ASTM C1335-23

Standard Test Method for Measuring Non-Fibrous Content of Man-Made Rock and Slag Mineral Fiber Insulation

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Inorganic fibrous thermal insulation can contain varying amounts of non-fibrous material. Non-fibrous material does not contribute to the insulating value of the insulation and therefore a procedure for determining that amount is desirable. Several specifications refer to shot content and percent (%) retained on various screen sizes determined by this test method.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determining the non-fibrous content (shot) of man-made rock and slag mineral fiber insulation. The procedure covers a dry sieve analysis method to distinguish between fiberized and non-fiberized (shot) portions of a specimen of man-made rock and slag mineral fiber insulation specimen.  
1.2 This test method does not apply to rock or slag materials containing any components other than rock and slag mineral fiber, oil, and organic thermal setting binders. Products containing other types of fibers, inorganic binders, or refractory clays are excluded.
Note 1: Industrial oils such as mineral or synthetic can be used to enhance the hydrophobic qualities and dust suppression.  
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: 30-Apr-2023
• ICS: 91.100.60 - Thermal and sound insulating materials
• Technical Committee: C16 - Thermal Insulation
• Drafting Committee: C16.32 - Mechanical Properties

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C168-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM C390-08(2024) - Standard Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal Insulation Lots
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM C390-08(2019) - Standard Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal Insulation Lots
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2019
• Refers: ASTM C168-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2018
• Refers: ASTM C168-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017
• Refers: ASTM E178-16 - Standard Practice for Dealing With Outlying Observations
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2016
• Refers: ASTM C168-15a - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2015
• Refers: ASTM C168-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM C390-08(2013) - Standard Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal Insulation Lots
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM E11-13 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM E691-13 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM C168-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2013
• Refers: ASTM E691-11 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM C168-10 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2010
• Refers: ASTM E11-09e1 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-May-2009

Overview

ASTM C1335-23: Standard Test Method for Measuring Non-Fibrous Content of Man-Made Rock and Slag Mineral Fiber Insulation provides a reliable procedure for determining the non-fibrous (shot) content in mineral fiber insulation materials. The standard enables clear distinction between fiberized and non-fiberized (shot) components of man-made rock and slag mineral fiber insulation using a dry sieve analysis. Understanding shot content is crucial, as non-fibrous particles do not contribute to the insulating properties and can impact performance specifications.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability

  • Applies to man-made rock and slag mineral fiber insulation containing only rock/slag fibers, mineral or synthetic oils, and organic thermal setting binders.
  • Excludes products with additional fiber types, inorganic binders, or refractory clays.
  • Developed in accordance with recognized international principles to facilitate trade and ensure global consistency.

• Test Method Overview

  • Utilizes a dry sieve analysis to separate and quantify shot content.
  • Involves manual or machine-driven methods using standardized sieves (Nos. 20, 50, 100).
  • Procedures address preparation, sieving, weighing, and calculations to determine the percentage of shot.

• Supplementary Elutriation Method

  • For specific applications (e.g., acoustical tile granulated wool), a wet separation method is detailed, using elutriation to distinguish shot in granulated mineral fiber.

• Reporting and Data

  • Requires documentation of specimen source, testing method, and shot content for each sieve size.
  • Results averaged from multiple specimens to ensure precision and reliability.

• Units and Safety

  • Standard uses inch-pound units as primary reference; SI units are informational only.
  • Users are responsible for addressing any safety, health, or environmental considerations during testing.

Applications

ASTM C1335-23 is essential in the quality control and specification compliance of mineral fiber insulation used in:

• Building and industrial thermal insulation systems
• Manufacture of insulation boards, blankets, and loose fill products
• Verification of raw materials and end products to comply with regulatory and performance standards
• Assessment of insulation efficiency, as lower shot content correlates with better insulating performance
• Specialty production, such as granulated wool for acoustical tile, where specific shot content control is required

Benefits of implementation include:

• Enhanced insulation product performance by quantifying and minimizing non-fibrous content
• Support for manufacturers in meeting project specification requirements
• Improved end-user confidence in insulation thermal efficiency and material consistency

Related Standards

For broader context and supporting procedures, ASTM C1335-23 references several important standards:

• ASTM C168 - Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• ASTM C390 - Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal Insulation Lots
• ASTM E11 - Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• ASTM E178 - Practice for Dealing With Outlying Observations
• ASTM E691 - Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

These documents provide foundational terminology, equipment specifications, sampling practices, and statistical methods essential for consistent, accurate application of ASTM C1335-23 in insulation material testing and quality evaluation.

