ASTM D2453-15(2020)e1

Standard Test Method for Shrinkage and Tenacity of Oil- and Resin-Base Caulking Compounds

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Shrinkage is a measure of the nonvolatile solids of an oil- or resin-base compound. A compound that exhibits excessive shrinkage may have a tendency to crack or shrink from the sides of a joint when in service.  
5.2 Tenacity is the measure of the flexibility of an oil- or resin-base caulking compound. Oil- or resin-base caulking compounds that cure excessively hard and do not remain flexible may fail prematurely because of the inability to absorb movement.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes a laboratory procedure for determining the shrinkage of oil- and resin-base (Note) caulking compounds, as well as the evaluation of the tenacity property of such compounds. This test method is applicable to both gun (Type I) and knife (Type II) grades.  
Note 1: This is not a suitable test method for water-base products.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.3 The subcommittee with jurisdiction is not aware of any similar ISO standard.  
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

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2020
• ICS: 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials
• Technical Committee: C24 - Building Seals and Sealants
• Drafting Committee: C24.20 - General Test Methods

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D2453-15 - Standard Test Method for Shrinkage and Tenacity of Oil- and Resin-Base Caulking Compounds
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM C717-19 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Refers: ASTM C717-18 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM C717-17a - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM C717-17 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2017
• Refers: ASTM C717-16a - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2016
• Refers: ASTM C717-16 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2016
• Refers: ASTM C717-14a - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM C717-14 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2014
• Refers: ASTM C717-13 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM C717-12b - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2012
• Refers: ASTM C717-12a - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM C717-12 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2012
• Refers: ASTM C717-11a - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2011
• Refers: ASTM C717-11 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2011

Overview

ASTM D2453-15(2020)e1 is the standard test method for evaluating shrinkage and tenacity of oil- and resin-base caulking compounds. Developed by ASTM International, this laboratory test method provides procedures for determining the shrinkage-indicative of nonvolatile solids-and tenacity, which represents flexibility, of these caulking compounds. Its primary purpose is to ensure that oil- and resin-base caulking products provide durable sealing, maintaining flexibility without excessive cracking or shrinkage. The method is applicable to both gun-applied (Type I) and knife-applied (Type II) caulking grades, but is not suitable for water-based products.

Key Topics

• Shrinkage Measurement: This test quantifies the reduction in volume of the caulking compound after exposure to controlled temperature conditions. High shrinkage can indicate a tendency for the compound to crack or pull away from the substrate, leading to joint failure.
• Tenacity Evaluation: Tenacity reflects the flexibility of the cured caulking compound. Testing involves folding the aged compound multiple times; failure to withstand these folds signals a lack of flexibility and a higher risk of premature failure in service.
• Applicability: The standard applies specifically to oil- and resin-based caulking compounds used in construction and industrial applications. It supports quality control for both Type I (gun grade) and Type II (knife grade).
• Testing Conditions: All values are based on SI units, ensuring consistency in test results across laboratories.
• Limitations: This test method is not suitable for water-based caulking compounds and does not address all potential safety and regulatory concerns. Users must ensure appropriate safety and health practices.

Applications

• Product Quality Control: Manufacturers use ASTM D2453 to evaluate and certify the quality and consistency of oil- and resin-base caulking compounds before market release.
• Performance Assessment: The method is used to predict in-service behavior, helping to ensure that caulking used in joints and gaps will maintain performance without excess shrinkage or loss of flexibility.
• Comparison of Formulations: R&D teams compare different compound formulations for shrinkage and tenacity to optimize product performance.
• Specification Compliance: Construction and building maintenance professionals rely on this standard to confirm caulking products meet project specifications, reducing the risk of joint degradation or failure due to poor caulking performance.
• Regulatory and Safety Assurance: Since ASTM D2453 is aligned with global principles on standardization, it supports compliance in regulated environments and is recognized internationally.

Related Standards

• ASTM C717 - Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants: Provides definitions related to caulking, sealing, and related products.
• ASTM Standards for Building Sealants: Other related test methods are available within the ASTM C24 committee, covering a range of performance characteristics for sealants and caulking compounds.
• International Relevance: Currently, no equivalent ISO standard exists for the shrinkage and tenacity testing of oil- and resin-base caulking compounds.

