polymer modifiers to enhance the adhesion and reduce the permeability of concrete and mortar mixtures. The standard applies to latex and redispersible powder polymers when blended with hydraulic cementitious materials, helping to extend functionality and durability in construction projects. It does not cover prepackaged proprietary mortar products.

Key Topics

• Performance Criteria: The standard details the required improvements in adhesion and reduction of permeability that polymer modifiers must provide when compared to reference concrete or mortar, as assessed by ASTM C1439 test methods.
• Types of Modifiers:
  • Type I: For use in areas not exposed to moisture.
  • Type II: General-purpose use.
• Physical and Mechanical Requirements: Includes benchmarks for properties such as air content, compressive strength, bond strength, time of setting, and chloride ion penetration.
• Material Identification: Requires product packaging and documentation to clearly state the product type, proprietary name, and net mass or volume, ensuring traceability and quality assurance.
• Sampling and Inspection: Specifies procedures for sampling, inspection, lot uniformity, and equivalence of polymer modifiers according to referenced ASTM standards.
• Storage Guidelines: Modifiers must be stored in dry, temperature-controlled spaces to prevent degradation, maintaining performance and reliability.
• Safety Notice: While the standard specifies material performance, users are responsible for adhering to safety, health, and environmental practices relevant to test and use environments.

Applications

Polymer modifiers covered by ASTM C1438 are widely used in the construction and repair of concrete and mortar structures. Typical applications include:

• Repair Mortars: Enhancing adhesion and reducing permeability for patching or resurfacing deteriorated concrete.
• Overlay Systems: Improving bonding and durability in applications such as bridge decking, parking structures, and industrial floors.
• High-Performance Concrete: Providing improved strength, flexural properties, decreased water ingress, and increased service life in new builds or rehabilitation projects.
• Waterproofing Applications: Using Type II modifiers in environments where low permeability and high adhesion are essential, such as water tanks, pools, or basements.

Utilizing ASTM C1438-compliant polymers helps ensure that concrete and mortar installations meet stringent performance and durability requirements.

Related Standards

Relevant standards that support or relate to ASTM C1438-13(2017) include:

• ASTM C125 - Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• ASTM C494/C494M - Specification for Chemical Admixtures for Concrete
• ASTM C1439 - Test Methods for Evaluating Latex and Powder Polymer Modifiers for use in Hydraulic Cement Concrete and Mortar
• ACI 548.3R-09 - Report on Polymer-Modified Concrete (American Concrete Institute)
• World Trade Organization (WTO) TBT Principles - Developed in accordance with international principles for standards and trade barriers

Summary

Choosing latex or powder polymer modifiers that meet ASTM C1438-13(2017) ensures improved adhesion, reduced permeability, and increased durability of hydraulic cement concrete and mortar. These benefits play a key role in infrastructure performance, especially in demanding environments. For any project requiring reliable, high-performing concrete or mortar, referencing this ASTM standard is fundamental to meeting industry best practices and regulatory expectations.

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:C1438 −13 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Specification for
Latex and Powder Polymer Modifiers for use in Hydraulic
Cement Concrete and Mortar
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1438; 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 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This specification covers performance criteria for latex
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-
and powder polymers when used as modifiers in hydraulic
gregates
cement concrete and mortar to improve adhesion and reduce
C494/C494M Specification for Chemical Admixtures for
permeability (see Note 1).
Concrete
NOTE 1—For further information concerning theory, benefits,
C1439 Test Methods for Evaluating Latex and Powder
limitations, and applications of polymer-modified hydraulic cementitious
2 Polymer Modifiers for use in Hydraulic Cement Concrete
mixtures, refer to ACI 548.3R-09.
and Mortar
1.2 The performance criteria are based on certain property
changes that are achieved by use of the polymer modifier when
3. Terminology
compared to reference concrete or mortar (Test Methods
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard—Terms
C1439).
usedinthisspecificationaredefinedinTerminologyC125orin
1.3 Prepackaged, proprietary mortar products are not in-
this section.
cluded in this specification.Also, this specification covers only
3.1.1 latex, n—a dispersion of organic polymer particles in
those materials contained in the reference or test mixtures
water.
listed in Test Methods C1439.
3.1.2 polymer-modified concrete or mortar, n—a hydraulic
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
cement concrete or mortar containing a polymer modifier.
standard.
3.1.3 polymer modifier, n—latex or redispersible powder
1.5 The following precautionary statement pertains only to formulated for use with hydraulic cements.
the test method portion, Section 10, of this specification: This
3.1.4 redispersible powder, n—powder that redisperses in
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
water to form a latex.
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
3.1.5 reference concrete or mortar, n—concrete or mortar
of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and
having the amounts of cement and aggregates given in Test
environmental practices and determine the applicability of
Methods C1439 and having an amount of water to achieve the
regulatory limitations prior to use.
specified slump or flow.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.1.6 test concrete or mortar, n—concreteormortarcontain-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ing a polymer modifier and having the same composition
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
(except for water content) and slump or flow as the reference
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
concrete or mortar.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4. Classification
4.1 Polymer modifiers are classified into two product types:
4.1.1 Type I—For use in areas not exposed to moisture.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on
4.1.2 Type II—For general use.
Concrete and Concrete Aggregatesand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
C09.44 on Polymer-Modified Concrete and Mortars.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2017. Published October 2017. Originally
approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as C1438–13. DOI:
10.1520/C1438-13R17. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
ACI 548.3R-09 Report on Polymer-Modified Concrete.Available fromAmeri- contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
can Concrete Institute (ACI), P.O. Box 9094, Farmington Hills, MI 48333-9094, Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
http://www.concrete.org. the ASTM website.
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