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Keywords: ASTM C1335-23, non-fibrous content, mineral fiber insulation, rock and slag wool, shot content, dry sieve analysis, insulation testing, quality control, thermal insulation standards.

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: C1335 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Measuring Non-Fibrous Content of Man-Made Rock and
Slag Mineral Fiber Insulation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1335; 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 C390 Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal
Insulation Lots
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determining the
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
non-fibrous content (shot) of man-made rock and slag mineral
Sieves
fiber insulation. The procedure covers a dry sieve analysis
E178 Practice for Dealing With Outlying Observations
method to distinguish between fiberized and non-fiberized
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
(shot) portions of a specimen of man-made rock and slag
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
mineral fiber insulation specimen.
1.2 This test method does not apply to rock or slag materials
3. Terminology
containing any components other than rock and slag mineral
3.1 Definitions—Terminology C168 shall be considered as
fiber, oil, and organic thermal setting binders. Products con-
applying to the terms used in this test method.
taining other types of fibers, inorganic binders, or refractory
clays are excluded.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 shot—material that cannot be brushed or mechanically
NOTE 1—Industrial oils such as mineral or synthetic can be used to
enhance the hydrophobic qualities and dust suppression.
shaken through a No. 100 (150 μm) sieve.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
4. Significance and Use
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
4.1 Inorganic fibrous thermal insulation can contain varying
and are not considered standard.
amounts of non-fibrous material. Non-fibrous material does not
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the contribute to the insulating value of the insulation and therefore
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the a procedure for determining that amount is desirable. Several
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- specifications refer to shot content and percent (%) retained on
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- various screen sizes determined by this test method.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor- 5. Apparatus
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5.1 Furnace, capable of maintaining 1100 6 10°F (593 6
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.6°C) for rock and slag wool.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.2 U.S.A. Standard Sieve Shaker Machine.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.3 Balance Scale, capable of weighing to an accuracy of
0.00035 oz (0.01 g).
2. Referenced Documents
2 5.4 Sieves—Three 8 in. (203 mm) diameter U.S.A. Standard
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Sieves. Nos. 20 (850 μm), 50 (300 μm), and 100 (150 μm)
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
nested in order with bottom receiver pan. All sieve design and
construction shall be in accordance with Specification E11.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on Thermal
Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.32 on Mechanical
5.5 Brush—Approximately 1 in. (25 mm) diameter plastic
Properties.
bristle brush, and approximately 1 in. (25 mm) wide soft paint
Current edition approved May 1, 2023. Published May 2023. Originally
brush.
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as C1335 – 12 (2017).
DOI: 10.1520/C1335-23.
5.6 Crucible Weighing Dish, tared.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
5.7 Stoppers, rubber, No. 12 or 13.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. 5.8 Cork Borer, approximately 0.8 in. (20 mm) diameter.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1335 − 23
