ASTM C1247-20

Standard Test Method for Durability of Sealants Exposed to Continuous Immersion in Liquids

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method uses elevated temperature in an attempt to accelerate the degradation of a sealant and its adhesion to a substrate. This test method is an accelerated method and will only be a predictor of long-term durability if the actual service temperature is significantly lower than the elevated test temperature.  
5.2 This test method can be used as an indicator of longevity but direct correlation to actual use will be difficult for many applications.  
5.3 The correlation of data from this test method to applications where the sealant joint will have wet and dry cycles will be difficult since, with some sealants on some substrates, adhesion that is lost during wet periods is regained during dry periods.  
5.4 This test method is performed in a hot liquid and may be considered an acceleration of deterioration of the sealant or the sealant's adhesion to a substrate. Compared to how the sealant will be used in some applications, in some cases, this test may be less severe than the actual application. The benefit from the use of this test method will depend on the comparison of the conditions of this test to the actual conditions of use (temperature, duration, nature of substrate, composition of the liquid).  
5.5 To determine the ability of a sealant to perform in a given application; modification of this procedure will often be required and is permissible, as mutually agreed upon by interested parties.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a laboratory procedure that assists in determining the durability of a sealant and its adhesion to a substrate while continuously immersed in a liquid. This method tests the influence of a liquid on the sealant and its adhesion to a substrate. It does not test the added influence of constant stress from hydrostatic pressure that is often present with sealants used in submerged and below-grade applications, nor does it test the added influence of stress from joint movement while immersed. This method also does not (in its standard form) test the added influence of acids or caustics or other materials that may be in the liquid, in many applications.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound given in parentheses are provided for information only.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 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: 31-Dec-2019
• ICS: 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials
• Technical Committee: C24 - Building Seals and Sealants
• Drafting Committee: C24.30 - Adhesion

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C1247-14 - Standard Test Method for Durability of Sealants Exposed to Continuous Immersion in Liquids
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM C109/C109M-23 - Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 50 mm [2 in.] Cube Specimens)
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2023
• 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 C719-14 - Standard Test Method for Adhesion and Cohesion of Elastomeric Joint Sealants Under Cyclic Movement (Hockman Cycle)
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2014
• 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 C719-13 - Standard Test Method for Adhesion and Cohesion of Elastomeric Joint Sealants Under Cyclic Movement (Hockman Cycle)
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM C109/C109M-12 - Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube Specimens)
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2012
• Refers: ASTM C717-12b - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2012

Overview

ASTM C1247-20 outlines the Standard Test Method for Durability of Sealants Exposed to Continuous Immersion in Liquids. Established by ASTM International, this method provides a laboratory procedure to evaluate how well a sealant and its adhesion to various substrates withstand prolonged immersion in liquids at elevated temperatures. While it serves as an accelerated test of degradation, it is most accurate when the actual service temperatures are lower than those used in the test.

This method is particularly relevant for industries and professionals seeking to assess the longevity and durability of sealants in building and construction applications where sealants may be exposed to moisture, such as water features, submerged structures, or below-grade installations.

Key Topics

• Continuous Immersion Testing: The standard details how to immerse cured sealant samples in a hot liquid bath for extended periods (typically six weeks at 50°C). After immersion, samples undergo mechanical extension and compression cycles to determine loss of adhesion or cohesion.
• Accelerated Degradation: Using elevated temperatures accelerates the aging process, helping to estimate how sealants might perform over time when exposed to liquids. However, actual field performance may vary, especially if real-world conditions involve fluctuating wet and dry cycles.
• Adhesion Assessment: Testing focuses on how well sealants remain adhered to standard substrates (such as mortar or aluminum) after prolonged immersion.
• Versatility of the Method: While the procedure uses specific substrates and controlled conditions, it allows adaptations-modifications can be agreed upon by interested parties to better simulate field conditions.

Applications

Durability testing of sealants using ASTM C1247-20 has significant value across multiple sectors:

• Construction and Building: Ensures sealants used in wet environments-such as swimming pools, fountains, below-grade joints, and early-stage water treatment facilities-can maintain their adhesion and integrity over time.
• Quality Control for Manufacturers: Provides manufacturers of sealants with a standardized approach to qualify products before commercial release, guaranteeing a baseline level of performance under immersion conditions.
• Research and Development: Enables developers to compare new sealant formulations and their resistance to deterioration or loss of adhesion when immersed in liquids.
• Compliance and Specification: Architects, engineers, and contractors can reference ASTM C1247-20 in project specifications to ensure chosen sealants meet required performance standards for submerged or continuously wet conditions.

