ASTM E1773-18

Standard Practice for Sealing Rigid Wall Tactical Shelters with Polysulfide Based Sealants

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This recommended practice is intended to provide information on the storage, mixing, handling, and application of polysulfide based sealants. Tooling and equipment requirements for the satisfactory application of the sealants to joints in tactical shelters are also provided.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the procedures for sealing rigid wall tactical shelters. It outlines the techniques for the storage, mixing, handling, and application of polysulfide based sealants.  
1.2 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.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 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-Sep-2018
• ICS: 95.020 - Military in general
• Technical Committee: E06 - Performance of Buildings
• Drafting Committee: E06.53 - Materials and Processes for Durable Rigidwall Relocatable Structures

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E1773-10 - Standard Practice for Sealing Rigid Wall Tactical Shelters with Polysulfide Based Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM E1749-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Rigid Wall Relocatable Shelters
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM E631-15 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2015
• Refers: ASTM E631-14 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• 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 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 E1749-10 - Standard Terminology Relating to Rigid Wall Relocatable Shelters
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2010
• 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 D907-06 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2006
• Refers: ASTM E631-06 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2006
• Refers: ASTM E1749-05 - Standard Terminology Relating to Rigid Wall Relocatable Shelters
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2005

Overview

ASTM E1773-18 is the Standard Practice for Sealing Rigid Wall Tactical Shelters with Polysulfide Based Sealants, published by ASTM International. This standard outlines best practices for the storage, mixing, handling, and application of polysulfide sealants to rigid wall tactical shelters. The document also details the necessary equipment and tooling requirements crucial for achieving reliable seals in demanding environments, which are essential for military and field-deployable shelters.

The standard supports organizations, including U.S. Department of Defense agencies, in implementing consistent sealing methods to ensure tactical shelters are protected from environmental exposures. Proper application of polysulfide-based sealants enhances shelter durability, environmental isolation, and the longevity of critical infrastructure.

Key Topics

• Sealant Storage and Labeling:
  Guidance on maintaining optimal storage conditions for premixed, frozen, and two-component sealant kits. Storage temperatures and clear labeling requirements help preserve sealant quality and traceability.

• Mixing and Handling Procedures:
  Instructions for both manual and machine mixing of sealants, ensuring correct ratios and thorough blending to maximize sealant performance and minimize defects like voids or air bubbles.

• Surface Preparation:
  Emphasizes thorough cleaning of contact surfaces using approved solvents and cloths (referencing SAE-AMS-3819) to promote strong adhesion and seal integrity.

• Application Techniques:
  Procedures for extrudable (“B” type) or brushable (“A” type) sealants, recommended methods for sealing joints, seams, holes, and fasteners, as well as guidelines for tooling and achieving optimal sealant contours.

• Safety and Regulatory Precautions:
  Highlights the requirement to follow all safety guidelines in manufacturer’s material safety data sheets, ensure explosion-proof electrical equipment, and use appropriate personal protective equipment.

Applications

ASTM E1773-18 is essential for:

• Military Shelter Construction:
  Ensuring field-deployed rigid wall shelters are resistant to water, dust, and chemical ingress by establishing robust, continuous seals using polysulfide sealants.

• Disaster Relief and Emergency Response:
  Application in temporary shelters needing quick, reliable, and durable sealing under variable environmental conditions.

• Industrial Modular Enclosures:
  Used by manufacturers for assembly and retrofitting of rigid wall enclosures that require high-performance, long-term seals against harsh environments.

• Quality Assurance in Manufacturing:
  Enabling quality control teams to assess procedures for proper storage, handling, mixing, and application of sealants, leading to increased service life and performance of shelters.

Related Standards

• ASTM D907: Terminology of Adhesives.
  Provides definitions and terms related to adhesive technologies referenced in this practice.

• ASTM E631: Terminology for Building Constructions.
  Useful for understanding construction-related terminology used in shelter sealing.

• ASTM E1749: Terminology Relating to Rigid Wall Relocatable Shelters.
  Clarifies terms specific to tactical shelter applications.

• SAE-AMS-S-8802: Specification for polysulfide sealing compounds suitable for temperature-resistant and high-adhesion applications in integral fuel tanks and cavities.

• SAE-AMS-3819: Standards for cleaning cloths used during surface preparation, critical for ensuring contaminant-free joints.

