Standard Test Method for Determining Wicking of Fibrous Glass Blanket Insulation (Aircraft Type)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The tendency of the insulation toward wicking can result in an increase in weight and a resultant potential degradation in the properties of the insulation.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a laboratory procedure for evaluating the tendency of, aircraft type, fibrous glass blanket insulation to wick water.  
1.2 The wicking characteristics of materials can be affected by environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. Values obtained as a result of this test method does not adequately describe the wicking characteristics of materials subject to conditions other than those indicated in the test method. (See Specification C800.)  
1.3 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.  
1.4 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
31-Aug-2021
Technical Committee
C16 - Thermal Insulation

Relations

Effective Date
15-Apr-2024
Effective Date
01-Mar-2024
Effective Date
01-Sep-2019
Effective Date
01-Sep-2019
Effective Date
15-Apr-2018
Effective Date
01-Jun-2017
Effective Date
15-Oct-2015
Effective Date
01-Jun-2015
Effective Date
01-Feb-2014
Effective Date
01-Nov-2013
Effective Date
01-May-2013
Effective Date
01-Apr-2013
Effective Date
01-Nov-2011
Effective Date
01-Jan-2010
Effective Date
15-Dec-2008

Overview

ASTM C1559-15(2021) is the international standard test method for determining the wicking tendency of fibrous glass blanket insulation used in aircraft applications. Developed by ASTM International, this standard provides a laboratory procedure for evaluating water wicking characteristics, which is essential for ensuring the durability and performance of thermal insulation materials in aerospace environments.

The presence of moisture due to wicking can increase the insulation’s weight and potentially degrade its thermal or mechanical properties, impacting both safety and efficiency in aircraft operations. Understanding and controlling this characteristic is critical for manufacturers, quality assurance teams, and design engineers working with aircraft insulation.

Key Topics

  • Wicking Definition: Wicking, in the context of this standard, refers to the infiltration of a wetting liquid (such as water) into fibrous glass blanket insulation by capillary action.
  • Test Method Scope: The test method is designed for aircraft-type fibrous glass blanket insulation, conducted under controlled laboratory conditions involving temperature and humidity parameters as specified in the standard.
  • Sample Preparation: Six specimens are prepared and oriented parallel and perpendicular to the length of the blanket for comprehensive evaluation.
  • Water Wicking Procedures:
    • Procedure A: Assesses “as received” material.
    • Procedure B: Assesses material after aging.
    • Procedure C: Assesses material after leaching.
  • Measurement and Results: Wicking height is measured using a steel rule at specific time intervals, enabling comparative analysis across samples and conditions.
  • Significance: High wicking can lead to increased weight and property degradation, which are critical concerns in aviation insulation performance.

Applications

  • Aircraft Manufacturing: Ensures compliance with performance specifications for insulation used in commercial and military aircraft. Reduces risks of material failure due to moisture ingress.
  • Material Selection and Quality Control: Supports manufacturers and suppliers in qualifying materials that meet stringent aerospace standards, improving lifespan and safety.
  • Research and Development: Provides a standardized methodology for R&D teams to develop or modify insulation materials with improved moisture resistance.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Assists organizations in demonstrating compliance with international standards and specifications for aircraft insulation, such as those referenced in ASTM C800.
  • Third-party Certification: Enables laboratories and certification bodies to conduct reproducible, comparable wicking assessments for product validation.

Related Standards

  • ASTM C800: Specification for fibrous glass blanket insulation (aircraft type), often referenced alongside ASTM C1559 to ensure comprehensive evaluation of material performance.
  • ASTM C168: Standard terminology relating to thermal insulation, providing relevant definitions for clarity in insulation testing.
  • ASTM C390: Practice for sampling and acceptance of thermal insulation lots, guiding specimen selection and representativeness.
  • ASTM E691: Practice for conducting interlaboratory studies to determine the precision of a test method.

