ASTM C1241-14(2022)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Volume Shrinkage of Latex Sealants During Cure
Standard Test Method for Volume Shrinkage of Latex Sealants During Cure
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Shrinkage of a sealant, after application in a building joint, is caused by loss of volatile components from the sealant. This loss results in a decrease in volume and, hence, a change in the sealant's shape. This change in shape, in some applications, should be taken into consideration for acceptable joint appearance and geometry.
5.2 The shrinkage value obtained by this test method helps predict the appearance and geometry of the cured sealant in a building joint and is helpful in determining the amount and type of tooling to be done during installation of the sealant.
5.3 Latex sealants cure primarily through water evaporation. They may also contain small amounts of other volatile components. However, in this test method all volatiles are treated as water. This assumption still provides a meaningful shrinkage value since the small quantities of other volatiles and their differences in density from that of water do not significantly affect the usefulness of the result obtained.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a laboratory procedure for determining volume shrinkage, which occurs during cure, of a latex sealant.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information only.
1.3 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.
Note 1: A related ISO standard is ISO 10563. The user should compare to determine how it differs from this test method.
1.4 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
- 31-Dec-2021
- Technical Committee
- C24 - Building Seals and Sealants
- Drafting Committee
- C24.20 - General Test Methods
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2017
- Effective Date
- 15-Nov-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2012
- Effective Date
- 15-Jan-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2011
- Effective Date
- 15-Jan-2011
Overview
ASTM C1241-14(2022) is an international standard developed by ASTM International that outlines a laboratory test method for determining the volume shrinkage of latex sealants during cure. Volume shrinkage of a sealant occurs primarily due to the loss of water and other volatile components as the sealant cures, leading to a reduction in its volume and alterations in its shape. Understanding and measuring this shrinkage is crucial for predicting the final appearance and geometry of sealant joints in building construction.
The test method provides a standardized approach to accurately assess how much a latex sealant will shrink during its curing process, enabling specifiers and installers to make informed decisions about product selection and installation techniques.
Key Topics
- Volume Shrinkage Measurement: The method details how to measure the percent volume shrinkage of latex sealants under controlled laboratory conditions after a 28-day curing period.
- Importance of Volatile Component Loss: It explains that water evaporation is the primary driver of shrinkage in latex sealants and that small amounts of other volatiles are treated as water in calculations for simplification.
- Predicting Sealant Performance: The volume shrinkage data assist users in anticipating the cured sealant’s appearance, ensuring compatibility with joint geometry and desired aesthetics.
- Tooling and Installation Guidance: Accurate shrinkage measurement is valuable for determining the amount and type of tooling required during sealant installation.
- Consistency and Reproducibility: The standard outlines procedures that ensure test repeatability and reliable comparative results across laboratories.
Applications
ASTM C1241-14(2022) is widely used in the building and construction industry, particularly in quality control, product development, and specification of latex-based sealants for joints and gaps in structures. Common applications include:
- Building Joint Sealants: Evaluating latex sealants used for joints in walls, windows, doors, and other building envelope elements.
- Product Development: Manufacturers use the standard to characterize new sealant formulations and ensure they meet industry requirements for shrinkage performance.
- Quality Assurance: Construction professionals and material specifiers rely on volume shrinkage data to select suitable sealants that maintain joint integrity and appearance after curing.
- Installation Planning: Installers use shrinkage data to tailor tooling procedures, minimizing issues such as void formation or irregular joint profiles.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring materials conform to international standards and building codes that reference ASTM methods for construction materials.
Related Standards
Several standards complement or relate to the application and understanding of ASTM C1241-14(2022):
- ISO 10563: “Building Construction - Sealants - Determination of Change in Mass and Volume” is an international reference for similar volume shrinkage testing, offering a basis for comparison.
- ASTM C717: Provides terminology for building seals and sealants, useful for consistent interpretation of terms in ASTM C1241.
- ASTM D1475: Specifies the method for determining the density of liquid coatings and related products, referenced in the preparation and calculation stages of ASTM C1241.
- Other ASTM Standards: Many other ASTM and ISO standards cover additional physical and chemical properties of sealants, assisting in comprehensive product evaluation.
