ASTM C782-13(2023)

Standard Test Method for Softness of Preformed Tape Sealants

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Preformed tape sealants are tacky, deformable solids that are used under compression between two substrates in a variety of sealing applications. This procedure measures the softness of a preformed tape sealant and gives an indication of the preformed tape sealant's ease of compression during installation. The resistance to penetration may also give an indication of the toughness of the preformed tape sealant.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes a laboratory procedure for determining the softness of preformed tape sealants.  
Note 1: Cone penetration methods applicable to greases and to petrolatum are described in Test Methods D217 and D937. Test Method D2451 also uses a penetration technique for determining the degree of set in sash glazing compounds.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. Temperature values are also provided (in parentheses) in degrees Fahrenheit.  
1.3 The subcommittee with jurisdiction is not aware of any similar ISO 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: 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials
• Technical Committee: C24 - Building Seals and Sealants
• Drafting Committee: C24.20 - General Test Methods

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D1321-23 - Standard Test Method for Needle Penetration of Petroleum Waxes
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM D217-19a - Standard Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM D217-19 - Standard Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM C717-19 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Refers: ASTM C717-18 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM C717-17a - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM C717-17 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2017
• Refers: ASTM C717-16a - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2016
• Refers: ASTM D217-16 - Standard Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2016
• Refers: ASTM C717-16 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2016
• Refers: ASTM D1321-16 - Standard Test Method for Needle Penetration of Petroleum Waxes
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2016
• Refers: ASTM C717-14a - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM C717-14 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2014
• Refers: ASTM C717-13 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM C717-12b - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2012

Overview

ASTM C782-13(2023), Standard Test Method for Softness of Preformed Tape Sealants, establishes a laboratory procedure for measuring the softness of preformed tape sealants. Developed by ASTM International, this standard is essential for assessing the ease of compression and installation properties of sealant tapes, which are commonly used in building and construction applications. Measuring softness provides insights into a sealant's compressibility and its resistance to penetration, which are both important for ensuring proper sealing performance and longevity.

Key Topics

• Purpose of Testing Softness: This method determines how easily a preformed tape sealant can be compressed under installation conditions, indicating its suitability for different sealing applications.
• Penetrometer Technique: The procedure employs a standard needle penetrometer, which measures the depth of penetration into the sealant specimen under a defined load. Multiple readings are taken and averaged for accuracy.
• Sample Preparation: Test specimens are prepared from a fresh roll, ensuring consistency and reliability of results.
• Conditioning: Specimens and apparatus are conditioned at specified temperatures to provide standardized testing conditions.
• Result Interpretation: The penetration value offers a quantitative measure of softness, with higher penetration corresponding to softer materials.
• Precision: The method includes guidance on repeatability and interlaboratory consistency, helping users evaluate the reliability of their results.

Applications

This standard is vital for various sectors where preformed tape sealants are used, including:

• Building and Construction: Quality control during the manufacture and installation of tape sealants in windows, doors, roof joints, and façade panels.
• Product Development: Manufacturers use these test results to formulate tape sealants with optimal compressibility and sealing effectiveness.
• Material Evaluation: Architects, engineers, and contractors specify or verify tape sealants based on objective softness criteria for specific project requirements.
• Comparative Testing: Testing according to ASTM C782 allows for comparison between tape sealants from different suppliers or production batches, aiding in material selection and quality assurance.

Related Standards

ASTM C782-13(2023) references several other ASTM standards relevant to the testing of sealants and soft materials:

• ASTM C717: Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants.
• ASTM D5: Test Method for Penetration of Bituminous Materials.
• ASTM D217: Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease.
• ASTM D937: Test Method for Cone Penetration of Petrolatum.
• ASTM D1321: Test Method for Needle Penetration of Petroleum Waxes.
• ASTM E2251: Specification for Liquid-in-Glass ASTM Thermometers with Low-Hazard Precision Liquids.

While there are related penetration test methods, no direct ISO equivalent exists for the testing of preformed tape sealant softness, making ASTM C782 the principal international reference for this purpose.

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By following ASTM C782-13(2023), stakeholders in construction and material science ensure reliable performance of preformed tape sealants through standardized and repeatable testing of their softness-crucial for effective sealing under compression. This standard enhances product consistency, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance across various sealing applications.

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: C782 − 13 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Method for
Softness of Preformed Tape Sealants
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C782; 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 D2451 Test Method for Degree of Set for Glazing Com-
pounds on Metal Sash (Withdrawn 2002)
1.1 This test method describes a laboratory procedure for
E2251 Specification for Liquid-in-Glass ASTM Thermom-
determining the softness of preformed tape sealants.
eters with Low-Hazard Precision Liquids
NOTE 1—Cone penetration methods applicable to greases and to
petrolatum are described in Test Methods D217 and D937. Test Method 3. Terminology
D2451 also uses a penetration technique for determining the degree of set
3.1 Definitions—The definition of the following term used
in sash glazing compounds.
in this test method is found in Terminology C717: preformed
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
tape sealant.
standard. Temperature values are also provided (in parenthe-
ses) in degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Summary of Test Method
1.3 The subcommittee with jurisdiction is not aware of any 4.1 The preformed tape sealant specimen is allowed to
similar ISO standard.
equilibrate at standard conditions. A standard needle under a
defined load is placed on the specimen for 5 s. The penetration
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
of the needle into the preformed tape sealant is measured.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Multiple readings are recorded and averaged.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
5. Significance and Use
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5.1 Preformed tape sealants are tacky, deformable solids
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
that are used under compression between two substrates in a
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
variety of sealing applications. This procedure measures the
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
softness of a preformed tape sealant and gives an indication of
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
the preformed tape sealant’s ease of compression during
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
installation. The resistance to penetration may also give an
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
indication of the toughness of the preformed tape sealant.
2. Referenced Documents
6. Apparatus
2.1 ASTM Standards:
6.1 Needle Penetrometer, as described in Test Method D5,
C717 Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
with a certified needle.
D5 Test Method for Penetration of Bituminous Materials
NOTE 2—Test Method D5 describes the needle method for determining
D217 Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating
the penetration of bituminous material; Test Method D1321 describes a
Grease
similar method for use with petroleum waxes, but a different needle is
D937 Test Method for Cone Penetration of Petrolatum
used.
D1321 Test Method for Needle Penetration of Petroleum
6.2 Stop Watch or Timing Mechanism, for the penetrometer.
Waxes
6.3 Thermometer, to measure the temperature of the test
specimen in the vicinity of the temperature of the test. For tests
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C24 on Building
at 23 °C 6 0.5 °C (73 °F 6 1 °F) a thermometer conforming
Seals and Sealants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C24.20 on
to the requirements prescribed in Specification E2251 is
General Test Methods.
recommended, such as ASTM Saybolt Viscosity Thermometer
Current edition approved May 1, 2023. Published May 2023. Originally
approved in 1986. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as C782 – 13 (2018). 17C (or 17F) having a range from 19 °C to 27 °C (66 °F to 80
DOI: 10.1520/C0782-13R23.
°F).
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 last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.
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C782 − 13 (2023)
7. Sampling 10.5 Adjust the apparatus to measure the distance through
which the needle penetrated the specimen. Record the amount
7.1 Samples to be tested shall be taken from
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