EN 17333-4:2020

Characterisation of one component foam - Part 4: Mechanical strength

This document specifies test methods for the evaluation of the mechanical properties for moisture curing, self-curing activatable or water drying foams dispensed from single pressurized foam containers.
This document 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 document to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.
The following test methods are described:
-   Method 1 - Compression strength: This test method describes how to determine the compressive strength of a cured foam. It gives an indication of the foams resistance against area distributed pressure. The maximum endurable stress is determined.
-   Method 2 - Movement capability: This test method describes how to determine the movement capability of cured foam. The result gives an indication of the degree of flexibility of the cured foam.
-   Method 3 - Bonding strength: The method displays the measurement of the bonding power of a One Component (Foam) Adhesive, dispensed from a pressurized foam container, between two substrates with direct contact.
-   Method 4 - Tensile strength: This test method describes how to determine the maximum stress a cured foam can withstand while being stretched before breaking. The result gives an indication of the elasticity of the cured foam.
-   Method 5 - Shear strength: This method displays the behaviour of a foam system towards shear forces. It shows the strength and the bonding power of the foam as the sandwich element between wooden plates. The test is conducted according to EN 12090.

Charakterisierung von Einkomponentenschäumen - Teil 4: Mechanische Festigkeit

Dieses Dokument legt Prüfverfahren für die Beurteilung der mechanischen Eigenschaften von feuchtigkeitshärtenden, selbsthärtenden aktivierbaren oder wassertrocknenden Schäumen fest, die aus einzelnen Schaumdruckdosen abgegeben werden.
Dieses Dokument beansprucht nicht, sämtliche mit seiner Anwendung verbundenen Sicherheitsprobleme, soweit diese gegeben sind, zu behandeln. Es liegt in der Verantwortung des Anwenders dieses Dokuments, angemessene Maßnahmen in Bezug auf den Gesundheits- und Arbeitsschutz einzuleiten und die Anwendbarkeit gesetzlicher Anforderungen vor ihrer Anwendung zu ermitteln.
Die folgenden Prüfverfahren werden beschrieben:
-   Verfahren 1 - Druckfestigkeit: Dieses Prüfverfahren beschreibt, wie die Druckfestigkeit eines ausgehärteten Schaums zu bestimmen ist. Es liefert einen Hinweis auf die Beständigkeit des Schaums gegenüber dem auf eine Fläche verteilten Druck. Die höchste aushaltbare Belastung wird ermittelt.
-   Verfahren 2 - Bewegungsvermögen: Dieses Prüfverfahren beschreibt, wie das Bewegungsvermögen von ausgehärtetem Schaum zu bestimmen ist. Das Ergebnis gibt einen Hinweis auf den Grad der Biegsamkeit des ausgehärteten Schaums.
-   Verfahren 3 - Haftfestigkeit: Das Verfahren stellt die Messung des Bindevermögens eines Einkomponenten-(Schaum)-Klebstoffs dar, der aus einer Schaumdruckdose zwischen zwei Substraten mit direkter Berührung abgegeben wird.
-   Verfahren 4 - Zugfestigkeit: Dieses Prüfverfahren beschreibt, wie die höchste Beanspruchung zu bestimmen ist, der ein ausgehärteter Schaum widerstehen kann, während er gedehnt wird, bevor er bricht. Das Ergebnis gibt einen Hinweis auf die Elastizität des ausgehärteten Schaums.
-   Verfahren 5 - Scherfestigkeit: Dieses Verfahren gibt das Verhalten eines Schaumsystems gegenüber Scherkräften an. Es zeigt die Festigkeit und das Bindevermögen des Schaums als Sandwichelement zwischen Holzplatten. Die Prüfung wird nach EN 12090 durchgeführt.

Caractérisation des mousses monocomposants - Partie 4 : Résistance mécanique

Le présent document spécifie des méthodes d’essai permettant d’évaluer les caractéristiques mécaniques des mousses durcissant à l’humidité, des mousses autopolymérisables et des mousses séchant dans l’eau, appliquées à partir de récipients individuels de mousse sous pression.
Le présent document ne prétend pas aborder la totalité des problèmes de sécurité qui pourraient découler de son utilisation. Il est de la responsabilité de l’utilisateur du présent document de respecter des pratiques de sécurité et de santé appropriées et de déterminer l’applicabilité des exigences réglementaires avant son utilisation.
Les méthodes d’essai suivantes sont décrites :
-   Méthode 1 - Résistance à la compression : cette méthode d’essai permet de déterminer la résistance à la compression d’une mousse durcie. Elle donne une indication sur la résistance d’une mousse par rapport à la pression exercée en surface. La contrainte admissible maximale est déterminée ;
-   Méthode 2 - Capacité de mouvement : cette méthode d’essai permet de déterminer la capacité de mouvement d’une mousse durcie. Le résultat donne une indication sur le degré de souplesse de la mousse durcie ;
-   Méthode 3 - Résistance à l’arrachement : cette méthode consiste à mesurer le pouvoir adhérant d’un adhésif (mousse) monocomposant appliqué à partir d’un réservoir de mousse sous pression, entre deux substrats en contact direct ;
-   Méthode 4 - Résistance à la traction : cette méthode d’essai permet de déterminer la contrainte maximale qu’une mousse durcie peut supporter tout en étant étirée avant de rompre. Le résultat donne une indication sur l’élasticité de la mousse durcie ;
-   Méthode 5 - Résistance au cisaillement : cette méthode détermine le comportement d’un système de mousse en cas d’application de forces de cisaillement. Elle détermine la résistance et le pouvoir adhérent de la mousse pour un élément pris en sandwich entre des planches de bois. L’essai est réalisé conformément à l’EN 12090.

