ASTM C1559-15(2021)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Determining Wicking of Fibrous Glass Blanket Insulation (Aircraft Type)
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
- Drafting Committee
- C16.33 - Insulation Finishes and Moisture
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
- Refers
ASTM C800-14 - Standard Specification for Fibrous Glass Blanket Insulation (Aircraft Type) - 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 Standard Test Method for Determining Wicking of Fibrous Glass Blanket Insulation (Aircraft Type). Published by ASTM International, this standard outlines a laboratory procedure to evaluate the tendency of aircraft-type fibrous glass blanket insulation to wick water. Wicking in insulation can lead to increased weight and potential degradation of material properties, which is a critical concern in demanding applications such as aerospace. The standard is in alignment with recognized principles established by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Key Topics
- Wicking Determination: The standard details a test method by which water infiltration-also known as wicking-is measured in fibrous glass insulation. Wicking is defined as the movement of a liquid into a fiber matrix by capillary action.
- Test Specimen Preparation: Multiple specimens cut in different orientations are conditioned under controlled temperature and humidity, both as received and after exposure to aging or leaching processes.
- Test Procedure: Specimens are suspended with their lower ends submerged in de-ionized or distilled water. Water wicking distance is measured at regular intervals (every 24 hours for up to seven days).
- Environmental Influence: The test notes that environmental factors like temperature and relative humidity can affect results, and the method is not intended to represent conditions outside those specifically described.
- Reporting Requirements: Reports should include material identification, specimen thickness, total number of specimens, and average wicking distance under each tested condition.
Applications
- Aircraft Insulation Quality Control: ASTM C1559-15(2021) is widely used in the aviation industry to assess the suitability of fibrous glass insulation materials. Excessive water wicking in aircraft insulation can compromise weight limitations and thermal or acoustic performance.
- Material Comparison: Manufacturers and suppliers use this standard to compare wicking characteristics of various fibrous glass products, aiding in selection and quality assurance.
- Development of New Materials: R&D teams leverage this method during material development to monitor and reduce wicking, ensuring compliance with aircraft insulation standards.
- Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with ASTM C1559-15(2021) demonstrates that insulation meets the performance expectations set by industry bodies, facilitating certification processes and market acceptance.
Related Standards
- ASTM C800: Specification for Fibrous Glass Blanket Insulation (Aircraft Type) - referenced for material requirements and environmental conditioning.
- ASTM C168: Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation - provides standard definitions used in insulation testing and reporting.
- ASTM C390: Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal Insulation Lots - outlines procedures for sample selection.
- ASTM E691: Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method - provides the framework for precision and reproducibility studies associated with ASTM C1559-15(2021).
Practical Value
- Performance Assurance: By quantifying the wicking tendency of insulation, users can ensure long-term durability and maintain the integrity of aircraft insulation systems.
- Safety and Reliability: Limiting water absorption through proper material assessment reduces the risk of increased weight and insulation failure, crucial for aircraft safety and effectiveness.
- Market Access: Following internationally recognized standards like ASTM C1559-15(2021) ensures eligibility for global aviation markets and meets the requirements of major manufacturers and regulators.
- Standardized Evaluation: The method offers a consistent, repeatable means of measurement, supporting clear communication and comparison across suppliers, manufacturers, and certification bodies.
Keywords: ASTM C1559, wicking, fibrous glass blanket insulation, aircraft, insulation testing, water absorption, aerospace standards, material performance, quality control.
Buy Documents
ASTM C1559-15(2021) - Standard Test Method for Determining Wicking of Fibrous Glass Blanket Insulation (Aircraft Type)
Get Certified
Connect with accredited certification bodies for this standard

DEKRA North America
DEKRA certification services in North America.
Eagle Registrations Inc.
American certification body for aerospace and defense.

Element Materials Technology
Materials testing and product certification.
Sponsored listings
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
...




Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.
Loading comments...