Practical Value

Organizations implementing ASTM E1773-18 benefit from:

• Consistency: Standardized procedures ensure uniform application across projects and teams.
• Performance: Improved barrier protection increases service life in harsh environments.
• Safety: Defined safety considerations support regulatory compliance and worker protection.
• Traceability and Quality: Proper labeling and batch tracking of materials facilitate effective audits and maintenance.

By adhering to ASTM E1773-18, professionals can ensure the structural integrity, reliability, and environmental resilience of rigid wall tactical shelters, supporting mission-critical applications and long-term operational success.

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:E1773 −18
Standard Practice for
Sealing Rigid Wall Tactical Shelters with Polysulfide Based
Sealants
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1773; 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.
1. Scope 2.2 Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Specifications:
SAE-AMS-S-8802 Sealing Compound, Temperature-
1.1 This practice covers the procedures for sealing rigid
Resistant, Integral Fuel Tanks and Fuel Cell Cavities,
wall tactical shelters. It outlines the techniques for the storage,
High Adhesion
mixing, handling, and application of polysulfide based seal-
SAE-AMS-3819Cleaning Cloths
ants.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded 3. Terminology
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3.1 Definitions:
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
3.1.1 For definitions of general terms related to building
and are not considered standard.
construction used in this practice, refer to Terminology E631
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
and for general terms related to rigid wall relocatable shelters,
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
refer to Terminology E1749.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.2.1 accelerator—used by sealant formulators to denote an
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
ingredient included in the formulation to accelerate the rate of
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
cure.Itisalsousedseparatelyinamixturetoacceleratesurface
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
curingonlyofappliedpolysulfidesealant,thatis,tackfreetime
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
accelerator.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.2.2 adhesion—The state in which two surfaces are held
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
together by interphase forces. D907
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.2.3 application time (sealants)—the time available for
sealant application after mixing or time available after thawing
2. Referenced Documents
a premixed and frozen cartridge of sealant.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2.3.1 Discussion—AcceptabilitylimitsforClassBextrud-
D907Terminology of Adhesives
able sealants are expressed in terms of the extrusion rate of a
E631Terminology of Building Constructions
sealantfroma6floz(180mL)cartridgethroughanozzlewith
E1749Terminology Relating to Rigid Wall Relocatable
a 0.125 in. (3.2 mm) diameter orifice, using air pressure of 90
Shelters
6 5 psi (620 6 34 kPa) in a pneumatic sealant gun. The
extrusion rate is expressed in grams per minute or on cc per
minute. A minimum extrusion rate after the stated application
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Perfor-
mance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.53 on
time is given as the acceptable limit. Sealant applied after the
Materials and Processes for Durable Rigidwall Relocatable Structures.
application time is exceeded tends not to wet the surface well
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2018. Published November 2018. Originally
andthusnottoformagoodbond.Thistermshouldnotbeused
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as E1773–10. DOI:
10.1520/E1773–18. interchangeably with work life.
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 AvailablefromSAEInternational(SAE),400CommonwealthDr.,Warrendale,
the ASTM website. PA 15096, http://www.sae.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1773−18
