ASTM E2203-02

Standard Specification for Dense Thermoplastic Elastomers Used for Compression Seals, Gaskets, Setting Blocks, Spacers and Accessories

SCOPE
1.1 This specification describes products composed of dense thermoplastic elastomers that are fabricated into gaskets and accessories (such as compression seals, setting blocks, spacers, and shims) for use in sealing and glazing applications in building construction. These products are used to seal or serve as components of compression sealing systems between mechanically restrained surfaces in building construction.
1.2 The values stated in metric (SI) units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound values given in parentheses are provided for information purposes only.
1.3 Test Method C 1166, as referenced in this specification, should be used to measure and describe the properties of materials, products, or assemblies in response to heat and flame under controlled laboratory conditions and should not be used to describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. However, results of this test may be used as elements of a fire risk assessment that takes into account all of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard of a particular end use.
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-May-2002
• ICS: 83.080.20 - Thermoplastic materials
• Technical Committee: E06 - Performance of Buildings
• Drafting Committee: E06.21 - Serviceability

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM E2203-02(2008) - Standard Specification for Dense Thermoplastic Elastomers Used for Compression Seals, Gaskets, Setting Blocks, Spacers and Accessories
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2008
• Referred By: ASTM C1401-23 - Standard Guide for Structural Sealant Glazing
• Effective Date: 10-May-2002

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: E 2203 – 02
Standard Specification for
Dense Thermoplastic Elastomers Used for Compression
Seals, Gaskets, Setting Blocks, Spacers and Accessories
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 2203; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D 395 Test Methods for Rubber Property-Compression Set
D 412 Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermo-
1.1 Thisspecificationdescribesproductscomposedofdense
plastic Rubbers and Thermoplastic Elastomers-Tension
thermoplastic elastomers that are fabricated into gaskets and
D 573 Test Method for Rubber-Deterioration in an Air
accessories (such as compression seals, setting blocks, spacers,
Oven
and shims) for use in sealing and glazing applications in
D 624 Test Method for Tear Strength of Conventional
building construction. These products are used to seal or serve
Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers
as components of compression sealing systems between me-
D 792 Test Methods for Specific Gravity (Relative Density)
chanically restrained surfaces in building construction.
and Density of Plastics by Displacement
1.2 The values stated in metric (SI) units are to be regarded
D 925 Test Methods for Rubber Property-Staining of Sur-
asthestandard.Theinch-poundvaluesgiveninparenthesesare
faces (Contact, Migration, and Diffusion)
provided for information purposes only.
D 1149 Test Method for Rubber Deterioration—Surface
1.3 Test Method C 1166, as referenced in this specification,
Ozone Cracking in a Chamber
should be used to measure and describe the properties of
D 1566 Terminology Relating to Rubber
materials,products,orassembliesinresponsetoheatandflame
D 2000 Classification System for Rubber Products inAuto-
under controlled laboratory conditions and should not be used
motive Applications
to describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risk of materials,
D 2137 Test Methods for Rubber Property—Brittleness
products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. However,
Point of Flexible Polymers and Coated Fabrics
results of this test may be used as elements of a fire risk
D 2240 Test Method for Rubber Property—Durometer
assessment that takes into account all of the factors which are
Hardness
pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard of a particular end
D 3182 Practice for Rubber-Materials, Equipment, and Pro-
use.
cedures for Mixing Standard Compounds and Preparing
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Standard Vulcanized Sheets
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
2.2 Other Documents:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) Standard; Rub-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
ber Handbook, Fourth ed. December 1984
bility of regulatory requirements prior to use.