6. Sampling and Preparation of Test Specimen WP 100
~ !
WC 5
WT
6.1 For the purposes of standard tests, sampling shall be in
accordance with Practice C390 and Practice E178 with a
where:
minimum of three specimens per lot to be tested.
WC = % mass of non-fibrous material for one specimen,
6.1.1 Specimen—This test method requires approximately a
WP = mass of material on all sieves, and
0.35 oz (10 g) specimen.
WT = mass of specimen after firing/before seperation.
6.2 Specimen Preparation:
8.2 Adding the total percentages of all WC(s) (minimum of
6.2.1 Obtain a representative specimen utilizing a 0.8 in. (20
three specimens/tests) and dividing by the number of WC(s)
mm) cork borer for blanket or board and random specimens for
equals the average total percent of shot (shot content).
loose fill. Fire the specimen in a tared dish at 1100 6 10°F (593
9. Report
6 5.6°C) for 15 min. Remove tared dish with specimen and
allow to cool for approximately 20 min.
9.1 Report the following information:
6.2.2 Weigh the crucible weighing dish and fiber on balance
9.1.1 A description of the material being tested, including
scale to the nearest 0.00035 oz (0.01 g), subtract tare dish
specimen source (company name and manufacturing location),
weight, noting the mass of specimen after firing as WT.
color, production code, or any other information that will help
identify specimen.
7. Procedures
9.2 The non-fibrous content method used.
7.1 Shot–Fiber Separation Procedure A (Includes Shaker
9.3 The percentage by weight retained for each sieve size, as
Machine):
well as the total percent non-fibrous material (shot content) to
7.1.1 Assemble a nest of sieves (Nos. 20, 50, and 100)
the nearest tenth of a percent. The total percentage shot content
starting with a cover and the coarsest sieve on the top and a pan
will be reported for the average of at least three separate
on the bottom.
specimen results in accordance with 6.1.
7.1.2 Place the specimen on the top sieve with receiver(s) in
9.4 The temperature at which the material was fired and the
place.
time the U.S.A. Standard Sieve Shaker Machine was operated.
7.1.3 With the plastic bristle brush or rubber stopper, brush
to brake-up the specimen through the No. 20 sieve.
10. Precision and Bias
7.1.4 Deposit one rubber stopper on each sieve screen
10.1 Precision—The test results for representation of per-
before final assembly.
formance of the material will depend on the variability of the
7.1.5 Place the entire nested sieve-assembly with specimen
material, plus sampling and specimen preparation.
on the motor-driven testing sieve shaker and operate the
10.1.1 The results were evaluated using Practice E691.
automatic shaker-hammer for 20 min or until all fibrous
Repeatability and reproducibility are herein defined as 2.8
materials are passed through to the pan.
times the corresponding standard deviation to obtain a 95%
7.1.6 Carefully remove all material retained on each sieve
and weigh individually (without sieve and stopper) on the confidence level. Repeatability is the variability between test
results within each laboratory, and reproducibility is the
balance pan.
7.1.6.1 Weigh the material retained on each sieve to the variability between test results from different laboratories.
10.1.2 Interlaboratory tests—The results of interlaboratory
nearest 0.00035 oz (0.01 g).
tests conducted in 2003 for Total Shot using procedures “A”
7.2 Shot–Fiber Separation Procedure B (Manual Opera-
and “B” are listed in Table 1 and Table 2. The interlaboratory
tion):
tests were conducted in accordance with Practice E691 with
7.2.1 Place the specimen on the top sieve with receivers in
exception of the minimum number of test laboratories were not
place.
met. The study involved five different materials (specimens)
7.2.2 With the plastic bristle brush or rubber stopper, brush
from five different manufacturing facilities with three repli-
the specimen through the No. 20 and No. 50 sieves.
cates of each specimen.
7.2.3 With the soft paint brush, brush the specimen through
10.2 Bias—No statement of bias can be made for this test
the No. 100 sieve. On all sieves, be certain that all fibrous
material is b
...