Karakterizacija enokomponentnih pen - 4. del: Mehanska trdnost

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 17-Mar-2020
• Withdrawal Date: 29-Sep-2020
• ICS: 91.100.60 - Thermal and sound insulating materials
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 193 - Adhesives
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 193/WG 8 - One Component Foam (OCF)
• Current Stage: 9060 - Closure of 2 Year Review Enquiry - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 02-Sep-2025
• Completion Date: 02-Sep-2025
• Ref Project: SIST EN 17333-4:2020 - Characterization of One Component Foam - Part 4: Mechanical strength

Overview

EN 17333-4:2020 (CEN) - Characterisation of One Component Foam - Part 4: Mechanical strength - specifies standardized test methods to evaluate the mechanical properties of moisture‑curing, self‑curing (activatable) or water‑drying one component foams dispensed from single pressurized foam containers. The standard is intended for foam adhesives and insulating foams delivered as gun foam or straw foam. It defines sampling, conditioning (typically 23 ± 2 °C and 50 ± 5 % RH), test execution and reporting requirements for reproducible mechanical characterization.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and materials: Applies to OCFs (one component foams) from pressurised foam containers - moisture curing, self‑curing activatable or water‑drying systems.
• Five test methods:
  • Method 1 - Compression strength: Determines compressive strength at 10 % deformation (example: 3 mm compression for 30 mm foam), using a tensile testing machine (crosshead velocity 3 mm/min). Results expressed in kPa.
  • Method 2 - Movement capability: Assesses flexibility and ability of cured foam to accommodate movement (degree of flexibility).
  • Method 3 - Bonding strength: Measures adhesive bond strength between two substrates when foam is used as a one‑component adhesive.
  • Method 4 - Tensile strength: Determines maximum tensile stress (elasticity) before break.
  • Method 5 - Shear strength: Evaluates shear behaviour and bond performance when foam acts as a sandwich layer (test referenced to EN 12090).
• Sampling & conditioning: Detailed preparation steps (e.g., particleboard fixtures, spacers, pre‑moistening options for moisture‑curing foams), and storage/curing periods to reach “fully cured” state.
• Reporting: Test report must include reference to EN 17333-4, lab ID, product identification (name, batch, dispensing method, packaging), test conditions and whether samples were pre‑moistened.

Practical applications

• Who uses it: Manufacturers of one‑component foams, R&D teams, third‑party testing laboratories, quality control, product certification bodies, specifiers in construction and building products, and procurement/specification engineers.
• Why use it:
  • Validate foam mechanical performance (compression, tensile, shear, bonding, movement capability).
  • Support product datasheets, CE marking and comparative claims.
  • Inform selection of foams for construction joints, adhesive bonding, thermal insulation and acoustic sealing where mechanical loads or movement occur.
  • Ensure reproducible QC testing and acceptance criteria across production batches.

Related standards

• EN 17333 series (Parts 1–5) - Foam yield, expansion, application, mechanical strength (this part), insulation.
• Normative references cited: EN 205, EN 312, EN 923, EN 15006, EN 14847, EN ISO 844.