Summary

ASTM C1559-15(2021) is a vital standard for the aircraft industry, focusing on the mitigation of moisture-related issues in fibrous glass blanket insulation. By defining a reliable and reproducible test method for measuring wicking, this standard helps manufacturers and engineers ensure their materials provide consistent thermal performance and structural integrity under typical service conditions. Adherence to ASTM C1559 supports quality assurance, safety, and regulatory compliance in aerospace insulation applications.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM C1559-15(2021) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Determining Wicking of Fibrous Glass Blanket Insulation (Aircraft Type)". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 The tendency of the insulation toward wicking can result in an increase in weight and a resultant potential degradation in the properties of the insulation. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers a laboratory procedure for evaluating the tendency of, aircraft type, fibrous glass blanket insulation to wick water. 1.2 The wicking characteristics of materials can be affected by environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. Values obtained as a result of this test method does not adequately describe the wicking characteristics of materials subject to conditions other than those indicated in the test method. (See Specification C800.) 1.3 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. 1.4 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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 The tendency of the insulation toward wicking can result in an increase in weight and a resultant potential degradation in the properties of the insulation. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers a laboratory procedure for evaluating the tendency of, aircraft type, fibrous glass blanket insulation to wick water. 1.2 The wicking characteristics of materials can be affected by environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. Values obtained as a result of this test method does not adequately describe the wicking characteristics of materials subject to conditions other than those indicated in the test method. (See Specification C800.) 1.3 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. 1.4 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.

ASTM C1559-15(2021) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 49.025.40 - Rubber and plastics. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM C1559-15(2021) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM C168-24, ASTM C390-08(2024), ASTM C800-19, ASTM C390-08(2019), ASTM C168-18, ASTM C168-17, ASTM C168-15a, ASTM C168-15, ASTM C800-14, ASTM C390-08(2013), ASTM E691-13, ASTM C168-13, ASTM E691-11, ASTM C168-10, ASTM C168-08b. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM C1559-15(2021) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

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: C1559 − 15 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Test Method for
Determining Wicking of Fibrous Glass Blanket Insulation
(Aircraft Type)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1559; 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 C800 Specification for Fibrous Glass Blanket Insulation
(Aircraft Type)
1.1 This test method covers a laboratory procedure for
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
evaluating the tendency of, aircraft type, fibrous glass blanket
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
insulation to wick water.
1.2 The wicking characteristics of materials can be affected
3. Terminology
byenvironmentalconditionssuchastemperatureandhumidity.
3.1 Definitions—Terminology C168 shall be considered as
Values obtained as a result of this test method does not
applying to the terms used in this specification.
adequately describe the wicking characteristics of materials
3.1.1 wicking—the infiltration of a wetting liquid into a
subject to conditions other than those indicated in the test
fibrous glass blanket by capillary attraction.
method. (See Specification C800.)
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
4. Summary of Test Method
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
4.1 The insulation is suspended in de-ionized or distilled
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
water so that the bottom of the specimen is submerged to one
and are not considered standard.
inch below the water surface; distance of wicking is noted
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
every 24 h for 96 h and then again at the end of 168 h.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
5. Significance and Use
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
5.1 The tendency of the insulation toward wicking can
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
result in an increase in weight and a resultant potential
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
degradation in the properties of the insulation.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
6. Apparatus
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
6.1 As described in the Procedure section of this test
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. method.
6.2 Steel Rule, accurate to 6 0.05 in. (1 mm).
2. Referenced Documents
7. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
7.1 Six specimens shall be tested for each procedure, cut
C390 Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal
with the axis parallel to the length and six cut with the axis
Insulation Lots
perpendicular to the length from a representative package.(See
Practice C390.)
7.2 The specimens shall be 1- by 6-in. (25.4- by 152.4-mm)
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeC16onThermal
by full sample thickness.
Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.33 on Insulation
Finishes and Moisture.
7.3 The insulation shall be tested without facing or jacket-
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2021. Published October 2021. Originally
ing.
approved in 2003. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as C1559 – 15. DOI:
10.1520/C1559-15R21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 8. Conditioning
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
8.1 As described in the Procedure section of this test
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. method.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1559 − 15 (2021)
11. Procedure C—Wicking after Leaching
11.1 Condition a sample of insulation 8- by 14-in. (203- by
356-mm) by submerging in an immersion tank of de-ionized
(or distilled) water maintained at a temperature of 80 to 85°F
(27 to 29°C) for a period of at least 24 h. The tank shall be of
such a shape and size that the specimen can be submerged
therein with all surfaces of the specimen having full access to
the water. Ratio of specimen to water shall not be less than 1
to 100 by weight.Acontinuous flow of water shall be supplied
to the bottom of the container at the above temperature at a rate
of five changes per hour.At the end of the leaching period, the
specimen shall be removed from the water, air dried to a
constant weight and weighed. The leached specimen shall be
tested according to procedure outlined in
9.2 – 9.5.
12. Calculation or Interpretation of Results
FIG. 1 Typical Specimen Mounting for Wicking Test
12.1 Determine the amount of wicking by measurement
with a steel rule as described in 6.2.
12.2 Wetting of the submerged portion of the wicking
9. Procedure A—Wicking as Received
specimens is permissible. Wicking is the distance of wettin
...

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