ASTM C1512-10(2020)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Characterizing the Effect of Exposure to Environmental Cycling on Thermal Performance of Insulation Products
Standard Test Method for Characterizing the Effect of Exposure to Environmental Cycling on Thermal Performance of Insulation Products
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Exposing a specimen to conditions of one-directional environmental cycling can increase its moisture content until a decrease in material properties occurs (at a specific number of cycles). Such a test could be inappropriate due to the number of cycles required to cause a decrease in material properties since product performance issues often arise only after many years of exposure. The use of a preconditioning procedure is not intended to duplicate expected field performance. Rather the purpose is to increase the moisture content of test materials prior to subjecting to them to environmental cycling.
5.2 The most important aspect of the preconditioning procedure is non-uniform moisture distribution in the specimen. The heat flow is one directional causing moisture flow towards the cold side resulting in zones of dry material on the warm side and high moisture content on the cold side. (Whether the high moisture content zone is located right at the cold surface of the specimen or at some distance from this surface depends upon temperature oscillation and ability of the cold surface to dry outwards). Because the preconditioning procedure involves thermal gradient, this preconditioning procedure results in a distribution of moisture content that may occur under field exposure conditions. However, the resulting moisture content may differ significantly from that which may be demonstrated in typical product applications.
5.3 The preconditioning results in accumulation of moisture in the thermal insulation resulting from the simultaneous exposure to a difference in temperature and water vapor pressure. This test method is not intended to duplicate field exposure. It is intended to provide comparative ratings. As excessive accumulation of moisture in a construction system may adversely affect its performance, the designer should consider the potential for moisture accumulation and the possible effects of this moisture on the system performance.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method is applicable to preformed or field manufactured thermal insulation products, such as board stock foams, rigid fibrous and composite materials manufactured with or without protective facings. See Note 1. This test method is not applicable to high temperature, reflective or loose fill insulation.
Note 1: If the product is manufactured with a facer, test product with facer in place.
1.2 This test method involves two stages: preconditioning and environmental cycling. During the first stage, 25 mm (1 in.) thick specimens are used to separate two environments. Each of these environments has a constant but different temperature and humidity level. During the environmental cycling stage, specimens also divide two environments namely constant room temperature/humidity on one side and cycling temperature/ambient relative humidity on the other side.
1.3 This test method measures the ability of the product to maintain thermal performance and critical physical attributes after being subjected to standardized exposure conditions. A comparison is made between material properties for reference specimens stored in the laboratory for the test period and specimens subjected to the two-stage test method. To eliminate the effect of moisture from the comparison, the material properties of the latter test specimens are determined after they have been dried to constant weight. The average value determined for each of the two sets of specimens is used for comparison.
1.4 Different properties can be measured to assess the effect of environmental factors on thermal insulation. This test method requires that thermal resistance be determined based upon an average for three specimens measured after completing the test. Secondary elements of this test method include visual observations such as cracking, delamination or other surface defects, as well as the change in moisture content after each of the two stages of exposure prescribed by th...
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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: C1512 − 10 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Test Method for
Characterizing the Effect of Exposure to Environmental
Cycling on Thermal Performance of Insulation Products
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1512; 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 surface defects, as well as the change in moisture content after
each of the two stages of exposure prescribed by the test
1.1 This test method is applicable to preformed or field
method.
manufactured thermal insulation products, such as board stock
1.5 Characterization of the tested material is an essential
foams, rigid fibrous and composite materials manufactured
with or without protective facings. See Note 1. This test element of this test method. Material properties used for
method is not applicable to high temperature, reflective or characterization will include either compressive resistance or
loose fill insulation. tensile strength values. The compressive resistance or tensile
strength is measured on two sets of specimens, one set
NOTE 1—If the product is manufactured with a facer, test product with
conditioned as defined in 1.2 and a set of reference test
facer in place.
specimenstakenfromthesamematerialbatchandstoredinthe
1.2 This test method involves two stages: preconditioning
laboratory for the whole test period. For comparison, an
and environmental cycling. During the first stage, 25 mm (1
average value is determined for each of the two sets of
in.) thick specimens are used to separate two environments.
specimens.
Each of these environments has a constant but different
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
temperature and humidity level. During the environmental
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
cycling stage, specimens also divide two environments namely
standard.
constant room temperature/humidity on one side and cycling
temperature/ambient relative humidity on the other side.
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.3 This test method measures the ability of the product to
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
maintain thermal performance and critical physical attributes
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
after being subjected to standardized exposure conditions. A
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
comparison is made between material properties for reference
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
specimens stored in the laboratory for the test period and
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
specimens subjected to the two-stage test method.To eliminate
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
the effect of moisture from the comparison, the material
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
properties of the latter test specimens are determined after they
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
have been dried to constant weight. The average value deter-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
mined for each of the two sets of specimens is used for
comparison.
