1. Scope
1.1 This test method determines the amount of water retained (excluding surface water) by flat thermal insulations after these materials have been fully immersed in liquid water for a prescribed time interval under isothermal conditions. This test method is intended to be used for the characterization of materials in the laboratory. It is not intended to simulate any particular environmental condition that may be encountered in building construction applications. 1.2 This test method does not address all the possible mechanisms of water intake and retention and related phenomena for flat thermal insulations. It relates only to those conditions outlined in 1.1. Determination of moisture accumulation in thermal insulations as a result of partial immersion, water vapor transmission, internal condensation, freeze-thaw cycling, or a combination of these effects requires different test procedures. 1.3 This test method does not address or attempt to quantify the drainage characteristics of materials. Therefore, results for materials with different internal structure and porosity, such as cellular materials and fibrous materials, may not be directly comparable. Also, test results for specimens of different thickness may not be directly comparable because of porosity effects. The surface characteristics of a material also affect drainage. Specimens with rough surfaces may retain more surface water than specimens with smooth surfaces, and surface treatment during specimen preparation may affect water intake and retention. Therefore, results for materials with different surface characteristics may not be directly comparable. 1.4 For most materials, the size of the test specimens is small compared with the size of the products actually installed in the field. If the surface-to-volume ratios for the test specimens and the corresponding products are different, the test results may be misleading. 1.5 Cracks in the specimens and rough surfaces can increase the apparent water absorption. 1.6 Some materials tend to collect water on surfaces or to trap water in corners and, if not removed, will give incorrect results. 1.7 Materials that change or react with water may increase the apparent water absorption. 1.8 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard. 1.9 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 limitations prior to use.
Test methods are being removed from C209.
Keywords
thermal insulation; water absorption
The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.
Citing ASTM Standards
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