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: C1335 − 12 (Reapproved 2017) C1335 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Measuring Non-Fibrous Content of Man-Made Rock and
Slag Mineral Fiber Insulation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1335; 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 This test method covers a procedure for determining the non-fibrous content (shot) of man-made rock and slag mineral fiber
insulation. The procedure covers a dry sieve analysis method to distinguish between fiberized and non-fiberized (shot) portions of
a specimen of man-made rock and slag mineral fiber insulation specimen.
1.2 This test method does not apply to rock or slag materials containing any components other than rock and slag mineral fiber
fiber, oil, and organic thermal setting binders. Products containing other types of fibers, inorganic binders, or refractory clays are
excluded.
NOTE 1—Industrial oils such as mineral or synthetic can be used to enhance the hydrophobic qualities and dust suppression.
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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
C390 Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal Insulation Lots
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
E178 Practice for Dealing With Outlying Observations
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on Thermal Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.32 on Mechanical
Properties.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2017May 1, 2023. Published December 2017May 2023. Originally approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 20122017 as
C1335 – 12. DOI: 10.1520/C1335-12R17.12 (2017). DOI: 10.1520/C1335-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. 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
C1335 − 23
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Terminology C168 shall be considered as applying to the terms used in this test method.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 shot—material that cannot be brushed or mechanically shaken through a No. 100 (150 μm) sieve.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Inorganic fibrous thermal insulation can contain varying amounts of non-fibrous material. Non-fibrous material does not
contribute to the insulating value of the insulation and therefore a procedure for determining that amount is desirable. Several
specifications refer to shot content and percent (%) retained on various screen sizes determined by this test method.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Furnace, capable of maintaining 1100 6 10°F (593 6 5.6°C) for rock and slag wool.
5.2 U.S.A. Standard Sieve Shaker Machine.
5.3 Balance Scale, capable of weighing to an accuracy of 0.00035 oz (0.01 g).
5.4 Sieves—Three 8 in. (203 mm) diameter U.S.A. Standard Sieves. Nos. 20 (850 μm), 50 (300 μm), and 100 (150 μm) nested
in order with bottom receiver pan. All sieve design and construction shall be in accordance with Specification E11.
5.5 Brush—Approximately 1 in. (25 mm) diameter plastic bristle brush, and approximately 1 in. (25 mm) wide soft paint brush.
5.6 Crucible Weighing Dish, tared.
5.7 Stoppers, rubber, No. 12 or 13.
5.8 Cork Borer, approximately 0.8 in. (20 mm) diameter.
6. Sampling and Preparation of Test Specimen
6.1 For the purposes of standard tests, sampling shall be in accordance with Practice C390 and Practice E178 with a minimum
of three specimens per lot to be tested.
6.1.1 Specimen—This test method requires approximately a 0.35 oz (10 g) specimen.
6.2 Specimen Preparation:
6.2.1 Obtain a representative specimen utilizing a 0.8 in. (20 mm) cork borer for blanket or board and random specimens for loose
fill. Fire the specimen in a tared dish at 1100 6 10°F (593 6 5.6°C) for 15 min. Remove tared dish with specimen and allow to
cool for approximately 20 min.
6.2.2 Weigh the crucible weighing dish and fiber on balance scale to the nearest 0.00035 oz (0.01 g), subtract tare dish weight,
noting the mass of specimen after firing as WT.
7. Procedures
7.1 Shot–Fiber Separation Procedure A (Includes Shaker Machine):
7.1.1 Assemble a nest of sieves (Nos. 20, 50, and 100) starting with a cover and the coarsest sieve on the top and a pan on the
bottom.
C1335 − 23
7.1.2 Place the specimen on the top sieve with receiver(s) in place.
7.1.3 With the plastic bristle brush or rubber stopper, brush to brake-up the specimen through the No. 20 sieve.
7.1.4 Deposit one rubber stopper on each sieve screen before final assembly.
7.1.5 Place the entire nested sieve-assembly with specimen on the motor-driven testing sieve shaker and operate the automatic
shaker-hammer for 20 min or until all fibrous materials are passed through to the pan.
7.1.6 Carefully remove all material retained on each sieve and weigh individually (without sieve and stopper) on the balance pan.
7.1.6.1 Weigh the material retained on each sieve to the nearest 0.00035 oz (0.01 g).
7.2 Shot–Fiber Separation Procedure B (Manual Operation):
7.2.1 Place the specimen on the top sieve with receivers in place.
7.2.2 With the plastic bristle brush or rubber stopper, brush the specimen through the No. 20 and No. 50 sieves.
7.2.3 With the soft paint brush, brush the specimen through the No. 100 sieve. On all sieves, be certain that all fibrous material
is brushed through.
7.2.4 Carefully remove all material retained on each sieve and weigh individually (without sieve) on the balance pan.
7.2.4.1 Weigh the material retained on each sieve to the nearest 0.00035 oz (0.01 g).
8. Calculation
8.1 Calculate the percentage of non-fibrous material for one specimen retained on the No. 20 sieve, No. 50 sieve, and No. 100
sieve, respectively.
8.1.1 Add the No. 20 sieve plus No. 50 sieve plus No. 100 sieve masses together noting as WP and calculate as follows:
WP 100
~ !
WC 5
WT
where:
WC = % mass of non-fibrous material for one specimen,
WP = mass of material on all sieves, and
WT = mass of specimen after firing/before seperation.
8.2 Adding the total percentages of all WC(s) (minimum of three specimens/tests) and dividing by the number of WC(s) equals
the average total percent of shot (shot content).
9. Report
9.1 Report the following information:
9.1.1 A description of the material being tested, including specimen source (company name and manufacturing location), color,
production code, or any other information that will help identify specimen.
9.2 The non-fibrous content method used.
9.3 The percentage by weight retained for each sieve size, as well as the total percent non-fibrous material (shot content) to the
nearest tenth of a percent. The total percentage shot content will be reported for the average of at least three separate specimen
results in accordance with 6.1.
C1335 − 23
9.4 The temperature at which the material was fired and the time the U.S.A. Standard Sieve Shaker Machine was operated.
10. Precision and Bias
10.1 Precision—The test results for representation of performance of the material will depend on the variability of the material,
plus sampling and specimen preparation.
10.1.1 The results were evaluated using Practice E691. Repeatability and reproducibility are herein defined as 2.8 times the
corresponding standard deviation to obtain a 95% confidence level. Repeatability is the variability
...