ASTM D1779-98(2017)

Standard Specification for Adhesive for Acoustical Materials

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the requirements for an adhesive which is intended for use in bonding pre-fabricated acoustical materials to the inside walls and ceilings of rooms in buildings. This adhesive is required to maintain a specific tensile adhesion or bond strength for a long period of time under the temperature and moisture conditions likely to be encountered and to maintain sufficient plasticity to allow for movement of parts of the building as it ages. The adhesive shall be of uniform composition, shall be free from all ingredients that will affect its serviceability or have a deleterious effect on the acoustical material, shall not liberate toxic gases or fumes under normal conditions of use and application, nor shall it contain irritating substances. Tests shall be conducted to determine the following adhesive properties: surface adherence; wetting; tensile and adhesion strengths; volume shrinkage; cracking; and plasticity to permit indentation. The specimens shall also be subjected to migration or bleeding and storage tests.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers an adhesive for bonding prefabricated acoustical materials to the inside walls and ceilings of rooms in buildings. This adhesive is required to maintain a tensile adhesion (bond strength) of not less than 3.45 × 104 dynes/cm2 (1/2 lb/in.2) for a long period of time under the temperature and moisture conditions likely to be encountered and to maintain sufficient plasticity to allow for movement of parts of the building as it ages.
Note 1: Cleanliness of Surface—The surface to which the acoustical material is applied with the adhesive should be clean, sound, and dry. Surface coatings should be removed if their nature indicates an unsatisfactory installation, so that the adhesive can be applied to the base. When the adhesive is to be applied on a painted surface, test tile should be applied for 48 h to determine suitable adherence of the coating by examination. Acoustical adhesives are not intended to be applied to surfaces that are moist and that have an alkaline reaction, or that may later become moist or alkaline. Such surfaces, as concrete or plaster, should be properly dried and aged before applying the adhesive.
Note 2: Load—This adhesive is not recommended as a sole means of holding acoustical materials weighing more than 121 kg/m2  (21/2 lb/ft2) to ceiling surfaces.
Note 3: Amount and Condition of Material—It is recommended that sufficient adhesive be used so that there is a contact surface of not less than 1.2 × 104 cm2/m2 (20 in.2/ft2) of acoustical material, with a minimum thickness of 0.3 cm (1/8 in.) and that the adhesive be applied in four separate nearly spherical portions of approximately equal size near the corners for a standard 30.5 by 30.5-cm (12 by 12-in.) tile. Fewer than or more than four portions for 30.5 by 30.5-cm tile are not recommended due to difficulty in leveling and in securing effective contact area on all portions. Adhesives that are hard, or do not wet the surface, or are difficult to spread should not be used.
Note 4: Rigidity of Base Surfaces—It is necessary that the material forming the base to which the adhesive is attached should be relatively smooth, firm, and rigid. If the pressure of applying tile and adhesive causes the base material to deflect excessively, tile previously applied may have their adhesive bond broken. This occurs on some types of gypsum board suspension systems.
Note 5: Aging—To date, no accelerated aging tests for adhesives have been developed to duplicate exactly aging in service. The aging tests in this specification are designed to accelerate the aging process and to test various manifestations of aging, and are intended to be satisfactory for comparing one adhesive with another; they do not necessarily reflect aging characteristics on an absolute basis. Purchasers of adhesives should receive from the manufacturer additional warranties and assurances of performance o...

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2017
• ICS: 83.180 - Adhesives
• ICS: 91.100.60 - Thermal and sound insulating materials
• Technical Committee: D14 - Adhesives
• Drafting Committee: D14.70 - Construction Adhesives

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D1779-98(2011) - Standard Specification for Adhesive for Acoustical Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM D907-12a - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2012
• Refers: ASTM D907-12 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM E104-02(2012) - Standard Practice for Maintaining Constant Relative Humidity by Means of Aqueous Solutions
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Refers: ASTM D907-11a - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2011
• Refers: ASTM D907-11 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2011
• Refers: ASTM D618-08 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Refers: ASTM D907-08b - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM D907-08a - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2008
• Refers: ASTM D907-08 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2008
• Refers: ASTM E104-02(2007) - Standard Practice for Maintaining Constant Relative Humidity by Means of Aqueous Solutions
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2007
• Refers: ASTM D907-06 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2006
• Refers: ASTM D618-05 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2005
• Refers: ASTM D907-05e1 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2005
• Refers: ASTM D907-05 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2005

Overview

ASTM D1779-98(2017) – Standard Specification for Adhesive for Acoustical Materials provides essential requirements for adhesives used to bond prefabricated acoustical materials to interior walls and ceilings of buildings. Developed by ASTM International, this standard ensures that such adhesives maintain consistent tensile adhesion (bond strength) over extended periods, especially when exposed to common temperature and humidity conditions encountered within buildings. The specification also outlines critical characteristics such as plasticity, toxicity, and surface compatibility, ensuring adhesives contribute effectively to the long-term performance and safety of acoustical installations.