3.2.4 assembly time—the amount of time available after a and re-entrant edges, and to produce a contour of the correct
two-part sealant is mixed, before the faying surfaces, to which thickness and shape over the area being sealed.
sealant is applied, shall be assembled and the sealant squeezed
3.2.19 two-component sealant injection kit—a kit designed
out.
for the mixing and application of a two-part sealant. The kit
3.2.4.1 Discussion—If the assembly time is exceeded, the
consists of a plastic (usually polyethylene) cartridge filled with
cure will have progressed too far to permit most of the sealant
base compound, a hollow dasher rod containing curing
to be squeezed out for the desired surface to surface contact.
compound, and a plunger.The dasher rod extends into one end
The term assembly time is used in reference to faying-surface
of the cartridge; at the end of the dasher rod inside the
sealants. Also called work life and open time.
cartridge, a multi-armed agitator is attached. The plunger caps
the other end of the cartridge.
3.2.5 base compound—the major component of a two-part
3.2.19.1 Discussion—To use, a ram rod is inserted into the
curing sealant that contains the polysulfide polymer.
dasher rod and the curing compound is forced into the base
3.2.6 bridging—see Terminology E1749.
compound. The dasher rod is then pulled back and forth at a
3.2.7 cartridge—a plastic container which contains an inte-
specified rate with periodic rotation to add to the efficiency of
gral plunger.
the agitator. When the sealant is mixed thoroughly, the dasher
3.2.7.1 Discussion—Thecartridgeisusedtocontaineithera
rod is unscrewed from the agitator and removed. A nozzle is
frozen quantity of premixed base compound and curing com-
screwed onto the cartridge and the unit inserted into a sealant
pound or simply the base compound in unmixed injection kits.
gun. Sealant is dispensed as the plunger is pushed further into
the cartridge.
3.2.8 cohesion strength (sealant)—the internal forces hold-
ing a cured sealant together.
3.2.20 wet installed fasteners—fasteners that are coated on
the shank and under the head with a curing-type sealant to
3.2.9 contaminant—any foreign substance that degrades the
provide a corrosion barrier and a secondary seal.
performance of the sealant.
3.2.10 cure rate—the rate at which a sealant polymerizes or
4. Significance and Use
crosslinks (that is, solidifies), a measure of which is the
4.1 This recommended practice is intended to provide
hardness of a sealant at a specified cure time.
information on the storage, mixing, handling, and application
3.2.11 cure time (sealants)—the time required for a sealant
of polysulfide based sealants. Tooling and equipment require-
to polymerize and develop its full physical/mechanical prop-
mentsforthesatisfactoryapplicationofthesealantstojointsin
erties.
tactical shelters are also provided.
3.2.11.1 Discussion—In practice, however, it is the time
required to reach a designated hardness.
5. Hazards
3.2.12 curing compound—the crosslinking agent for the
5.1 Materials—The precautions outlined in the manufactur-
base compound.
ers’material safety data sheets (MSDS) for the materials being
used shall become a part of this practice.
3.2.13 hardness—see Shore A hardness and REX Hard-
ness in Terminology E1749.
5.2 Work Place:
5.2.1 All lights and other electrical equipment used for the
3.2.14 interference seal—a seal produced between a given
sealant application within an enclosed shelter shall be explo-
diameter mechanical fastener and a smaller diameter hole in a
sion proof. Extension cords shall be long enough to make
member into which it is inserted.
electrical connections outside the shelter.
3.2.14.1 Discussion—An interference seal is also produced
5.2.2 When use of compressed air is required, proper safety
when a fastener shank is expanded by the installation process.
equipment shall be provided and used.
3.2.15 primary seal—a seal which, in combination with the
structure and optional brush coat or secondary seal, forms a
6. Storage
continuous, durable seal in the sealing plane and requires no
6.1 Premixed and Frozen Sealant—Sealants that are sup-
additional seals.
plied premixed and frozen shall be stored in a cold box or a
3.2.16 self-sealing fastener—a fastener that provides a tight
