ASTM C879-03(2019)

Standard Test Methods for Release Papers Used with Preformed Tape Sealants

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Preformed tape sealants are tacky, deformable solids that are used under compression between two substrates in various sealing applications. These tapes are usually supplied in roll form with a release paper interlayer. When the roll is unwound and the release paper is removed from the preformed tape sealant, there should be no transfer of the preformed tape sealant to the release paper, nor any residue left on the paper. These methods will give a qualitative indication of whether or not the release paper can be removed cleanly from a preformed tape sealant after a controlled exposure period.  
5.2 Alternative procedures are listed because some preformed tape sealants are normally used under field conditions where elevated temperatures can be encountered, while other preformed tape sealants are normally used under more controlled environments in “assembly line” operations.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover laboratory procedures for evaluating the release characteristics of a release paper intended to be supplied in direct contact with a preformed tape sealant.  
1.2 The values stated in metric (SI) units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information purposes 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-2019
• ICS: 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials
• Technical Committee: C24 - Building Seals and Sealants
• Drafting Committee: C24.20 - General Test Methods

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C879-03(2014) - Standard Test Methods for Release Papers Used with Preformed Tape Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• 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 C879-03(2019), titled Standard Test Methods for Release Papers Used with Preformed Tape Sealants, establishes laboratory procedures for evaluating the release characteristics of release papers that are supplied in direct contact with preformed tape sealants. This standard, maintained by ASTM International, is widely recognized in the building materials and sealant industries for its role in ensuring consistent and effective performance of release papers during sealant application.

Preformed tape sealants are commonly used in construction and manufacturing where reliable sealing is essential. These tapes are typically supplied in roll form with a release paper interlayer to facilitate easy handling and application. The test methods in ASTM C879-03(2019) assess whether the release paper can be cleanly removed after environmental conditioning, with no transfer of sealant or residue left behind-ensuring tape performance and product quality.

Key Topics

• Release Paper Performance: Methods focus on verifying the clean removal of release paper from tape sealants after exposure to specified laboratory conditions, avoiding issues such as residue or sticking.
• Environmental Conditioning: Includes procedures for conditioning samples in controlled environments, simulating both elevated temperature and high humidity to reflect real-world field and assembly line conditions.
• Test Methodology: Standardized steps for test specimen preparation, including using controlled roller weights and conditioning periods, ensure repeatable and reliable outcomes.
• Result Evaluation: Qualitative examination of the release paper and tape sealant interface for signs of transfer or contamination, supporting quality assurance.

Applications

The primary application of ASTM C879-03(2019) is in product testing and quality control for manufacturers of preformed tape sealants and release papers. Practical uses include:

• Building Construction: Ensuring that sealant rolls can be efficiently used in construction without adhesion issues, supporting effective joint sealing and weatherproofing.
• Manufacturing and Assembly Lines: Validating that tapes used in industrial settings meet handling and removal expectations, even when exposed to heat or humidity.
• Product Development: Assisting research and development teams in selecting and optimizing release paper materials for different application environments.
• Supplier Evaluation: Providing a benchmark for comparing various release paper products and facilitating specification compliance in procurement processes.

By applying these test methods, organizations can improve the reliability and usability of preformed tape sealant products, minimize waste, and reduce installation errors.

Related Standards

While ASTM C879-03(2019) is a standalone standard with no direct ISO equivalent, professionals may find the following ASTM documents relevant:

• ASTM C717 - Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants: Provides definitions related to the key terms used in sealant and release paper testing.
• Other ASTM C24 Standards: Address broader performance and test criteria for building seals and sealants, complementing the practices outlined in C879.

ASTM C879-03(2019) reflects internationally recognized guidelines for standardized testing, as per World Trade Organization (WTO) principles, ensuring global acceptance and compatibility. For further guidance and access to referenced standards, consult ASTM International at www.astm.org.

Keywords: ASTM C879, release papers, preformed tape sealants, release characteristics, laboratory testing, sealant industry standards, building materials testing, tape sealant residue, quality control

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: C879 − 03 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Methods for
Release Papers Used with Preformed Tape Sealants
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C879; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Duplicatesamplesarerolledwithastandardroller.Onesample
is heat aged in an oven, the other is heat aged in a humidity
1.1 These test methods cover laboratory procedures for
chamber. The release paper is peeled off of the preformed tape
evaluating the release characteristics of a release paper in-
sealant either at ambient or elevated temperature. The release
tended to be supplied in direct contact with a preformed tape
paper is examined for transfer or residue of the preformed tape
sealant.
sealant.
1.2 The values stated in metric (SI) units are to be regarded
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided
5. Significance and Use
for information purposes only.
5.1 Preformed tape sealants are tacky, deformable solids
1.3 The subcommittee with jurisdiction is not aware of any
that are used under compression between two substrates in
similar ISO standard.
various sealing applications. These tapes are usually supplied
in roll form with a release paper interlayer. When the roll is
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
unwound and the release paper is removed from the preformed
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
tape sealant, there should be no transfer of the preformed tape
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
sealant to the release paper, nor any residue left on the paper.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
These methods will give a qualitative indication of whether or
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
notthereleasepapercanberemovedcleanlyfromapreformed
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
tape sealant after a controlled exposure period.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.2 Alternative procedures are listed because some pre-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
formed tape sealants are normally used under field conditions
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
where elevated temperatures can be encountered, while other
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
preformed tape sealants are normally used under more con-
trolled environments in “assembly line” operations.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
6. Apparatus and Accessory Materials
C717Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
6.1 Hard Rubber Roller, weighing 2043 g (4.5 lb), with
3. Terminology approximate dimensions of 82.5-mm (3.25-in.) diameter and
63.5-mm (2.5-in.) width. The rubber surface is 6.4 mm (0.25
3.1 Definitions—Thedefinitionsofthefollowingtermsused
in.) thick and has a durometer hardness value of 75 6 5.
in this test method are found in Terminology C717: preformed
6.2 Oven, forced-draft, set at 70 6 2°C (158 6 3.5°F) or 50
tape sealant, sealant.
6 2°C (122 6 3.5°F).
4. Summary of Test Method
6.3 Humidity Chamber, set at 41 6 2°C (105 6 3.5°F) and
4.1 The preformed tape sealant is placed between two strips
100+0,−2% relative humidity.
of release paper supplied with the preformed tape sealant.
6.4 Weight, 1000-g (2.2-lb).
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C24 on
7. Sampling
Building Seals and Sealants and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
C24.20 on General Test Methods.
7.1 Samples to be tested shall be taken from a fresh roll of
Current edition approved May 1, 2019. Published May 2019. Originally
preformed tape sealant, after first removing and discarding
approvedin1978.Lastpreviouseditionapprovedin2014asC879–03(2014).DOI:
approximately the first 600 mm (2 ft) of the roll.
10.1520/C0879-19.
For reference
...