Related Standards

ASTM C1247-20 works in conjunction with several other ASTM and ISO standards relevant to sealant testing and performance:

• ASTM C719: Test Method for Adhesion and Cohesion of Elastomeric Joint Sealants Under Cyclic Movement
• ASTM C33: Specification for Concrete Aggregates
• ASTM C109/C109M: Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars
• ASTM C150: Specification for Portland Cement
• ASTM C717: Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• ISO 13638: Building Construction - Sealants - Determination of Resistance to Prolonged Exposure to Water

Practical Value

By using ASTM C1247-20, building professionals, laboratory technicians, and material specifiers can gain actionable insights into the durability of sealants exposed to continuous liquid immersion. Relying on this test method supports better risk management, product selection, and performance validation, ultimately contributing to longer service life and lower maintenance costs for structures exposed to chronic moisture conditions.

Keywords: ASTM C1247-20, sealant durability test, adhesion under immersion, accelerated aging, continuous liquid immersion, building joint sealant testing.

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: C1247 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Durability of Sealants Exposed to Continuous Immersion in
Liquids
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1247; 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 Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube
Specimens)
1.1 This test method covers a laboratory procedure that
C150 Specification for Portland Cement
assists in determining the durability of a sealant and its
C717 Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
adhesion to a substrate while continuously immersed in a
C719 Test Method for Adhesion and Cohesion of Elasto-
liquid.This method tests the influence of a liquid on the sealant
meric Joint Sealants Under Cyclic Movement (Hockman
and its adhesion to a substrate. It does not test the added
Cycle)
influence of constant stress from hydrostatic pressure that is
2.2 ISO Standard:
often present with sealants used in submerged and below-grade
ISO 13638 Building Construction-Sealants-Determination
applications, nor does it test the added influence of stress from
of Resistance of Prolonged Exposure to Water
joint movement while immersed.This method also does not (in
its standard form) test the added influence of acids or caustics
3. Terminology
or other materials that may be in the liquid, in many applica-
3.1 Definitions:
tions.
3.1.1 Definitions of the following terms used in this test
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
method are found in Terminology C717: adhesive failure;
standard.The inch-pound given in parentheses are provided for
cohesive failure; compound; cure; hydrostatic pressure; joints;
information only.
primer; sealant; self-leveling sealant; standard conditions; and
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
substrate.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4. Summary of Test Method
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4.1 Specimens are prepared and the sealant is cured. The
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
specimens are immersed in a hot liquid at 50 6 2°C (122 6
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.6°F) for six weeks. At the end of the six weeks, the
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
specimensareplacedintoacompression/extensionmachine,as
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
described in Test Method C719, and cycled through the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
movement range appropriate to the test sealant or its
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
application, or both.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.2 If after three movement cycles at 3.2 mm/h ( ⁄8 in./h) a
2. Referenced Documents
total adhesive or cohesive failure is not noted, the remaining
specimens are again placed in the hot liquid for an additional
2.1 ASTM Standards:
four weeks and then retested.
C33 Specification for Concrete Aggregates
C109/C109M Test Method for Compressive Strength of 4.3 The four weeks of immersion and subsequent extension
and compression testing is repeated as many times as required
for the application.
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeC24onBuilding
Seals and Sealantsand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C24.30 on
5. Significance and Use
Adhesion.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2020. Published February 2020. Originally
5.1 Thistestmethoduseselevatedtemperatureinanattempt
approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as C1247 – 14. DOI:
to accelerate the degradation of a sealant and its adhesion to a
10.1520/C1247-20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd Street, 13th
the ASTM website. Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1247 − 20
test with the sealant sample.
substrate. This test method is an accelerated method and will
only be a predictor of long-term durability if the actual service
7.1.1 Mortar Block—Prepare cement mortar blocks, each
temperature is significantly lower than the elevated test tem-
76.2 by 25.4 by 25.4 mm (3 by 1 by 1 in.) in size, using one
perature.
part of high early strength portland cement conforming toType
III of Specification C150, to two parts by weight of clean
5.2 Thistestmethodcanbeusedasanindicatoroflongevity
uniformly graded, concrete fine aggregate (sand) conforming
but direct correlation to actual use will be difficult for many
to Specification C33. Use sufficient water to produce a flow of
applications.
100 6 5 when tested in accordance with the procedure for the
5.3 The correlation of data from this test method to appli-
determination of consistency of cement mortar described in
cations where the sealant joint will have wet and dry cycles