2. Referenced Documents
1.4 Different properties can be measured to assess the effect
2.1 ASTM Standards:
of environmental factors on thermal insulation. This test
C165 Test Method for Measuring Compressive Properties of
method requires that thermal resistance be determined based
Thermal Insulations
upon an average for three specimens measured after complet-
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
ing the test. Secondary elements of this test method include
C177 Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measure-
visual observations such as cracking, delamination or other
ments and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of
the Guarded-Hot-Plate Apparatus
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeC16onThermal
Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.33 on Insulation
Finishes and Moisture. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved June 15, 2020. Published July 2020. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
ε1
approved in 2001. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as C1512 – 10 (2015) . Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/C1512-10R20. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1512 − 10 (2020)
C303 Test Method for Dimensions and Density of Pre- The heat flow is one directional causing moisture flow towards
formed Block and Board–Type Thermal Insulation the cold side resulting in zones of dry material on the warm
C518 Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission side and high moisture content on the cold side. (Whether the
Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus high moisture content zone is located right at the cold surface
C870 Practice for Conditioning of Thermal Insulating Ma- of the specimen or at some distance from this surface depends
terials upon temperature oscillation and ability of the cold surface to
C618 Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined dryoutwards).Becausethepreconditioningprocedureinvolves
Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete thermal gradient, this preconditioning procedure results in a
D1621 Test Method for Compressive Properties of Rigid distribution of moisture content that may occur under field
Cellular Plastics exposure conditions. However, the resulting moisture content
D1623 Test Method for Tensile and Tensile Adhesion Prop- may differ significantly from that which may be demonstrated
erties of Rigid Cellular Plastics in typical product applications.
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
5.3 The preconditioning results in accumulation of moisture
ASTM Test Methods
in the thermal insulation resulting from the simultaneous
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
exposure to a difference in temperature and water vapor
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
pressure. This test method is not intended to duplicate field
exposure. It is intended to provide comparative ratings. As
3. Terminology
excessive accumulation of moisture in a construction system
3.1 Definitions—Terms used in this test method are defined
may adversely affect its performance, the designer should
in Terminology C168 with the exceptions included as appro-
consider the potential for moisture accumulation and the
priate.
possible effects of this moisture on the system performance.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
6. Apparatus
3.2.1 compressive resistance—thecompressiveloadperunit
6.1 The room where the apparatus is placed shall be
of original area at the specified deformation. See Test Method
C165. maintained at a temperature and relative humidity of 24 6 3°C
(75 6 5°F) and 50 6 10 %.
3.2.2 moisture accumulation—an increase in the average
moisture content resulting from a specified exposure to condi-
6.2 Freeze-Thaw Chamber, capable of maintaining an air
tions facilitating moisture ingress into the material. temperature of -15 6 3°C (5 6 5°F) over an extended period
of time. The design of the apparatus should ensure that the
3.2.3 preconditioning—a procedure which subjects test
temperature of the upper surface of the sheet metal located
specimens to standardized one directional thermal gradient.
below the insulation specimen (measured in the center of the
3.2.4 thermal performance—comparison of thermal resis-
pan) be not higher than -4°C (25°F) when the freezer’s air
tance of test specimens before and after cycling.
temperature reaches its lower limit. This can be achieved by
placing thermal insulation between the metal pan and the
4. Summary of Test Method
specimen frame and/or mixing of air in the cold chamber.
4.1 Toreducethetestingperiod,thisprocedureinvolvestwo
6.3 Sheet Metal Pan, placed below the specimens. This pan
stages:
performs two functions: it equalizes temperature and reduces
4.1.1 Stage 1—Preconditioning under constant thermal gra-
diffusion of water vapor into the freeze-thaw chamber. The
dient and relative humidity to accelerate ingress of moisture
distancebetweenthecoldsurfaceofthespecimenandthesheet
into the test specimen.
metal should be no less than 6.35 mm (0.25 in.) and no more
4.1.2 Stage 2—Exposure to constant temperature and rela-
than 12.7 mm (0.5 in). The required space is normally
tive humidity on one side of test specimens with cycling
maintained by attaching a support of the required height that is
environmental conditions on the other side that include freeze-
made from 6.35 mm (0.25 in.) thick Plexiglas or other
thaw exposure.
non-absorbing materials on the inside surface of the specimen
5. Significance and Use frame (see Fig. 2).
5.1 Exposing a specimen to conditions of one-directional 6.4 Frame, that is placed in the door opening of the freezer
environmental cycling can increase its moisture content until a (see Figs. 1 and 2) or other means of specimen support. Test
decrease in material properties occurs (at a specific number of frames used are made from 6.35 6 0.5 mm (0.25 6 0.02 in.)
