ASTM E2786-10(2015)
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Measuring Expansion of Intumescent Materials Used in Firestop and Joint Systems
Standard Test Methods for Measuring Expansion of Intumescent Materials Used in Firestop and Joint Systems
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 These test methods are intended to measure the material’s expansion after heating.
5.2 The test methods also provide a means to determine the expansion factor.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods determine, by measurement, the expansion of intumescent materials used in firestop and joint systems under specified conditions.
1.2 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.
1.3 The text of these test methods references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the fire test response 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Designation: E2786 − 10 (Reapproved 2015)
Standard Test Methods for
Measuring Expansion of Intumescent Materials Used in
Firestop and Joint Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2786; 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 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.3 expansion, n—anincreaseinthedimensionsastheresult
1.1 These test methods determine, by measurement, the
of heating.
expansion of intumescent materials used in firestop and joint
systems under specified conditions.
3.4 expansion factor, n—the ratio of the material height
before and after heating, under test conditions that allow
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
expansion only in the vertical direction.
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
3.5 intumescent, adj—characterized by swelling when ex-
and are not considered standard.
posed to high surface temperatures or flames.
1.3 The text of these test methods references notes and
4. Summary of Test Method
footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and
4.1 These test methods place a material of a specified
footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be
considered as requirements of the fire test response standard. thickness or volume into a specific device that is capable of
heating the material.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.2 After the material is heated, its dimensional or volumet-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- ric change is measured.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
4.3 Two test methods are provided, one using a test speci-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
men holder (Test Method A) and the other using a water
displacement method (Test Method B).
2. Referenced Documents
4.4 Test MethodAmay be used for measuring expansion of
2.1 ASTM Standards:
any material.
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
4.5 Test Method B may be used for measuring expansion of
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
any material, except for those materials that are granular, that
are susceptible to absorbing paraffin in conditioned pre-
3. Terminology
expandedstateorpost-expandedstate,orthataresusceptibleto
3.1 Definitions—Definitions in the following standards will
damage or deformation in a post-expanded state.
prevail for terms not defined in these test methods.
4.6 The test method used must be reported, as use of
3.1.1 For definitions of general terms used in these test
different test methods will result in different expansion factors.
methods related to building construction, refer to Terminology
E631.
5. Significance and Use
3.1.2 For definitions of general terms used in these test
methods related to fire standards, refer to Terminology E176.
5.1 These test methods are intended to measure the materi-
al’s expansion after heating.
5.2 The test methods also provide a means to determine the
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on
expansion factor.
Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.21
on Serviceability.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2015. Published January 2015. Originally 6. Apparatus
approved in 2010. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as E2786–10. DOI:
6.1 Heating Device—An enclosed furnace or oven or simi-
10.1520/E2786-10R15.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or lar equipment capable of maintaining the temperature specified
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
herein and large enough to contain the test specimen holder.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. 6.2 Test Method A—Test Specimen Holder Method:
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2786 − 10 (2015)
6.2.1 Test Specimen Holder—A Series 300 stainless steel 6.3.7 Paraffın wax with Melting Point of 132.8°F – 134.6°F
assembly consisting of at least two cylinders contained in a (56°C – 57°C), or equivalent.
frame into which the material is placed. Each cylinder shall be 6.3.8 Distilled Water.
nominally 5 in. (130 mm) high with a nominal 2 in. (50 mm)
7. Hazards
outside diameter. Fig. 1 is an example of a test specimen
holder. Wall thickness shall be nominal 0.08 in. (2 mm). 7.1 This test method uses equipment, which alters a mate-
6.2.2 Restrictor Plate—A Series 300 stainless steel disc
rial’s state that may create noxious gases that may be harmful.
with a diameter of 0.01 to 0.015 in. (0.25 to 0.38 mm) less than Care should be taken to provide adequate ventilation for all
that of the cylinder in 6.2.1 and with a mass of 1.14 oz/in (5
equipment capable of producing this effect.
2 2 2
g/cm ), 60.023 oz/in (0.1 g/cm ).
8. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units
NOTE 1—For a Series 300 stainless steel, a qualifying restrictor plate
8.1 Samples representative of the material shall be ran-
can be made from solid bar stock with an O.D. of 1.82 in. (46.2 mm) and
a thickness of 0.25 in. (6.5 mm ) (see Fig. 2). domly selected. Record the name, address, manufacturer’s
designation, and lot number for the material that was used for
6.2.3 Steel rule die with the same width as the diameter of
the test sample.
the cylinder in 6.2.1, +0.0 – 0.015 in. (+0 – 0.38 mm).
6.2.4 The following are needed to prepare some test speci-
NOTE 2—When samples are selected by the laboratory or its authorized
mens: representative as part of a quality assurance program, the samples shall be
duly marked to ensure traceability.
6.2.4.1 A dial caliper with a smallest division of 0.001 in.
NOTE 3—Samples may be selected from other sources other than the
(0.025 mm),
manufacturer’s facility. The manufacturer of the samples may not be
6.2.4.2 Drying oven capable of reaching and maintaining
known.
212°F (100°C),
8.2 The results of this test are only applicable to the specific
6.2.4.3 A balance accurate to 60.00035 oz (60.01 g),
nominal thickness and density of the material sampled and
6.2.4.4 Asmall hydraulic press with platens larger than 5 in.
tested.
(130 mm) square,
8.3 At least three test specimens shall be used.
6.2.4.5 Two nominal 0.25 in. (6.4 mm) thick metal shims at
least 4 in. (100 mm) long to create the needed product
8.4 Each test specimen shall be a single piece without any
thickness in the press,
joints.
6.2.4.6 Release liner paper, and
8.4.1 Exception 1—Granular materials.
6.2.4.7 Steel ruler graduated to 0.0156 in. (0.39 mm).
8.4.2 Exception 2—Materials that have dimensions that are
smaller than required to create a 2 in. (50 mm) method A or 1
6.3 Test Method B—Water Displacement Method (See Fig.
in. (25 mm) method B, diameter round test sample shall be
3):
joined together to create the test specimen. The method of
6.3.1 Base, independent of the balance,
joining shall be acceptable to the test sponsor and to the testing
6.3.2 Steel rule die, 1 in. (25 mm) diameter,
laboratory.
6.3.3 Glass beaker, 400-mL smooth wall type,
6.3.4 Weight with hook attached,
NOTE 4—When joining is required, the method of joining should not
6.3.5 Aluminum tins,
have any significant anticipated effect on the results of the test. Prepare all
6.3.6 Electric hot plate for heating wax, test specimens using the same method for each material.
FIG. 1 Test Specimen Holder (Test Method A)
E2786 − 10 (2015)
FIG. 2 Restrictor Plate
FIG. 3 Test Method B Apparatus
NOTE 5—When comparing results between laboratories or tests, it is
8.6.8 Cut the sample into at least three disc-shaped test
critical that the same preparation and test method is used in all tests.
specimens using a die.
8.5 For preformed materials, cut the samples into disc-
8.7 For granular materials:
shaped test specimens using a die.
8.7.1 Pour granules into a 100 ml graduated cylinder.
8.6 For caulk and putty materials: 8.7.2 Tap the graduated cylinder on hard surface 10 times.
8.6.1 Cuttwopiecesofreleaselinerpaperintonominal5in. 8.7.3 Read and record the volume of granules in the
(125 mm) squares for each test specimen. Place enough graduated cylinder to the nearest millilitre (see 12.1.2.1).
material in the center of one sheet so that when compressed it 8.7.4 Pour material into test specimen holder.
will create a nominal 4 in. (100 mm) square by 0.25 in. (6.4 8.7.5 Repeat steps 8.7.1 – 8.7.4 until three test samples are
mm) thick sample. Place the other sheet of release liner paper prepared for heating.
squarely over the top of the first, sandwiching the material
8.8 Each test specimen shall have its own identification or
between them.
designation. All information recorded shall reference that
8.6.2 Place the metal shims along the outer edges of the
identification or designation.
platen press.
8.6.3 Place the release liner paper and material sandwich
9. Preparation of Apparatus
between and in the center of the platen press.
9.1 Test Temperatures—Prior to conducting the test, the
8.6.4 Close the press so that it stops at the metal shims.
heating device shall be brought to equilibrium at the required
Leave the release liner paper and material sandwich in the
test temperature.
press for at least 30 s.
