SEDL / STP / STP1088-EB / STP26553S

The Application of Thermal Analysis Techniques to the Characterization of EPDM Roofing Membrane Materials

Gaddy, GD
National Roofing Contractors Association/ National Institute of Standards and Technology (NRCA/NIST) Graduate StudentResearch Chemistprofessor of Materials Science and Engineering, The Johns Hopkins UniversityNISTThe Johns Hopkins University, BaltimoreGaithersburgBaltimore, MDMDMD

Rossiter, WJ
National Roofing Contractors Association/ National Institute of Standards and Technology (NRCA/NIST) Graduate StudentResearch Chemistprofessor of Materials Science and Engineering, The Johns Hopkins UniversityNISTThe Johns Hopkins University, BaltimoreGaithersburgBaltimore, MDMDMD

Eby, RK
National Roofing Contractors Association/ National Institute of Standards and Technology (NRCA/NIST) Graduate StudentResearch Chemistprofessor of Materials Science and Engineering, The Johns Hopkins UniversityNISTThe Johns Hopkins University, BaltimoreGaithersburgBaltimore, MDMDMD

Pages: 16    Published: Jan 1990

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Abstract

This study was conducted to provide data on the feasibility of using thermal analysis (TA) methods for the characterization of roofing membrane materials. TA methods have not been widely applied to such materials. The methods used were thermogravimetry (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Three black (carbon black filled), two white (titanium dioxide pigmented), and one white on black laminate ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) membrane materials were analyzed before and after exposure to the heat, ozone and UV conditions given in ASTM D 4637, as well as to outdoor exposure. Load-elongation tests were conducted to compare the results with those of the TA methods. The results indicated that: (1) TA techniques can be used to characterize EPDM membrane materials; (2) both the black and white membrane materials showed only slight property changes under exposure, as determined using the TA methods; and (3) in contrast to the TA results, the load-elongation values displayed relatively large changes. The TA tests determined bulk properties of the rubber sheets, whereas the elongation measurements were, to a great extent, influenced by surface characteristics. Based on the study results, it is recommended that work continue to provide additional data necessary for use of TA methods in standards.