SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1998
STP15667S

Results from the University of Leipzig Project Concerning the Long-Term Stability of Elastomeric Building Sealants

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A comprehensive multi-year durability study was undertaken in which a series of high-performance sealant products were artificially and naturally aged in an effort to determine test methods most likely to simulate in-service conditions. Sixteen elastomeric products were evaluated; fourteen were sealants based on either polysulphide, polyurethane, or silicone compounds. The remaining products, an ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer rubber and a polychloroprene, were used to compare ageing effects on rubbery compounds subjected to ageing effects. Both free-film and model joint compounds were tested. Artificial ageing was conducted using different weathering apparatus and consisted of various combinations of exposure to fluorescent or xenon lamp ultraviolet radiation, simultaneous heat ageing at temperatures ranging from 60 to 140°C, and water condensation or spray. Natural ageing took place on a site located near the test laboratories and was characterized by its temperate climate and industrial setting. Changes in materials properties were characterized through mechanical tests, thermo-analytical methods, and chemical spectroscopy. Results from specimens aged artificially were compared with those aged from five years of open air weathering in Leipzig. As well, results on model joints were compared with those obtained from testing free films. Preliminary results suggest that the research should continue such that a comprehensive assessment of different ageing regimes and their effects on various sealant products can be ascertained. This work would then provide a fundamental basis for developing useful and predictive assessment tests for sealant products currently in use.

Author Information

Boettger, T
University of Leipzig, Arbeitsgruppe Dauerbestaendigkeit von Baustoffen, Leipzig, Germany
Bolte, H
University of Leipzig, Arbeitsgruppe Dauerbestaendigkeit von Baustoffen, Leipzig, Germany
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Developed by Committee: C24
Pages: 66–80
DOI: 10.1520/STP15667S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5385-1
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-2480-6