Test Method C109/C109M. After curing one day in moist air
will be difficult since, with some sealants on some substrates,
and six days in saturated lime water at 23 6 2°C (73 6 3.6°F),
adhesion that is lost during wet periods is regained during dry
prepare the surface of one face, 25.4 by 76.2 mm (1 by 3 in.)
periods.
of each block by wet grinding either with a belt sander using
5.4 This test method is performed in a hot liquid and may be
No. 60 aluminum carbide sanding belt or using an iron lap with
considered an acceleration of deterioration of the sealant or the
No. 60 silicon carbide (or aluminum oxide) grain, until the
sealant’s adhesion to a substrate. Compared to how the sealant
aggregate is uniformly exposed. Return blocks to saturated
will be used in some applications, in some cases, this test may
lime water storage until needed.
be less severe than the actual application. The benefit from the
7.1.2 Blocksmaybepreparedandshippedtootherlocations
use of this test method will depend on the comparison of the
for use. The blocks may be shipped dry and returned to lime
conditions of this test to the actual conditions of use
water storage on arrival until needed.
(temperature, duration, nature of substrate, composition of the
7.1.3 Prior to use, wet grind the previously ground face to
liquid).
remove any laitance, rinse thoroughly under running tap water
and dry the blocks overnight at 105 to 110°C (220 to 230°F).
5.5 To determine the ability of a sealant to perform in a
Clean the blocks of film or powder by vigorous brushing with
given application; modification of this procedure will often be
a stiff-bristled fiber brush. Condition the blocks at standard
required and is permissible, as mutually agreed upon by
conditions for not less than one nor more than seven days.
interested parties.
7.1.4 Aluminum—The aluminum plates shall be 76.2 by
6. Apparatus
25.4 by 6.4 mm (3 by 1 by ⁄4 in.) aluminum alloy, 6063-T5 or
6061-T6withanodizingprocessAA-MIOC22A31.Priortouse
6.1 Water Bath, equipped with a heater to maintain the test
clean the aluminum by wiping the surface with methyl ethyl
bath at 50 6 2°C (122 6 3.6°F).
ketone or similar solvent. Then dip the surface in a detergent
6.2 Compression/Extension Machine, designed to auto-
solution. This should be a 0.04 % solution of alcohol ethoxy
matically compress the joint width of the test specimen from
sulfate. An alternative would be a 0.1 % solution of a clear
12.7 mm ( ⁄2 in.) to the maximum extension desired at a
hand dishwashing detergent. These solutions should be made
constant rate of 3.2 mm/h ( ⁄8 in./h). The machine shall be
up in distilled water. Rinse the surface (without touching it) in
equipped with grips of sufficient strength to withstand, without
distilled water and allow it to air dry.
bending, the resistance of high-tensile-strength sealants.
NOTE 3—Methyl ethyl ketone and similar solvents are both toxic and
6.3 “C” Clamps, or other devices for specimen preparation.
flammable and should be handled with caution in a well-ventilated hood.
NOTE 4—At the request of the sealant producer, the detergent cleaning
6.4 Casting Spacers, for specimen preparation.
step shall be omitted.
6.5 Liquid, appropriate to the application for the test bath.
7.2 Primers—Where the use of a primer(s) is recommended
NOTE 1—The precision and bias statement for this test method is based
by the sealant manufacturer, prime substrate materials with the
on the use of distilled water for the test bath.
recommended primer or primers.
7. Test Specimens
7.3 Preparation of Test Specimens:
7.3.1 Multicomponent Sealants—Prepare three test speci-
7.1 Standardsubstratesforthistestmethodshallbeportland
mens for each substrate that is to be used in the test. After
cement
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: C1247 − 14 C1247 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Durability of Sealants Exposed to Continuous Immersion in
Liquids
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1247; 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
1.1 This test method covers a laboratory procedure that assists in determining the durability of a sealant and its adhesion to a
substrate while continuously immersed in a liquid. This test method tests the influence of a liquid on the sealant and its adhesion
to a substrate. It does not test the added influence of constant stress from hydrostatic pressure that is often present with sealants
used in submerged and below-grade applications, nor does it test the added influence of stress from joint movement while
immersed. This test method also does not (in its standard form) test the added influence of acids or caustics or other materials that
may be in the liquid, in many applications.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound given in parentheses are provided for
information only.
1.3 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C33 Specification for Concrete Aggregates
C109/C109M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube Specimens)
C150 Specification for Portland Cement
C717 Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
C719 Test Method for Adhesion and Cohesion of Elastomeric Joint Sealants Under Cyclic Movement (Hockman Cycle)
2.2 ISO StandardsStandard:
ISO 13638 Building Construction-Sealants-Determination of Resistance of Prolonged Exposure to Water
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 Definitions of the following terms used in this test method are found in Terminology C717: adhesive failure; cohesive
failure; compound; cure; hydrostatic pressure; joints; primer; sealant; self-leveling sealant; standard conditions; and substrate.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Specimens are prepared and the sealant is cured. The specimens are immersed in a hot liquid at 50 6 2°C (122 6 3.6°F)
for six weeks. At the end of the six weeks, the specimens are placed into a compression/extension machine, as described in Test