Note: EN 17333-4:2020 does not remove the user’s responsibility to follow applicable safety, health and regulatory requirements when testing or using these foams.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-junij-2020
Karakterizacija enokomponentnih pen - 4. del: Mehanska trdnost
Characterization of One Component Foam - Part 4: Mechanical strength
Charakterisierung von Einkomponentenschäumen - Teil 4: Mechanische Festigkeit
Caractérisation des mousses monocomposants - Partie 4 : Résistance mécanique
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 17333-4:2020
ICS:
83.180 Lepila Adhesives
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN 17333-4
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
March 2020
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 91.100.60
English Version
Characterisation of one component foam - Part 4:
Mechanical strength
Caractérisation des mousses monocomposants - Partie Charakterisierung von Einkomponentenschäumen -
4 : Résistance mécanique Teil 4: Mechanische Festigkeit
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 1 December 2019.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2020 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 17333-4:2020 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3
1 Scope . 4
2 Normative references . 4
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Test methods . 5
4.1 Method 1 – Compression strength . 5
4.1.1 Principle . 5
4.1.2 Equipment . 5
4.1.3 Sampling . 6
4.1.4 Test procedure . 8
4.1.5 Expression of results . 9
4.1.6 Test report . 9
4.2 Method 2 – Tensile strength . 10
4.2.1 Principle . 10
4.2.2 Equipment . 10
4.2.3 Sampling . 11
4.2.4 Test procedure . 13
4.2.5 Expression of results . 14
4.2.6 Test report . 14
4.3 Method 3 – Shear strength . 15
4.3.1 Principle . 15
4.3.2 Equipment . 15
4.3.3 Sampling . 15
4.3.4 Test procedure . 16
4.3.5 Expression of results . 17
4.3.6 Test report . 17
4.4 Method 4 – Movement capability . 18
4.4.1 Principle . 18
4.4.2 Equipment . 18
4.4.3 Sampling . 18
4.4.4 Test procedure . 20
4.4.5 Expression of results . 21
4.4.6 Test report . 22
4.5 Method 5 – Bonding strength . 23
4.5.1 Principle . 23
4.5.2 Equipment . 23
4.5.3 Sampling . 24
4.5.4 Test procedure . 25
4.5.5 Expression of results . 26
4.5.6 Test report . 26
Bibliography . 28

European foreword
This document (EN 17333-4:2020) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 193
“Adhesives”, the secretariat of which is held by UNE.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by September 2020, and conflicting national standards
shall be withdrawn at the latest by September 2020.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document is one of the product European Standards within the framework series of EN 17333 on
Characterization of one component foam, as follows:
— Part 1: Foam yield characteristics;
— Part 2: Expansion characteristics;
— Part 3: Application;
— Part 4: Mechanical strength (this document);
— Part 5: Insulation.
This document is one of a series of standards which specify test methods for determining the properties
of one component foams (OCFs).
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the
United Kingdom.
1 Scope
This document specifies test methods for the evaluation of the mechanical properties for moisture
curing, self-curing activatable or water drying foams dispensed from single pressurized foam
containers.
This document 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 document to establish appropriate safety and health practices and
determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.
The following test methods are described:
— Method 1 – Compression strength: This test method describes how to determine the compressive
strength of a cured foam. It gives an indication of the foams resistance against area distributed
pressure. The maximum endurable stress is determined.
— Method 2 – Movement capability: This test method describes how to determine the movement
capability of cured foam. The result gives an indication of the degree of flexibility of the cured foam.
— Method 3 – Bonding strength: The method displays the measurement of the bonding power of a
One Component (Foam) Adhesive, dispensed from a pressurized foam container, between two
substrates with direct contact.
— Method 4 – Tensile strength: This test method describes how to determine the maximum stress a
cured foam can withstand while being stretched before breaking. The result gives an indication of
the elasticity of the cured foam.
— Method 5 – Shear strength: This method displays the behaviour of a foam system towards shear
forces. It shows the strength and the bonding power of the foam as the sandwich element between
wooden plates. The test is conducted according to EN 12090.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 205:2016, Adhesives - Wood adhesives for non-structural applications - Determination of tensile shear
strength of lap joints
EN 312, Particleboards - Specifications
EN 923, Adhesives - Terms and definitions
EN 15006, Metal aerosol containers - Aluminium containers - Dimensions of the 25,4 mm aperture
EN 14847, Aerosol containers - Tinplate containers - Dimensions of the 25,4 mm aperture
EN ISO 844, Rigid cellular plastics - Determination of compression properties (ISO 844)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 923 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp/ui
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
one component foam
(OCF)
moisture curing or water drying foam as well as self-curing activatable foam dispensed from a single
pressurised foam container
3.2
pressurised foam container
pressurised can according to EN 14847 and EN 15006
3.3
test container
pressurised can according to EN 14847 and EN 15006 used for testing purposes
3.4
straw foam
one component or two component foams for the extrusion with an adapter tube
3.5
gun foam
one component foams for the extrusion with a foam application gun
3.6
fully cured or dried foam
cross-linked foam which reaches its mechanical properties as claimed by the manufacturer
4 Test methods
4.1 Method 1 – Compression strength
4.1.1 Principle
The test piece is prepared by foaming between two particle boards. When foam is fully cured the test
piece is compressed by at least 10 % by a tensile testing machine (e.g. 3 mm compression for the given
foam thickness of 30 mm). The compressive strength is obtained at 10 % compression.
4.1.2 Equipment
For each test piece (in total six test pieces required):
4.1.2.1 Two P3 or P5 particle boards (compliant with EN 312) with dimensions of
50 mm × 90 mm × 10 mm (length × width × thickness).
4.1.2.2 2 spacers, not water absorbing, not adherent, (e.g. polyethylene (PE),
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), on which polyurethane (PU) does not adhere), dimensions
30 mm × 20 mm × 50 mm.
4.1.2.3 2 screw clamps.
4.1.2.4 Sharp and clean knife blade.
4.1.2.5 Tensile testing machine.
4.1.2.6 Conditioning chamber or lab facilities, capable of being controlled at (23 ± 2) °C and
(50 ± 5) % relative humidity (RH).
4.1.3 Sampling
4.1.3.1 Conditioning
Bring the test container and the particle boards to the test temperature (23 ± 2) °C and (50 ± 5) % RH
for at least 24 h.
4.1.3.2 Test pieces preparation
a) Attach the spacers between the particle boards and fix them with screw clamps. The cavity in the
assembled joint shall measure 50 mm × 50 mm × 30 mm (see Figure 1).
b) Prepare 3 test pieces per test condition.
c) Self curing and water drying foams shall be tested in not moistured conditions. Moisture curing
foams can be additionally pre-moistened. In the latter case, the clamped boards are immersed in
water for 20 s, taken out and stored with the particle boards vertical and the spacers on the side for
two minutes, until excess water has dripped off. The foaming shall have started within the next
30 s.
d) Shake the unused test container vigorously 20 times.
e) Discard the first (40 ± 10) g of foam.
)
f) Fill the joint in horizontal direction to allow foam expand freely on both sides (see Figure 2).
g) Allow the foam to cure for 24 h at (23 ± 2) °C and (50 ± 5) % RH.
h) Cut the excess foam after 24 h (see Figure 3).
i) The sample is to be stored at (23 ± 2) °C and (50 ± 5) % RH for 6 more days.