By adhering to ASTM D1779-98(2017), manufacturers, contractors, and end-users can be confident in the suitability of adhesives for acoustical materials, supporting building construction and renovation projects that require reliable sound-absorbing installations.

Key Topics

Core Requirements and Performance Criteria

• Tensile Adhesion: The adhesive must maintain a bond strength of at least 3.45 × 10⁴ dynes/cm² (1/2 lb/in²) under typical environmental conditions.
• Plasticity: Adequate plasticity is required to accommodate the movement of building components as structures age.
• Composition: The adhesive must have a uniform composition, free of harmful ingredients that could negatively impact acoustical materials or indoor air quality.
• Toxicity: Must not emit toxic gases or fumes during use or application; should not contain irritating substances.
• Adhesion and Wetting: Should spread easily, thoroughly wet bonding surfaces, and not sag or drip from ceilings and walls.
• Volume Shrinkage and Cracking: The specification limits shrinkage to ensure dimensional stability and demands resistance to cracking, even when aged in elevated temperatures.
• Storage Stability: Adhesives must retain their properties after storage under both high and low temperatures.

Applications

Use Cases for Acoustical Adhesive

• Commercial and Residential Buildings: Ideal for installing sound-absorbing ceiling tiles and wall panels in offices, auditoriums, schools, and homes.
• Renovation and Retrofit Projects: Suitable where acoustical upgrades are required without mechanical fasteners, preserving structural integrity and appearance.
• Specialty Rooms: Used in music studios, conference rooms, theaters, and other environments where controlling sound transmission is critical.
• Surface Preparation: The surfaces must be clean, dry, and free from coatings that might hinder adhesion; painted surfaces should be tested for compatibility.

Important Considerations:

• Not intended for moist or alkaline surfaces, such as uncured concrete or wet plaster.
• Not suitable as the sole means of suspension for materials heavier than 12.1 kg/m² (2 1/2 lb/ft²) on ceilings.
• Proper installation by trained professionals using correct techniques is vital for achieving specified performance.

Related Standards

For comprehensive compliance and best practices, reference the following associated documents:

• ASTM D907: Terminology of Adhesives - Provides definitions for terminology used.
• ASTM D618: Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing - Ensures consistency in material testing.
• ASTM E104: Practice for Maintaining Constant Relative Humidity by Means of Aqueous Solutions.
• MMM-A-00150B: Federal Specification for Acoustical Materials (for historical or comparative reference).
• ASTM C37/C37M (Withdrawn): Specification for Gypsum Lath, as previously referenced for test methodologies.

Summary

ASTM D1779-98(2017) is crucial for professionals working with adhesives for acoustical materials, ensuring products deliver the necessary bond strength, durability, and safety for successful sound-absorbing installations. Its stringent criteria support high-performance results, making it a valuable standard within construction, renovation, and specialized acoustical projects. For optimal outcomes, always partner this standard with related ASTM and federal specifications and follow best practices for surface preparation and application.