8.6.5 Remove sample from press. 9.2 The test specimen holder, used for Test MethodA, shall
8.6.6 Cure samples in accordance with manufacturer’s pub- be cleaned prior to performing each test. Cleaning shall
lished instructions. incorporate any process used at the discretion of the laboratory
8.6.7 Takethereleaselinerwithmaterialoutoftheovenand that will render the apparatus free from any debris or residue
letitcooltoroomtemperature,thenremovethetopandbottom from previous testing. The apparatus shall also be fully dry
layers of the release liner paper and remove the cured material. prior to installing test specimens.
E2786 − 10 (2015)
10. Calibration and Standardization 12.1.2 Granular Samples:
12.1.2.1 Use the volume recorded in 8.7.3. Divide the
10.1 The temperature in the heating device shall be verified
volume by the cross-sectional area of the inside of the test
using a thermocouple or thermometer that is accurate to 65°F
specimen holder cylinder. Record this value as H .
s
(63°C).
10.2 The measuring device used to determine expansion NOTE 6—For the cylinder dimension discussed in 6.2.1, the inside
diameter of commercially available stainless steel tubing is 1.834 in. (46.6
shall be accurate to 60.01 in. 6(0.25 mm).
2 2
mm) and the correlating area is 2.64 in (17 cm ).
10.3 The measuring device used to determine the initial
12.2 Place test specimens into the test specimen holder.
thickness of the samples shall be accurate to 60.001 in.
Place one sample in the bottom of each cylinder. Each test
(60.025 mm).
specimen shall be laid flat in the bottom of the cylinder. Cover
the test specimen with the Restrictor Plate as described in
11. Conditioning
6.2.2.
11.1 All test specimens shall be conditioned to equilibrium
12.3 Measure the distance from the top edge of the test
by weight in a room or chamber with a temperature of 72°F 6
5°F (23 6 3°C) at 50 6 5 % RH. Weigh and record the weight specimen holder to the top of Restrictor Plate. Record this
distance as H.
of each test specimen once a day until equilibrium is reached.
i
Equilibrium is considered achieved when the weight change is
12.4 The specimen holder containing test specimens, as
less than 1 % per day. After the samples have reached
described in 12.2, shall be exposed to a temperature of 1022 6
equilibrium, they are to be retrieved and tested within 1 hour
5°F (550 6 2.7°C).
after removal from the conditioning environment.
12.5 Insert the test specimen holder into the pre-heated
12. Proceedure
heating device as described in 6.1.
12.6 Leave the test specimen holder in the heating device
TEST METHOD A – TEST SPECIMEN HOLDER
for 30 6 1 min.
METHOD
12.7 Remove the test specimen holder from the heating
12.1 Measure the pre-test sample dimensions:
12.1.1 Solid Samples: device and place it in a room or chamber with a temperature of
72°F 6 5°F (23 6 3°C) at 50 6 5 % RH.
12.1.1.1 Measure and record each preformed test specimen
thickness at five symmetrical points as shown in Fig. 4 for
12.8 Allow the test specimen holder to cool to reach the
three test specimens. For granular materials, see 12.1.2.
temperature in the room or chamber.
12.1.1.2 Measure the thickness as shown in Fig. 4 within
12.9 Measuring Expanded Samples:
60.001 in. (60.025 mm). Record this measurement as H (see
s
13.1.1). 12.9.1 Solid Samples:
FIG. 4 Thickness Measuring Points
E2786 − 10 (2015)
12.9.1.1 After cooling, measure and record the minimum 12.12.5 The V reading will be negative. Disregard the
i
and maximum expansion of intumescent materials for each test negative sign when recording the weight value.
specimen to the nearest ⁄16 in. (1.6 mm). Measure the distance
12.13 Expanded volume determination.
from the top edge of the test specimen holder to the top of
12.13.1 Place the unexpanded samples in an aluminum tin
Restrictor Plate. Record this distance as H .
f
and place it the kiln at 662 6 9°F (350 6 5°C) for 15 min.
12.9.1.2 If the expanded sample height, as calculated by (H
f
12.13.2 Remove the sample form the kiln and allow it to
– H)+ H , is less than 1.5 in. (38 mm), the test shall be
i s
cool to room temperature.
discarded. Subsequent tests shall be conducted using the
12.13.3 Melt paraffin wax in a heating vessel on the hot
minimum number of multiple layers of material at the initial
plate and keep the paraffin at 200 6 5°F (93 6 3°C).
sample thickness, so that the expanded sample shall have a
12.13.4 Dip the expanded samples in paraffin wax for 10 s.
minimum height of 1.5 in. (38 mm) and a maximum height of
Drain off excess wax and allow it to cool to room temperature.