room maintained at−40 6 5°F (−40 6 2.8°C) or within
seal without the need for sealant materials or the use of a
65°C (2.8°F) of the manufacturer’s recommended storage
mechanical seal.
temperature.
3.2.16.1 Discussion—An interference fit fastener is an ex-
6.2 Two-Component Sealant Kits—Two-componentsealants
ample.
supplied as either injection kits or bulk sealant kits shall be
3.2.17 tack free time—the time required for a curing sealant
storedinareasmaintainedatatemperaturenottoexceed80°F
to lose its surface tackiness to polyethylene.
(27°C).
3.2.17.1 Discussion—Refer to SAE-AMS-S-8802.
7. Labeling
3.2.18 tooled fillet—a fillet formed by working an applied
bead of sealant to a feathered edge using a shaped tool.
7.1 Sealant containers shall have attached labels which
3.2.18.1 Discussion—The goal is to ensure good surface clearly identify the product, manufacturer, matched base and
contact at the feathered edges, to eliminate voids, trapped air curing compounds (if applicable), batch and lot numbers, date
E1773−18
of manufacture, recommended mix ratio (if applicable), and components. The two streams are then fed into a mixing head
expiration date under specified storage conditions. where a uniform mixture is produced. The sealant is then
usually dispensed into low density polyethylene cartridges
8. Material Handling ranginginsizefrom2.5to12oz(74to355mL)forimmediate
use or quick frozen (see 8.5) for future use. The mixed sealant
8.1 Premixed and Frozen—Sealants are supplied premixed
should exhibit no visible streaks or evidence of entrapped air
and frozen, used prior to the manufacturer’s expiration date on
(bubbles or voids) during the dispensing operation. When
the label, and shall be ready for immediate use following
using meter mix machines the following steps should be made
thawing of the contents. With the addition of a nozzle, the
a part of the standard operating procedure:
material is dispensed directly from the cartridge.
(a)Stir the 5-gal pail of catalyst thoroughly with a me-
8.2 Two-Component Sealant Injection Kits—Sealants sup-
chanical agitator, being careful not to whip air into the curing
plied in this form shall be mixed according to the manufactur-
compound or excessively heat the material.
er’s instructions and used before the expiration date provided
(b)Scrape down the walls of the pail.
onthelabelandwithintheapplicationtimedeterminedforthat
(c)If the curing compound sits for 48 h after stirring, stir
sealant.
again.
8.3 Bulk Sealant—Two-part sealants are supplied in a wide (d)Start with clean lines and an empty meter/mix machine
range of kit sizes from ⁄2 pt to 50-gal drums plus 5-gal pail of or purge the lines and machine with at least 2 gal of base and
curing compound. In every case there is a small percentage of the equivalent catalyst.
extra curing compound included, ranging from 2 to 10% to (e)Calibrate a variable ratio machine frequently. (At the
compensate for losses in the transfer of the curing compound. start of each shift or the change of containers, or both).
Althoughkitsizesaregenerallyquotedintermsofvolume,the (f)If a static mix head is used, clean it if the flow rate
base and curing compound are matched on basis of weight decreases substantially. Purging of the static mix head is
ratio.Bothweightandvolumeratioareusuallyincludedonthe essential if the material has set for one quarter of the applica-
label.
tion life.
8.3.1 Mixing: (g)Air pressure to the meter mix equipment should be of
8.3.1.1 Hand Mixing—Kits under 5 gal are packaged such sufficient volume as well as pressure.
that the base compound container will permit the addition and (h) Quality Control—A visual inspection should be con-
mixing of the curing compound. Mix the entire kit at one time ductedtoensurethatnostreaksorexcessiveairisincorporated
and use all the curing compound. By mixing and using the into the mixed material.
entire kit at once, the user is assured that the correct amounts
8.4 Freezing—Once the base compound and curing com-
have been used and the resultant sealant properties will be
pound are mixed, the application time will decrease rapidly.
thoseexpected.Someofthepitfallsofattemptingtousepartial
Therefore, unless mixed sealants are to be used immediately,
kitsinclude:(1)thepossibleuseofinco
...