By following ASTM C1241-14(2022), manufacturers, builders, architects, and installers ensure informed selection and consistent application of latex sealants in accordance with international best practices, supporting the long-term durability and aesthetic performance of building joints.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM C1241-14(2022) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Volume Shrinkage of Latex Sealants During Cure". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 Shrinkage of a sealant, after application in a building joint, is caused by loss of volatile components from the sealant. This loss results in a decrease in volume and, hence, a change in the sealant's shape. This change in shape, in some applications, should be taken into consideration for acceptable joint appearance and geometry. 5.2 The shrinkage value obtained by this test method helps predict the appearance and geometry of the cured sealant in a building joint and is helpful in determining the amount and type of tooling to be done during installation of the sealant. 5.3 Latex sealants cure primarily through water evaporation. They may also contain small amounts of other volatile components. However, in this test method all volatiles are treated as water. This assumption still provides a meaningful shrinkage value since the small quantities of other volatiles and their differences in density from that of water do not significantly affect the usefulness of the result obtained. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers a laboratory procedure for determining volume shrinkage, which occurs during cure, of a latex sealant. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information only. 1.3 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. Note 1: A related ISO standard is ISO 10563. The user should compare to determine how it differs from this test method. 1.4 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 Shrinkage of a sealant, after application in a building joint, is caused by loss of volatile components from the sealant. This loss results in a decrease in volume and, hence, a change in the sealant's shape. This change in shape, in some applications, should be taken into consideration for acceptable joint appearance and geometry. 5.2 The shrinkage value obtained by this test method helps predict the appearance and geometry of the cured sealant in a building joint and is helpful in determining the amount and type of tooling to be done during installation of the sealant. 5.3 Latex sealants cure primarily through water evaporation. They may also contain small amounts of other volatile components. However, in this test method all volatiles are treated as water. This assumption still provides a meaningful shrinkage value since the small quantities of other volatiles and their differences in density from that of water do not significantly affect the usefulness of the result obtained. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers a laboratory procedure for determining volume shrinkage, which occurs during cure, of a latex sealant. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information only. 1.3 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. Note 1: A related ISO standard is ISO 10563. The user should compare to determine how it differs from this test method. 1.4 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.
ASTM C1241-14(2022) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 83.040.10 - Latex and raw rubber. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM C1241-14(2022) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM C717-19, ASTM C717-18, ASTM C717-17a, ASTM C717-17, ASTM C717-16a, ASTM C717-16, ASTM C717-14a, ASTM C717-14, ASTM C717-13, ASTM C717-12b, ASTM D1475-98(2012), ASTM C717-12a, ASTM C717-12, ASTM C717-11a, ASTM C717-11. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM C1241-14(2022) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
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: C1241 − 14 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Test Method for
Volume Shrinkage of Latex Sealants During Cure
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1241; 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 3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Refer to Terminology C717 for definitions
1.1 This test method covers a laboratory procedure for
of the following terms used in this test method: cure, joint,
determining volume shrinkage, which occurs during cure, of a
latex sealant, sealant, shrinkage (volume), and tooling.
latex sealant.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
4. Summary of Test Method
standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for
4.1 The sealant is extruded onto polyethylene release film
information only.
and weighed.After curing for 28 days, its volume shrinkage is
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
calculated using the sealant’s density, the percent weight lost
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
duringthe28-daycure,andthedensityofwater.Thedensityof
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
the sealant is determined by the weight-per-gallon cup proce-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
dure described in Test Method D1475.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5. Significance and Use
NOTE 1—A related ISO standard is ISO 10563. The user should
compare to determine how it differs from this test method.
5.1 Shrinkage of a sealant, after application in a building
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- joint,iscausedbylossofvolatilecomponentsfromthesealant.
This loss results in a decrease in volume and, hence, a change
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the in the sealant’s shape. This change in shape, in some
applications, should be taken into consideration for acceptable
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical joint appearance and geometry.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.2 The shrinkage value obtained by this test method helps
predict the appearance and geometry of the cured sealant in a
2. Referenced Documents
building joint and is helpful in determining the amount and
type of tooling to be done during installation of the sealant.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C717 Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
5.3 Latex sealants cure primarily through water evapora-
D1475 Test Method for Density of Liquid Coatings, Inks,
tion. They may also contain small amounts of other volatile
and Related Products
components. However, in this test method all volatiles are
treated as water. This assumption still provides a meaningful
2.2 ISO Standards:
shrinkagevaluesincethesmallquantitiesofothervolatilesand
ISO 10563 Building Construction–Sealants–Determination
their differences in density from that of water do not signifi-
of Change in Mass and Volume
cantly affect the usefulness of the result obtained.
6. Apparatus
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeC24onBuilding
Seals and Sealants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C24.20 on
6.1 Polyethylene Film—Three sheets, each about 51 mm by
General Test Methods.
51 mm (2 in. by 2 in.) by 0.127 mm (5 mil) thick.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2022. Published January 2022. Originally
approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as C1241 – 14. DOI:
6.2 Weight-per-Gallon Cup, 80 to 90 mL capacity.
10.1520/C1241-14R22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
6.3 Constant Temperature Bath or Room, held at
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
23 °C 6 2.0 °C (73 °F 6 3.6 °F).
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
6.4 Forceps.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036. 6.5 Distilled Water.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1241 − 14 (2022)
7. Procedure 8. Calculation
7.1 Standard Conditions are as defined in Terminology 8.1 Calculate the percent weight loss (% Wl) from each set
C717. of specimens as follows:
W 2 W
7.2 Conditi
...




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