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:D1779 −98(Reapproved 2017)
Standard Specification for
Adhesive for Acoustical Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1779; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
been developed to duplicate exactly aging in service. The aging tests in
1. Scope
this specification are designed to accelerate the aging process and to test
1.1 This specification covers an adhesive for bonding pre-
various manifestations of aging, and are intended to be satisfactory for
fabricated acoustical materials to the inside walls and ceilings comparingoneadhesivewithanother;theydonotnecessarilyreflectaging
characteristics on an absolute basis. Purchasers of adhesives should
of rooms in buildings. This adhesive is required to maintain a
4 receive from the manufacturer additional warranties and assurances of
tensile adhesion (bond strength) of not less than 3.45 × 10
performance of the adhesive under normal aging.
2 2
dynes/cm ( ⁄2 lb/in. ) for a long period of time under the
NOTE 6—Erection Practices—Proper erection techniques are essential
temperature and moisture conditions likely to be encountered
for proper performance of any acoustical adhesive. Use of a material
and to maintain sufficient plasticity to allow for movement of meeting this specification will not in itself guarantee satisfactory perfor-
mance. Only when tiles are applied by skilled and experienced workers
parts of the building as it ages.
followinginstructionsfromthemanufacturercanthepurchaserbeassured
NOTE 1—Cleanliness of Surface—The surface to which the acoustical
of satisfactory performance of an adhesive.
material is applied with the adhesive should be clean, sound, and dry.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
Surface coatings should be removed if their nature indicates an unsatis-
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
factory installation, so that the adhesive can be applied to the base. When
the adhesive is to be applied on a painted surface, test tile should be only.
applied for 48 h to determine suitable adherence of the coating by
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
examination. Acoustical adhesives are not intended to be applied to
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
surfacesthataremoistandthathaveanalkalinereaction,orthatmaylater
become moist or alkaline. Such surfaces, as concrete or plaster, should be responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
properly dried and aged before applying the adhesive.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
NOTE 2—Load—This adhesive is not recommended as a sole means of
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2 2
holding acoustical materials weighing more than 121 kg/m (2 ⁄2 lb/ft)to
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
ceiling surfaces.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
NOTE 3—Amount and Condition of Material—It is recommended that
sufficientadhesivebeusedsothatthereisacontactsurfaceofnotlessthan ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4 2 2 2 2
1.2×10 cm /m (20 in. /ft ) of acoustical material, with a minimum
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
thickness of 0.3 cm ( ⁄8 in.) and that the adhesive be applied in four
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
separate nearly spherical portions of approximately equal size near the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
corners for a standard 30.5 by 30.5-cm (12 by 12-in.) tile. Fewer than or
morethanfourportionsfor30.5by30.5-cmtilearenotrecommendeddue
2. Referenced Documents
to difficulty in leveling and in securing effective contact area on all
portions.Adhesivesthatarehard,ordonotwetthesurface,oraredifficult 2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
to spread should not be used.
C37/C37M Specification for Gypsum Lath (Withdrawn
NOTE 4—Rigidity of Base Surfaces—It is necessary that the material
2004)
forming the base to which the adhesive is attached should be relatively
smooth, firm, and rigid. If the pressure of applying tile and adhesive
D618Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
causesthebasematerialtodeflectexcessively,tilepreviouslyappliedmay
D907Terminology of Adhesives
have their adhesive bond broken. This occurs on some types of gypsum
E104Practice for Maintaining Constant Relative Humidity
board suspension systems.
by Means of Aqueous Solutions
NOTE5—Aging—Todate,noacceleratedagingtestsforadhesiveshave
1 2
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D14 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Adhesives and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D14.70 on Construction contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Adhesives. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2017. Published November 2017. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1960. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as D1779–98(2011). The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
DOI: 10.1520/D1779-98R17. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D1779−98(2017)
2.2 Federal Specification: special cases, the sample must be a composite taken when
MMM-A—00150B Interim Federal Specification for possible from three or more separate containers, chosen at
Acoustical Materials random. Samples must also be taken from containers that
appear to be nonrepresentative, and such samples must be
3. Terminology
tested separately. Place the samples immediately in airtight
3.1 Definitions—Many terms in this specification are de- containers and transport them to the testing laboratory in these
fined in Terminology D907. containers. Precautions must be taken to reduce evaporation or
drying to a minimum. The adhesive in the can must be
4. General Requirements
thoroughly mixed if there is a tendency for the materials to
4.1 Composition—The adhesive must be of uniform com- separate on standing.
position.Itmustbefreefromallingredientsthatwillaffectthe
serviceabilityoftheadhesiveorhaveadeleteriouseffectonthe
TABLE 1 Strength Test Requirements
acoustical material or the surface to which the acoustical
Adhesive Relative
Temperature, Duration,
material is attached.
Test Thickness, Load, N (lbf) Humidity,
°C h
A
cm (in.) %
4.2 Toxicity—The adhesive must not liberate toxic gases or
3 1
1 0.5 ( ⁄16 ) 21to27 (2 ⁄4 ) 50± 5 72
fumes under normal conditions of use and application, nor 10.01
21 to 27 (2 ⁄4) 80to85 72
shallitcontainirritatingsubstances.Theadhesivemustcontain 3
2 0.5 ( ⁄16 ) 21to27 0 (0) 50±5 24
49 7.78 (1 ⁄4 ) <10 72
no more than 0.5% of benzene or volatile chlorinated hydro-
3 1
3 0.9 ( ⁄8 ) 21to27 (1 ⁄4 ) 50± 5 72
carbon solvent.
5.56
21 to 27 (1 ⁄4) 80to85 72
4 0.9 ( ⁄8 ) 21to27 0 (0) 50±5 24
4.3 Workmanship—Theingredientsandprocessesusedmust
49 3.34 ( ⁄4 ) <10 72
be an adhesive for acoustical materials meeting the require-
A
Saturated salt solutions for maintaining constant relative humidity are given in
ments of this specification.
Practice E104.
5. Detail Requirements
5.1 Consistency—The initial consistency of the adhesive
7. Test Methods
mustadheretothesurfacesbeingbonded,spreadorbecapable
of being applied readily, and not sag from walls or drop from
7.1 Determine the
...