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: E1773 − 10 E1773 − 18
Standard Practice for
Sealing Rigid Wall Tactical Shelters with Polysulfide Based
Sealants
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1773; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice covers the procedures for sealing rigid wall tactical shelters. It outlines the techniques for the storage, mixing,
handling, and application of polysulfide based sealants.
1.2 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.
1.3 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 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:
D907 Terminology of Adhesives
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
E1749 Terminology Relating to Rigid Wall Relocatable Shelters
2.2 Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Specification:Specifications:
SAE-AMS-S-8802 Sealing Compound, Temperature-Resistant, Integral Fuel TankaTanks and Fuel Cell Cavities, High Adhesion
SAE-AMS-3819 Cleaning Cloths
3. Terminology
3.1 DefinitionsDefinitions:—See
3.1.1 For definitions of general terms related to building construction used in this practice, refer to Terminology E631 and for
general terms related to rigid wall relocatable shelters, refer to Terminology E1749. Terminology E1749 for definitions of general
terms used in this practice.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 accelerator—used by sealant formulators to denote an ingredient included in the formulation to accelerate the rate of cure.
It is also used separately in a mixture to accelerate surface curing only of applied polysulfide sealant, that is, tack free time
accelerator.
3.2.2 adhesion—The state in which two surfaces are held together by interphase forces. D907
3.2.3 application time (sealants)—the time available for sealant application after mixing or time available after thawing a
premixed and frozen cartridge of sealant.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.53 on Materials and
Processes for Durable Rigidwall Relocatable Structures.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2010Oct. 1, 2018. Published December 2010November 2018. Originally approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 20052010
as E1773 – 05.E1773–10. DOI: 10.1520/E1773-10.10.1520/E1773–18.
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.
Available from SAE International (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Dr., Warrendale, PA 15096-0001,15096, http://www.sae.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1773 − 18
3.2.3.1 Discussion—
Acceptability limits for Class B extrudable sealants are expressed in terms of the extrusion rate of a sealant from a 6 fl oz (180
mL) cartridge through a nozzle with a 0.125 in. (3.2 mm) diameter orifice, using air pressure of 90 6 5 psi (620 6 34 kPa) in a
pneumatic sealant gun. The extrusion rate is expressed in grams per minute or on cc per minute. A minimum extrusion rate after
the stated application time is given as the acceptable limit. Sealant applied after the application time is exceeded tends not to wet
the surface well and thus not to form a good bond. This term should not be used interchangeably with work life.
3.2.4 assembly time—the amount of time available after a two-part sealant is mixed, before the faying surfaces, to which sealant
is applied, shall be assembled and the sealant squeezed out.
3.2.4.1 Discussion—
If the assembly time is exceeded, the cure will have progressed too far to permit most of the sealant to be squeezed out for the
desired surface to surface contact. The term assembly time is used in reference to faying-surface sealants. Also called work life
and open time.
3.2.5 base compound—the major component of a two-part curing sealant that contains the polysulfide polymer.
3.2.6 bridging—see Terminology E1749.
3.2.7 cartridge—a plastic container which contains an integral plunger.
3.2.7.1 Discussion—
The cartridge is used to contain either a frozen quantity of premixed base compound and curing compound or simply the base
compound in unmixed injection kits.
3.2.8 cohesion strength (sealant)—the internal forces holding a cured sealant together.
3.2.9 contaminant—any foreign substance that degrades the performance of the sealant.
3.2.10 cure rate—the rate at which a sealant polymerizes or crosslinks (that is, solidifies), a measure of which is the hardness
of a sealant at a specified cure time.
3.2.11 cure time (sealants)—the time required for a sealant to polymerize and develop its full physical/mechanical properties.
3.2.11.1 Discussion—
In practice, however, it is the time required to reach a designated hardness.
3.2.12 curing compound—the crosslinking agent for the base compound.
3.2.13 hardness—see Shore A hardness and REX Hardness in Terminology E1749.
3.2.14 interference seal—a seal produced between a given diameter mechanical fastener and a smaller diameter hole in a
member into which it is inserted.
3.2.14.1 Discussion—
An interference seal is also produced when a fastener shank is expanded by the installation process.
3.2.15 primary seal—a seal which, in combination with the structure and optional brush coat or secondary seal, forms a
continuous, durable seal in the sealing plane and requires no additional seals.
3.2.16 self-sealing fastener—a fastener that provides a tight seal without the need for sealant materials or the use of a
mechanical seal.
3.2.16.1 Discussion—
An interference fit fastener is an example.
3.2.17 tack free time—the time required for a curing sealant to lose its surface tackiness to polyethylene.
3.2.17.1 Discussion—
Refer to SAE-AMS-S-8802.
E1773 − 18
3.2.18 tooled fillet—a fillet formed by working an applied bead of sealant to a feathered edge using a shaped tool.
3.2.18.1 Discussion—
The goal is to ensure good surface contact at the feathered edges, to eliminate voids, trapped air and re-entrant edges, and to
produce a contour of the correct thickness and shape over the area being sealed.