Uniform Freight Classification Rules
2. Referenced Documents
National Motor Freight Classification Rules
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3. Terminology
C 717 Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
3.1 Refer to Terminology C 717 for definitions of the
C 864 Specification for Dense Elastomeric Compression
2 following terms used in this specification: compound, com-
Seal Gaskets, Setting Blocks and Spacers
pressiongasket,edgespacer,elastomer,elastomeric,expansion
C 1087 Test Method for Determining Compatibility of
gasket, gasket, hardness, seal, setting block, shim spacer, and
Liquid-Applied Sealants with Accessories Used in Struc-
spacer.
tural Glazing Systems
C 1166 Test Method for Flame Propagation of Dense and
Cellular Elastomeric Gaskets and Accessories
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 09.01.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.01.
Available from the Rubber Manufacturers Association, 1400 K Street, NW,
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Washington, DC 20005.
Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.21 Available from the Western Railroad Association, Department of Services and
on Serviceability. Supply, Room 1150, 222 S. Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL 60606-5945.
Current edition approved May 10, 2002. Published August 2002. Available from the National Motor Freight Association, 2200 Mill Road,
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.07. Alexandria, VA 22314.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
E2203–02
3.2 Refer to Terminology D 1566 for definitions of the solutionsmayberequired.Itmaybenecessarytoremovethese
following terms used in this specification: compression set, materials from the surfaces of the product because of appear-
ultimate elongation, tear strength, tensile strength, and poly- ance fabrication, or usage requirements. All products do not
mer. require removal of these materials or removal to the same
degree of cleanliness.
4. Significance and Use
5.5.2 Products may also be required to develop adhesion or
4.1 This specification describes types (based on resistance to not develop adhesion to sealants with which they are in
to tearing and compression set), grades (based on durometer
contact.
hardness), class (based on flame propagation requirements), 5.5.3 Products described by this specification shall be clas-
and surfaces (based on surface characteristics) of products as
sified as to surface condition as follows:
listed in Section 5 for various applications. It is essential, 5.5.3.1 Surface S1—The surface of the product shall be
therefore, that the applicable type, grade, class, and surface be
smooth,clean,freefromanyforeignmatter,andshallnotallow
specified, as well as other options stated, so that the proper adhesion of sealants (see Note 1).
product is provided for the intended use.
5.5.3.2 Surface S2—The surface of the product shall be
smooth, clean, free from any foreign matter, and shall allow
5. Classification
adhesion of sealants (see Note 1).
5.1 The products described by this specification are classi-
NOTE 1—Appliedtreatments,suchasdustingorcoatingtotheadhesion
fied by type, hardness, class, and surface.
surface may be necessary to meet this requirement.
5.2 Type:
5.5.3.3 Surface S3—The product shall have a surface that is
5.2.1 Type T, Tear Resistant—In general these products
smooth, clean, and free from any foreign matter.
have a higher level of tear resistance. This type is applicable
5.5.4 Surface designation code is not needed for products
where finished products are intended to bridge or to cover a
not requiring special cleaning for removal of processing agents
space (for example, expansion joint gaskets), or where high
and materials.
tearstrengthisrequiredduetoconditionsofexposureorusage.
5.6 The following is an illustration of the use of the
5.2.2 Type C, Compression Set Resistant—In general, these
classification system for a line call-out. Expansion gaskets
productshaveahigherlevelofcompressionsetresistance.This
shall be ASTM C 115, TH5FS3.
type is applicable where finished products are used as com-
5.6.1 Other examples of line call-outs would be: edge
pression gaskets, or where low compression set is required due
spacers for structural thermoplastic glazing shall be ASTM
to conditions of exposure or usage; and as setting blocks,
C 1115, CH6S1; compression seal gaskets shall be ASTM
spacers, shims, or other accessories in glazing and sealing
C 115, CH7S2; and setting blocks shall beASTM C 115, CH9.
systems.
These examples are not to be construed as a specification for
5.3 Grade—Each type described in 5.2 is subdivided into
these items.
various hardnesses, based on nominal durometer hardness as
shown in Tables 1 and 2. For example, Grade H3 is 30
6. Materials and Manufacture
durometer.