4 in. (102 mm).
12.13.5 Tare the balance with the hook and weight attached
to the metal frame and suspended in water.
NOTE 7—H is measured in 12.9.1.1, H is measured in 12.3, H is
f i s
measured in 12.1.1.2 or 12.1.2.1. 12.13.6 Place the expanded sample on top of the balance
NOTE 8—Discussion: A minimum expansion height is specified so the
pan. Record the weight value from the balance as W, 60.0
...
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: E2786 − 10 E2786 − 10 (Reapproved 2015)
Standard Test Methods for
Measuring Expansion of Intumescent Materials Used in
Firestop and Joint Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2786; 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 These test methods determine, by measurement, the expansion of intumescent materials used in firestop and joint systems
under specified conditions.
1.2 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.
1.3 The text of these test methods references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the fire test response 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Definitions in the following standards will prevail for terms not defined in these test methods.
3.1.1 For definitions of general terms used in these test methods related to building construction, refer to Terminology E631.
3.1.2 For definitions of general terms used in these test methods related to fire standards, refer to Terminology E176.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.3 expansion, n—an increase in the dimensions as the result of heating.
3.4 intumescent, adj—characterized by swelling when exposed to high surface temperatures or flames.
3.4 expansion factor, n—the ratio of the material height before and after heating, under test conditions that allow expansion only
in the vertical direction.
3.5 intumescent, adj—characterized by swelling when exposed to high surface temperatures or flames.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 These test methods place a material of a specified thickness or volume into a specific device that is capable of heating the
material.
4.2 After the material is heated, its dimensional or volumetric change is measured.
4.3 Two test methods are provided, one using a test specimen holder (Test Method A) and the other using a water displacement
method (Test Method B).
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.21 on
Serviceability.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2010Jan. 1, 2015. Published November 2010January 2015. Originally approved in 2010. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as
E2786–10. DOI: 10.1520/E2786-10.10.1520/E2786-10R15.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM 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
E2786 − 10 (2015)
4.4 Test Method A may be used for measuring expansion of any material.
4.5 Test Method B may be used for measuring expansion of any material, except for those materials that are granular, that are
susceptible to absorbing paraffin in conditioned pre-expanded state or post-expanded state, or that are susceptible to damage or
deformation in a post-expanded state.
4.6 The test method used must be reported, as use of different test methods will result in different expansion factors.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 These test methods are intended to measure the material’s expansion after heating.
5.2 The test methods also provide a means to determine the expansion factor.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Heating Device—An enclosed furnace or oven or similar equipment capable of maintaining the temperature specified herein
and large enough to contain the test specimen holder.
6.2 Test Method A—Test Specimen Holder Method:
6.2.1 Test Specimen Holder—A Series 300 stainless steel assembly consisting of at least two cylinders contained in a frame into
which the material is placed. Each cylinder shall be nominally 5 in. (130 mm) high with a nominal 2 in. (50 mm) outside diameter.
Fig. 1 is an example of a test specimen holder. Wall thickness shall be nominal 0.08 in. (2 mm).
6.2.2 Restrictor Plate—A Series 300 stainless steel disc with a diameter of 0.01 to 0.015 in. (0.25 to 0.38 mm) less than that
2 2 2 2
of the cylinder in 6.2.1 and with a mass of 1.14 oz/in (5 g/cm ), 60.023 oz/in (0.1 g/cm ).
NOTE 1—For a Series 300 stainless steel, a qualifying restrictor plate can be made from solid bar stock with an O.D. of 1.82 in. (46.2 mm) and a
thickness of 0.25 in. (6.5 mm ) (see Fig. 2).