3.2.19 two-component sealant injection kit—a kit designed for the mixing and application of a two-part sealant. The kit consists
of a plastic (usually polyethylene) cartridge filled with base compound, a hollow dasher rod containing curing compound, and a
plunger. The dasher rod extends into one end of the cartridge; at the end of the dasher rod inside the cartridge, a multi-armed
agitator is attached. The plunger caps the other end of the cartridge.
3.2.19.1 Discussion—
To use, a ram rod is inserted into the dasher rod and the curing compound is forced into the base compound. The dasher rod is
then pulled back and forth at a specified rate with periodic rotation to add to the efficiency of the agitator. When the sealant is mixed
thoroughly, the dasher rod is unscrewed from the agitator and removed. A nozzle is screwed onto the cartridge and the unit inserted
into a sealant gun. Sealant is dispensed as the plunger is pushed further into the cartridge.
3.2.20 wet installed fasteners—fasteners that are coated on the shank and under the head with a curing-type sealant to provide
a corrosion barrier and a secondary seal.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This recommended practice is intended to provide information on the storage, mixing, handling, and application of
polysulfide based sealants. Tooling and equipment requirements for the satisfactory application of the sealants to joints in tactical
shelters are also provided.
5. Hazards
5.1 Materials—The precautions outlined in the manufacturers’manufacturers’ material safety data sheets (MSDS) for the
materials being used shall become a part of this practice.
5.2 Work Place:
5.2.1 All lights and other electrical equipment used for the sealant application within an enclosed shelter shall be explosion
proof. Extension cords shall be long enough to make electrical connections outside the shelter.
5.2.2 When use of compressed air is required, proper safety equipment shall be provided and used.
6. Storage
6.1 Premixed and Frozen Sealant—Sealants that are supplied premixed and frozen shall be stored in a cold box or a room
maintained at −40 6 5°F5 °F (−40 6 2.8°C)2.8 °C) or within 65°C (2.8°F)65 °C (2.8 °F) of the manufacturer’smanufacturer’s
recommended storage temperature.
6.2 Two-Component Sealant Kits—Two-component sealants supplied as either injection kits or bulk sealant kits shall be stored
in areas maintained at a temperature not to exceed 80°F (27°C).80 °F (27 °C).
7. Labeling
7.1 Sealant containers shall have attached labels which clearly identify the product, manufacturer, matched base and curing
compounds (if applicable), batch and lot numbers, date of manufacture, recommended mix ratio (if applicable), and expiration date
under specified storage conditions.
8. Material Handling
8.1 Premixed and Frozen—Sealants are supplied premixed and frozen, used prior to the manufacturer’s expiration date on the
label, and shall be ready for immediate use following thawing of the contents. With the addition of a nozzle, the material is
dispensed directly from the cartridge.
8.2 Two-Component Sealant Injection Kits—Sealants supplied in this form shall be mixed according to the
manufacturer’smanufacturer’s instructions and used before the expiration date provided on the label and within the application
time determined for that sealant.
8.3 Bulk Sealant—Two-part sealants are supplied in a wide range of kit sizes from ⁄2 pt to 50-gal drums plus 5-gal pail of curing
compound. In every case there is a small percentage of extra curing compound included, ranging from 2 to 10 % to compensate
for losses in the transfer of the curing compound. Although kit sizes are generally quoted in terms of volume, the base and curing
compound are matched on basis of weight ratio. Both weight and volume ratio are usually included on the label.
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8.3.1 Mixing:
8.3.1.1 Hand Mixing—Kits under 5 gal are packaged such that the base compound container will permit the addition and mixing
of the curing compound. Mix the entire kit at one time and use all the curing compound. By mixing and using the entire kit at once,
the user is assured that the correct amounts have been used and the resultant sealant properties will be those expected. Some of
the pitfalls of attempting to use partial kits include: (1) the possible use of incorrect ratio; (2) incorrect weighing; (3) failure to
thoroughly stir the curing compound in the container before removing the desired quantity; (4) incomplete transfer of base or
curing compound, or both; and (5) compromising the remaining material by failure to supply an inert atmosphere or failure to set
the can lid completely.
NOTE 1—In all cases it is of paramount importance that the batch of base be catalyzed only with the batch of curing compound to which it was matched.
(Batch number of batch of matched base and curing compound should be given on each label.) Hand mix thoroughly by folding the material over itself.
Frequently scrape down the walls of the container to ensure complete mixing. Avoid whipping the material as this will incorporate air into the mixture
and result in void formation. High mixing speeds may also cause excessive heat which will advance the cure of the sealant, shortening the application
and assembly time. If the storage area temperature is greatly different from normal (standard) temperature, the kits should be preconditioned to standard
temperature [77°F (25°C)];[77 °F (25 °C)]; also, local humidity shall be on the order of 55 % RH if data sheet performance is expected. If the surface
to which the sealant is to be applied is decidedly different from 77°F (25°C),77 °F (25 °C), the cure rate will vary accordingly. For example, a
SAE-AMS-S-8802 B-2 system at 50 % RH will have a work life of 3 h at 60°F (16°C),60 °F (16 °C), 2 h at 80°F (27°C),80 °F (27 °C), but only 1 h
at 100°F (37.8°C).100 °F (37.8 °C). While if the temperature is held at 80°F (27°C),80 °F (27 °C
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