Summary

Implementing ASTM D2453-15(2020)e1 ensures reliable assessment of shrinkage and flexibility in oil- and resin-base caulking compounds-key factors in maintaining long-lasting, effective seals in construction and other applications. This standard supports manufacturers, contractors, and quality assurance professionals in product selection, testing, and application, reinforcing durability and performance across a variety of building joint situations. For organizations seeking proven methodologies and international recognition in caulking product performance evaluation, ASTM D2453 remains a critical reference.

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.
´1
Designation: D2453 − 15 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Test Method for
Shrinkage and Tenacity of Oil- and Resin-Base Caulking
Compounds
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2453; 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.
ε NOTE—In 5.1, a misspelling was corrected editorially in May 2020.
1. Scope compound, cure, joint, standard conditions.
1.1 This test method describes a laboratory procedure for
4. Summary of Test Method
determining the shrinkage of oil- and resin-base (Note) caulk-
ing compounds, as well as the evaluation of the tenacity
4.1 A ⁄4-in. layer of caulking compound is aged 120 h at 65
property of such compounds. This test method is applicable to
6 2°C (149 6 3.6°F) and its shrinkage is determined by
both gun (Type I) and knife (Type II) grades.
comparing its initial volume to the volume after the aging
period.
NOTE 1—This is not a suitable test method for water-base products.
4.2 After the shrinkage has been determined, this same
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
specimen is also used to test tenacity by folding the aged
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
material 180° six times.
only.
1.3 The subcommittee with jurisdiction is not aware of any
5. Significance
similar ISO standard.
5.1 Shrinkage is a measure of the nonvolatile solids of an
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
oil- or resin-base compound. A compound that exhibits exces-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
sive shrinkage may have a tendency to crack or shrink from the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
sides of a joint when in service.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5.2 Tenacity is the measure of the flexibility of an oil- or
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
resin-base caulking compound. Oil- or resin-base caulking
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
compounds that cure excessively hard and do not remain
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
flexible may fail prematurely because of the inability to absorb
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
movement.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
6. Apparatus and Materials
6.1 Cabinet or Room, capable of maintaining standard
2. Referenced Documents
conditions for extended periods of time.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C717 Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
6.2 Oven (convection-type), controlled at 65 6 2°C (149 6
3.6°F).
3. Terminology
6.3 Oven (convection- or blower-type), controlled at 104 6
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of the following terms are
2°C (220 6 3.6°F).
found in Terminology C717: caulking, caulking compound,
6.4 Titrating Buret, 50-mL capacity, marked in 0.1 mL.
This method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C24 on Building
1 1
6.5 Brass Ring, metal, 0.8 to 3.2 mm ( ⁄32 to ⁄8 in.) thick;
Seals and Sealants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C24.20 on
5 1
inside diameter, 66.7 mm (2 ⁄8 in.); and 12.7 mm ( ⁄2 in.) wide,
General Test Methods.
Current edition approved May 1, 2020. Published June 2020. Originally with ends of the ring ground flat.
approved in 1966. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D2453 – 15. DOI:
6.6 Cover Plates, ground glass, two, 76 to 89 mm (3 to
10.1520/D2453-15R20E01.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 3 ⁄2 in.) in diameter.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
6.7 Limestone Block, standard 89 mm (3 ⁄2 in.) square by 16
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
5 3
the ASTM website. to 19 mm ( ⁄8 to ⁄4 in.) thick.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
´1
D2453 − 15 (2020)
6.8 Steel Spatula or Putty Knife about 102 mm (4 in.) long room temperature, repeat the filling of the ring using the buret
and about 19 mm ( ⁄4 in.) wide. and record the volume of water used as V .
f
6.9 Leveling Tool for spreading compound (Fig. 1).
10. Calculation
6.10 Knife, thin-pointed blade.
10.1 Calculate the shrinkage, in volume percent, as follows:
6.11 Putty Knife, steel, stiff, about 102 mm (4 in.) long and
Shrinkage,% 5 V 2 V / V 2 V 3100 (1)
@~ ! ~ !#
f i r i
about 51 mm (2 in.) wide at the end.
where:
6.12 Distilled Water.
V = volume of ring, mL,
r
V = volume of water required to fill ring afte
...