6.2.3 Steel rule die with the same width as the diameter of the cylinder in 6.2.1, +0.0 – 0.015 in. (+0 – 0.38 mm).
6.2.4 The following are needed to prepare some test specimens:
6.2.4.1 A dial caliper with a smallest division of 0.001 in. (0.025 mm),
6.2.4.2 Drying oven capable of reaching and maintaining 212°F (100°C),
6.2.4.3 A balance accurate to 60.00035 oz (60.01 g),
6.2.4.4 A small hydraulic press with platens larger than 5 in. (130 mm) square,
6.2.4.5 Two nominal 0.25 in. (6.4 mm) thick metal shims at least 4 in. (100 mm) long to create the needed product thickness
in the press,
6.2.4.6 Release liner paper, and
6.2.4.7 Steel ruler graduated to 0.0156 in. (0.39 mm).
6.3 Test Method B—Water Displacement Method (See Fig. 3):
6.3.1 Base, independent of the balance,
6.3.2 Steel rule die, 1 in. (25 mm) diameter,
6.3.3 Glass beaker, 400-mL smooth wall type,
6.3.4 Weight with hook attached,
6.3.5 Aluminum tins,
FIG. 1 Test Specimen Holder (Test Method A)
E2786 − 10 (2015)
FIG. 2 Restrictor Plate
FIG. 3 Test Method B Apparatus
6.3.6 Electric hot plate for heating wax,
6.3.7 Paraffın wax with Melting Point of 132.8°F – 134.6°F (56°C – 57°C), or equivalent.
6.3.8 Distilled Water.
7. Hazards
7.1 This test method uses equipment, which alters a material’s state that may create noxious gases that may be harmful. Care
should be taken to provide adequate ventilation for all equipment capable of producing this effect.
8. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units
8.1 Samples representative of the material shall be randomly selected. Record the name, address, manufacturer’s designation,
and lot number for the material that was used for the test sample.
NOTE 2—When samples are selected by the laboratory or its authorized representative as part of a quality assurance program, the samples shall be duly
marked to ensure traceability.
NOTE 3—Samples may be selected from other sources other than the manufacturer’s facility. The manufacturer of the samples may not be known.
8.2 The results of this test are only applicable to the specific nominal thickness and density of the material sampled and tested.
8.3 At least three test specimens shall be used.
8.4 Each test specimen shall be a single piece without any joints.
8.4.1 Exception 1—Granular materials.
8.4.2 Exception 2—Materials that have dimensions that are smaller than required to create a 2 in. (50 mm) method A or 1 in.
(25 mm) method B, diameter round test sample shall be joined together to create the test specimen. The method of joining shall
be acceptable to the test sponsor and to the testing laboratory.
NOTE 4—When joining is required, the method of joining should not have any significant anticipated effect on the results of the test. Prepare all test
specimens using the same method for each material.
NOTE 5—When comparing results between laboratories or tests, it is critical that the same preparation and test method is used in all tests.
E2786 − 10 (2015)
8.5 For preformed materials, cut the samples into disc-shaped test specimens using a die.
8.6 For caulk and putty materials:
8.6.1 Cut two pieces of release liner paper into nominal 5 in. (125 mm) squares for each test specimen. Place enough material
in the center of one sheet so that when compressed it will create a nominal 4 in. (100 mm) square by 0.25 in. (6.4 mm) thick sample.
Place the other sheet of release liner paper squarely over the top of the first, sandwiching the material between them.
8.6.2 Place the metal shims along the outer edges of the platen press.
8.6.3 Place the release liner paper and material sandwich between and in the center of the platen press.
8.6.4 Close the press so that it stops at the metal shims. Leave the release liner paper and material sandwich in the press for
at least 30 s.
8.6.5 Remove sample from press.
8.6.6 Cure samples in accordance with manufacturer’s published instructions.
8.6.7 Take the release liner with material out of the oven and let it cool to room temperature, then remove the top and bottom
layers of the release liner paper and remove the cured material.
8.6.8 Cut the sample into at least three disc-shaped test specimens using a die.
8.7 For granular materials:
8.7.1 Pour granules into a 100 ml graduated cylinder.
8.7.2 Tap the graduated cylinder on hard surface 10 times.
8.7.3 Read and record the volume of granules in the graduated cylinder to the nearest millilitre (see 12.1.2.1).
8.7.4 Pour material into test specimen holder.
8.7.5 Repeat steps 8.7.1 – 8.7.4 until three test samples are prepared for heating.
8.8 Each test specimen shall have its own identification or designation. All information recorded shall reference that
identification or designation.
9. Preparation of Apparatus
9.1 Test Temperatures—Prior to conducting the test, the heating device shall be brought to equilibrium at the required test
temperature.