5.4 Class: 6.1 The products described by this specification shall be a
5.4.1 Flamepropagationcharacteristicsofthefinishedprod-
preformed extrusion manufactured from a thermoplastic vul-
ucts can be varied depending on the degree of exposure, canizate (TPV). This TPV shall be classified under Classifica-
expected usage, and intended durability desired. Products tion System D 2000.
described by this specification shall be classified as to flame 6.1.1 The pre-compounded TPV shall be manufactured
propagation as follows: fromvirginpolymer,thatwhenproperlyextruded,willresultin
5.4.1.1 Class F—Resistance to flame propagation is re- an elastomer that will comply with this specification.
quired (reference Specification C 864, 4.1, Table 1). 6.2 The compound in its final shape shall be flee of visible
5.4.1.2 Class designation is not needed when flame propa- internal porosity, surface defects, and dimensional irregulari-
gation resistance is not required. ties that affect serviceability and durability.
5.5 Surface: 6.3 Unless otherwise specified, the compound color shall be
5.5.1 Consideration of product surface requirements may be black. If colors other than black are specified, the compound in
necessary. During the production of these products the use of the color specified shall also meet the requirements of this
various lubricants, release agents, dusting agents, and other specification.
TABLE 1 Requirements for Fully Cured Elastomeric Alloy Injection Molded Plaques
Requirement
Property Test Method
Type I Type II Type III Type IV Type V Type VI
Tensile strength, min, MPa (psi) 13.8 (2000) 9.7 (1400) 7.2 (1050) 6.0 (870) 5.8 (850) 5.8 (850) D 412
Elongation at break, min, % 500 460 380 350 340 340 D 412
Hardness, Type A durometer, points (5 s delay) 87 6380 6373 6370 6367 6364 6 3 D 2240
Relative Density at 23°C (73°F) 0.95 6 0.02 0.96 6 0.02 0.97 6 0.02 0.97 6 0.02 0.97 6 0.02 0.97 6 0.02 D 792
100% Modulus, min, MPa (psi) 6.1 (890) 3.8 (550) 2.8 (400) 2.2 (320) 1.9 (280) 1.9 (280) D 412
Mass gain, max. %, (24 h at 121°C (250°F) ASTM No.3 Oil) 60 75 80 90 95 95 D 471
E2203–02
TABLE 2 Material Requirements for Finished Products
Requirement
Property Test Method
Type I Type II Type III Type IV Type V Type VI
Tensile strength, min, MPa (psi) 13.8 (2000) 9.7 (1400) 7.2 (1050) 6.0 (870) 5.8 (850) 5.8 (850) D 412
Elongation at break, min, % 500 460 380 350 340 340 D 412
Hardness, Type A durometer, points (5 s delay) 87 6380 6373 6370 6367 6364 6 3 D 2240
Ozone resistance 1 ppm 100 h at 40°C (104°F) 73 mag No cracks No cracks No cracks No cracks No cracks No cracks D 792
Compression set, % max. 22 h at 100°C (212°F) 45 40 38 35 35 35 D 412
Compression set, % max, 70h at 100°C (212°F) 50 45 43 40 40 40 D 471
Heat Aging, 70h at 100°C (212°F) change in: D 865
Hardness, Shore A, max, points (5 s delay) 3 3 3 3 3 3
Ultimate Tensile Strength max, % loss 5 5 5 5 5 5
Ultimate Elongation max, % loss 5 5 5 5 5 5
Tear resistance, min, N/mm (lb/in.) 45 (257) 30 (171) 20 (114) 20 (114) 20 (114) 20 (114) D 624
Brittleness temperature, min, °C (°F) -61 (-78) -62 (-80) -60 (-76) -56 (-69) -62 (-81) -62 (-81) D 746
Water absorption, max, % loss/gain 5 5 6 6 7 7 D 471
7. Requirements 8.3 Tolerance for cross-sectional dimensions of extruded
products shall be as described by Table 3 unless otherwise
7.1 The TPV supplied in plaque form shall conform to the
agreed upon between the purchaser and the supplier.
material requirements prescribed in Table 1.