Method C719, and cycled through the movement range appropriate to the test sealant or its application, or both.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C24 on Building Seals and Sealantsand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C24.30 on Adhesion.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2014Jan. 1, 2020. Published February 2014February 2020. Originally approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 20092014 as
C1247 – 09.C1247 – 14. DOI: 10.1520/C1247-14.10.1520/C1247-20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd Street, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1247 − 20
4.2 If after three movement cycles at 3.2 mm/h ( ⁄8 in./h) a total adhesive or cohesive failure is not noted, the remaining
specimens are again placed in the hot liquid for an additional four weeks and then retested.
4.3 This test method consists of six weeks of immersion followed by three extension and compression cycles. This can be
followed by four weeks of further immersion and a repeat of the three extension and compression cycles. The four weeks of
immersion and subsequent extension and compression testing can be is repeated as many times as required for the application.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method uses elevated temperature in an attempt to accelerate the degradation of a sealant and its adhesion to a
substrate. This test method is an accelerated method and will only be a predictor of long-term durability if the actual service
temperature is significantly lower than the elevated test temperature.
5.2 This test method can be used as an indicator of longevity but direct correlation to actual use will be difficult for many
applications.
5.3 The correlation of data from this test method to applications where the sealant joint will have wet and dry cycles will be
difficult since, with some sealants on some substrates, adhesion that is lost during wet periods is regained during dry periods.
5.4 This test method is performed in a hot liquid and may be considered an acceleration of deterioration of the sealant or the
sealant’s adhesion to a substrate. Compared to how the sealant will be used in some applications, in some cases, this test may be
less severe than the actual application. The benefit from the use of this test method will depend on the comparison of the conditions
of this test to the actual conditions of use (temperature, duration, nature of substrate, composition of the liquid).
5.5 To determine the ability of a sealant to perform in a given application; modification of this procedure will often be required
and is permissible, as mutually agreed upon by purchaser and seller.interested parties.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Water Bath, equipped with a heater to maintain the test bath at 50 6 2°C (122 6 3.6°F).
6.2 Compression/Extension Machine, designed designed to automatically compress the joint width of the test specimen from
1 1
1212.7 mm ( ⁄2 in.) to the maximum extension desired at a constant rate of 3.2 mm/h ( ⁄8 in./h). The machine shall be equipped
with grips of sufficient strength to withstand, without bending, the resistance of high-tensile-strength sealants.
6.3 “C” Clamps, or other devices for specimen preparation.
6.4 Casting Spacers, for specimen preparation.
6.5 Liquid, appropriate to the application for the test bath.
NOTE 1—The precision and bias statement for this test method is based on the use of distilled water for the test bath.
7. Test Specimens
7.1 Standard substrates for this test method shall be portland cement mortar and aluminum alloy.
NOTE 2—The precision and bias statement of this test method is based on standard substrates of mortar and aluminum. When requested, only one or
two of the standard substrates may be tested with the sealant. Likewise, other substrates such as brick, marble, etc., may be specified by the purchaser
interested parties in place of or in addition to the standard substrates for test with the sealant sample.
7.1.1 Mortar BlockBlock——Prepare cement mortar blocks, each 7576.2 by 2525.4 by 2525.4 mm (3 by 1 by 1 in.) in size, using
one part of high early strength portland cement conforming to Type III of Specification C150, to two parts by weight of clean
uniformly graded, concrete fine aggregate (sand) conforming to Specification C33. Use sufficient water to produce a flow of 100
6 5 when tested in accordance with the procedure for the determination of consistency of cement mortar described in Test Method
C109/C109M. After curing one day in moist air and six days in saturated lime water at 23 6 2°C (73 6 3.6°F), prepare the surface
of one face, 2525.4 by 7676.2 mm (1 by 3 in.) of each block by wet grinding either with a belt sander using No. 60 aluminum
carbide sanding belt or using an iron lap with No. 60 silicon carbide (or aluminum oxide) grain, until the aggregate is uniformly
exposed. Return blocks to saturated lime water storage until needed.
7.1.2 Blocks may be prepared and shipped to other locations for use. The blocks may be shipped dry and returned to lime water
storage on arrival until needed.
7.1.3 Prior to use, wet grind the previously ground face to remove any laitance, rinse thoroughly under running tap water and
dry the blocks overnight at 105 to 110°C (220 to 230°F). Clean the blocks of film or powder by vigorous brushing with a
stiff-bristled fiber brush. Condition the blocks at standard conditions for not less than one nor more than seven days.
The Series 520530 Sealing Compound Tester, manufactured by Applied Test Systems, Inc., 348 New Castle Road, Butler, PA 16001 has been found suitable for this
purpose.has been found suitable for this purpose. The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time is Applied Test System,
https://www.atspa.com. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful
consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee, which you may attend.
Prepared concrete blocks are available from Masonry Test Block C
...