9.2 The test specimen holder, used for Test Method A, shall be cleaned prior to performing each test. Cleaning shall incorporate
any process used at the discretion of the laboratory that will render the apparatus free from any debris or residue from previous
testing. The apparatus shall also be fully dry prior to installing test specimens.
10. Calibration and Standardization
10.1 The temperature in the heating device shall be verified using a thermocouple or thermometer that is accurate to 65°F
(63°C).
10.2 The measuring device used to determine expansion shall be accurate to 60.01 in. 6(0.25 mm).
10.3 The measuring device used to determine the initial thickness of the samples shall be accurate to 60.001 in. (60.025 mm).
11. Conditioning
11.1 All test specimens shall be conditioned to equilibrium by weight in a room or chamber with a temperature of 72°F 6 5°F
(23 6 3°C) at 50 6 5 % RH. Weigh and record the weight of each test specimen once a day until equilibrium is reached.
Equilibrium is considered achieved when the weight change is less than 1 % per day. After the samples have reached equilibrium,
they are to be retrieved and tested within 1 hour after removal from the conditioning environment.
12. Proceedure
TEST METHOD A – TEST SPECIMEN HOLDER METHOD
12.1 Measure the pre-test sample dimensions:
12.1.1 Solid Samples:
12.1.1.1 Measure and record each preformed test specimen thickness at five symmetrical points as shown in Fig. 4 for three test
specimens. For granular materials, see 12.1.2.
12.1.1.2 Measure the thickness as shown in Fig. 4 within 60.001 in. (60.025 mm). Record this measurement as H (see 13.1.1).
s
12.1.2 Granular Samples:
12.1.2.1 Use the volume recorded in 8.7.3. Divide the volume by the cross-sectional area of the inside of the test specimen
holder cylinder. Record this value as H .
s
NOTE 6—For the cylinder dimension discussed in 6.2.1, the inside diameter of commercially available stainless steel tubing is 1.834 in. (46.6 mm) and
2 2
the correlating area is 2.64 in (17 cm ).
12.2 Place test specimens into the test specimen holder. Place one sample in the bottom of each cylinder. Each test specimen
shall be laid flat in the bottom of the cylinder. Cover the test specimen with the Restrictor Plate as described in 6.2.2.
E2786 − 10 (2015)
FIG. 4 Thickness Measuring Points
12.3 Measure the distance from the top edge of the test specimen holder to the top of Restrictor Plate. Record this distance as
H .
i
12.4 The specimen holder containing test specimens, as described in 12.2, shall be exposed to a temperature of 1022 6 5°F (550
6 2.7°C).
12.5 Insert the test specimen holder into the pre-heated heating device as described in 6.1.
12.6 Leave the test specimen holder in the heating device for 30 6 1 min.
12.7 Remove the test specimen holder from the heating device and place it in a room or chamber with a temperature of 72°F
6 5°F (23 6 3°C) at 50 6 5 % RH.
12.8 Allow the test specimen holder to cool to reach the temperature in the room or chamber.
12.9 Measuring Expanded Samples:
12.9.1 Solid Samples:
12.9.1.1 After cooling, measure and record the minimum and maximum expansion of intumescent materials for each test
specimen to the nearest ⁄16 in. (1.6 mm). Measure the distance from the top edge of the test specimen holder to the top of Restrictor
Plate. Record this distance as H .
f
12.9.1.2 If the expanded sample height, as calculated by (H – H ) + H , is less than 1.5 in. (38 mm), the test shall be discarded.
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Subsequent tests shall be conducted using the minimum number of multiple layers of material at the initial sample thickness, so
that the expanded sample shall have a minimum height of 1.5 in. (38 mm) and a maximum height of 4 in. (102 mm).
NOTE 7—H is measured in 12.9.1.1, H is measured in 12.3, H is measured in 12.1.1.2 or 12.1.2.1.
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NOTE 8—Discussion: A minimum expansion height is specified so the allowed measurement tolerance of ⁄32 in. (0.8 mm) does not produce excessive
errors in the final result.
12.9.1.3 Calculate the expansion factor using the procedure and formulas in 13.1.
12.9.2 Granular Samples:
12.9.2.1 Pour into a graduated cylinder large enough to hold the material.
12.9.2.2 Record the volume of mate
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