1)
Typically, filling volume of a gun foam is (80 ± 10) %, and for a straw foam (60 ± 10) %.
Key
1 screw clamp
2 particle board 90 mm × 50 mm × 10 mm
3 spacer 30 mm × 20 mm × 50 mm
4 cavity 50 mm × 50 mm × 30 mm
Figure 1 — Test piece preparation

Key
1 screw clamp
2 particle board 90 mm × 50 mm × 10 mm
3 spacer 30 mm × 20 mm × 50 mm
4 extruded PU-foam
Figure 2 — Application of PU-foam
Key
1 screw clamp
2 particle board 90 mm × 50 mm × 10 mm
3 spacer 30 mm × 20 mm × 50 mm
4 cut PU-foam
Figure 3 — Sample after cutting off the excessive foam
4.1.4 Test procedure
Remove screw clamps and spacers. Insert the test piece into the tensile testing machine like shown in
Figure 4. Start the measurement within 5 min after removing the clamps and spacers.

Figure 4 — Test piece in the tensile testing machine
Testing is performed according to EN ISO 844. The force is applied through a moving compressive plate
perpendicular to the particle board. The cross head velocity of the tensile machine is 3 mm/min. The
compression strength is taken as stress at 10 % compression, in relation to the foam thickness
(i.e. strain).
The point where measurement of compression starts is when the force reaches 2 N (Do not zero at this
point).
4.1.5 Expression of results
Take the mean value of the measurements, report whether the test piece was moistened or not. The
compression force, usually obtained in Newton (N), is divided by the foam area in square centimetres to
express the compressive strength in kilopascals.
Report the compression length in per cent (preferably 10 %, corresponds to 3 mm compression for the
given foam thickness of 30 mm).
4.1.6 Test report
The test report shall include the following information:
a) reference to this document;
b) the name and address of the testing laboratory;
c) the number and date of the test report;
d) the name and signature of the person responsible or signatory of the report;
e) product identification:
1) product name, manufacturer or supplier,
2) batch number or identification code,
3) origin of the sample(s),
4) way of dispensing, e.g. dispensing gun and type or adapter tube,
5) packaging: volume,
6) expiry date and/or production date;
f) test procedure for test performed according to 4.1:
1) date of test,
2) performer,
3) any deviation from procedure in 4.1;
g) results of test:
1) test results (individual, mean values and chart of results),
2) observations (if any).
4.2 Method 2 – Tensile strength
4.2.1 Principle
All test pieces are prepared by foaming between two plates. When foam is fully cured, these plates are
sheared perpendicularly by a tensile testing machine until the sample fractures or breaks. The tensile
strength is the maximum force withstood by the test piece.
4.2.2 Equipment
For each test piece (in total six test pieces are required):
4.2.2.1 Two P3 or P5 particle boards (compliant with EN 312) with dimensions of
50 mm × 200 mm × 10 mm (length × width × thickness).
4.2.2.2 Two P3 or P5 particle boards (compliant with EN 312) with di
...