cycles). Such a test could be inappropriate due to the number thick Plexiglas or other non-absorbing material. These frames
of cycles required to cause a decrease in material properties are used to mount individual test specimens. The selection of
since product performance issues often arise only after many the test frame (size of the test specimen) may vary based upon
years of exposure. The use of a preconditioning procedure is the thermal testing apparatus that is used.
not intended to duplicate expected field performance. Rather
6.5 Warm Chamber, above the test specimens that is pro-
the purpose is to increase the moisture content of test materials
vided with a heater and a temperature controller capable of
prior to subjecting to them to environmental cycling.
maintaining a temperature of 24 6 2°C (75 6 3°F) and a
5.2 The most important aspect of the preconditioning pro- humidifier capable of maintaining humidity in the warm
cedure is non-uniform moisture distribution in the specimen. chamber of 90 6 5 %RH.
C1512 − 10 (2020)
FIG. 1 Plan View of Test Equipment Setup
FIG. 2 Vertical Section at Interface Between Freezer Wall and Lid Illustrating Placement of Test Specimens in the Test Frame
6.6 Sensors, for measuring temperature of the freeze-thaw cm (1 in.). Care should be taken so that the top and bottom
and warm chambers and relative humidity in the warm surfaces of the specimens exposed to thermal gradient are
chamber.
parallel with one another and perpendicular to the sides.
6.7 Balance, capable of weighing mass of maximum 1 kg
7.2 All surfaces of the specimens shall be free from visible
with precision of 0.01 g.
flaws or imperfections.
7. Test Specimens
7.3 For comparison, two test specimen sets each consisting
of a minimum of three specimens are tested. One set of test
7.1 Test specimens shall be square in cross-section with a
2 2
specimens are tested after preconditioning and after environ-
minimum area of 645 cm (100 in. ) and a maximum of 3716
2 2
cm (576 in. ). The standard specimen thickness shall be 2.54 mental cycling as described in Section 9. A second set of
C1512 − 10 (2020)
reference test specimens are stored in the laboratory for the 9.4.2.2 Environmental cycling chamber where conditions
duration of preconditioning and environmental cycling test require temperature cycling between two levels: -15 6 3°C (5
before thermal resistance and compressive resistance or tensile 6 5°F) and 15 6 3°C (59 6 5°F). The total cycling period is
strength testing. twelve hours, divided equally into cold and warm exposures.
Thewarmexposure(atleast4hattemperaturehigherthan5°C
8. Conditioning
(40°F) is ended with the transition period of no longer than 2
8.1 Condition the test specimens before testing at 23 6 2°C
h. During the cold exposure stage of the cycle, air in the
(73 64°F)and50 65 %RHrelativehumidityfornotlessthan
chamber is cooled to -15 6 3°C (5 6 5°F). The cold exposure
40 h prior to test in accordance with Procedure A of Practice
period is ended with a similar transition period (to reach an air
C618.
temperature higher than 5°C (40°F) during a period of 2 h.
9.4.3 Weigh each specimen after completion of environ-
9. Procedure
mental cycling and calculate moisture content (% by volume).
9.1 Condition specimens to constant mass in accordance
Condition specimens to constant mass in accordance with 9.1
with Practice C870 before testing. Measure the dimensions and
and subject to testing in accordance with 9.2.
mass of each specimen in accordance with Test Method C303.
10. Report
Record the initial mass of each specimen prior to subjecting to
preconditioning procedure.
10.1 The test report shall include the following information,
including references to applicable test methods:
9.2 Testing of Specimens Before and After Environmental
10.1.1 The date of the report.
Cycling:
10.1.2 The name, address and identification of the testing
9.2.1 Three specimens shall be tested for thermal resistance
laboratory.
value before and after environmental cycling using Test
10.1.3 The manufacturer of the material, the date of manu-
Method C518 or C177.
facture and the date of receiving samples.
9.2.2 Where applicable, nine specimens shall be tested for
10.1.4 Number of samples received and the number of
compressive resistance before and after environmental cycling
specimens tested in respective categories.
using Test Method C165 or D1621.
10.1.5 The name or identification of the material tested and
9.2.3 Where applicable, nine specimens shall be tested for
description of facers (if any).
tensile strength before and after environmental cycling using
10.1.6 The method of specimen preparation.
Test Method D1623.
10.1.7 The type and size of the preconditioning set-up and
9.3 Preconditioning:
the preconditioning conditions.
9.3.1 Test specimens are preconditioned for 28 days to
10.1.8 The moisture content (% by volume) of each test
increase moisture content.This is achieved under conditions of
...
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