8.4 Tolerances for squareness and flatness are not included
7.2 The finished product shall conform to the material
in this specification, due to the difficulty of establishing
requirements prescribed in Table 2.
meaningful limits to satisfy a wide variety of applications.
7.3 The physical, mechanical, and performance properties
These tolerances should be as agreed upon between the
of the material shall conform to the requirements as described
supplier and purchaser.
by Tables 1 and 2.
8.5 The color of the seal shall be as agreed upon by the
8. Dimensions and Permissible Variations purchaser and the producer or supplier.
8.6 The finished product shall be free of defects in work-
8.1 The size, shape, and internal structure of the product
manship.
shall be as agreed upon by the purchaser and the producer or
8.6.1 Surface imperfections are acceptable provided they
supplier.
are less than 3 mm (0.125 in.) in diameter and less than 5 % of
8.2 Dimensions can be affected by distortions induced by
the depth of the cross-sectional thickness.
conditions of storage or shipping as well as temperature and
8.6.2 Defects in the extrusion shall consist of the following:
humidity variations. Prior to measuring the product, it shall be
8.6.2.1 Holes greater than 8.6.1,
unpacked and conditioned in an unstressed state for 24 h at 23
6 2°C (73 6 4°F) and 50 6 5 % relative humidity. 8.6.2.2 Air bubbles greater than 8.6.1, and
TABLE 3 Standards for Cross Sectional Tolerance
NOTE 1—The closer tolerance classes outlined below should not be specified unless required by the final application and they should be restricted to
critical dimensions. The closer tolerances demanded, the tighter the control which must be exercised during manufacture and hence higher costs.
NOTE 2—When particular physical properties are required in the product, it is not always possible to provide them in a combination which is capable
of fabrication to close tolerances. It is necessary, in these circumstances, that consultation take place between the customer and supplier. In general, softer
materials need greater tolerances than harder ones. Where close tolerances are required, a specific technique of measurement should be agreed upon
between purchaser and manufacturer.
NOTE 3—Tolerances on dimensions above 100 mm (3.94 in.) should be agreed on by supplier and user. General cross sectional dimensions below 1
mm (0.04 in.) are impractical.
NOTE 4—In general, softer materials and those requiring a post cure need greater tolerances.
1 2 3
RMA Class
High Precision Precision Commercial
Drawing Designation E1 E2 E3
Dimensions, mm (in.)
Above Up to
0 (0) 1.5 (0.06) 6 0.15 (6 0.006) 6 0.25 (6 0.010) 6 0.40 (6 0.015)
1.5 (0.06) 2.5 (0.10) 6 0.20 (6 0.008) 6 0.35 (6 0.014) 6 0.50 (6 0.020)
2.5 (0.10) 4.0 (0.16) 6 0.25 (6 0.010) 6 0.40 (6 0.016) 6 0.70 (6 0.027)
4.0 (0.16) 6.3 (0.25) 6 0.35 (6 0.014) 6 0.50 (6 0.020) 6 0.80 (6 0.031)
6.3 (0.25) 10 (0.39) 6 0.40 (6 0.016) 6 0.70 (6 0.027) 6 1.00 (6 0.039)
10 (0.39) 16 (0.63) 6 0.50 (6 0.020) 6 0.80 (6 0.031) 6 1.30 (6 0.051)
16 (0.63) 25 (0.98) 6 0.70 (6 0.027) 6 1.00 (6 0.039) 6 1.60 (6 0.063)
25 (0.98) 40 (1.57) 6 0.80 (6 0.031) 6 1.30 (6 0.051) 6 2.00 (6 0.079)
40 (1.57) 63 (2.48) 6 1.00 (6 0.039) 6 1.60 (6 0.063) 6 2.50 (6 0.098)
63 (2.48) 100 (3.94) 6 1.30 (6 0.051)
...