Designation: C240 − 16

Standard Test Methods of

Testing Cellular Glass Insulation Block1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C240; 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 D226/D226M Specification for Asphalt-Saturated Organic

1.1 These test methods cover the testing of cellular glass Felt Used in Roofing and Waterproofing
insulation block for density, water absorption, compressive D4869/D4869M Specification for Asphalt-Saturated Or-
strength, flexural strength at ambient temperature; preparation ganic Felt Underlayment Used in Steep Slope Roofing
for chemical analysis; and thermal conductivity measurements. 2.2 ISO Standard:
ISO 3951 Sampling Procedure and Charts for Inspection by
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
Variables for Percent Nonconforming3
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only 2.3 Military Standard:
and are not considered standard. MIL-I-24244 Specification Insulation Materials with Special
Corrosion, Chloride, and Fluoride Requirements4
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
2.4 Other Standard:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
NRC 1.36 Nonmetallic Thermal Insulation for Austenitic
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Stainless Steel5
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3. Terminology
2. Referenced Documents 3.1 Definitions—Terminology C168 shall be considered as
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 applying to the terms considered in these test methods.
C165 Test Method for Measuring Compressive Properties of
Thermal Insulations 4. Significance and Use
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation 4.1 From a general standpoint, these test methods outline
C177 Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measure- the particular points which have to be taken into account when
ments and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of applying ASTM standard test methods to the case of cellular
the Guarded-Hot-Plate Apparatus glass insulating block.
C203 Test Methods for Breaking Load and Flexural Proper-
ties of Block-Type Thermal Insulation 5. Test Methods
C303 Test Method for Dimensions and Density of Pre- 5.1 General Sample Preparation—All tests have to be run
formed Block and Board–Type Thermal Insulation on dry specimens. In case of need, the sample must be
C390 Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal unpacked and stored in a dry place in such a way that all
Insulation Lots surfaces are exposed to the ambient air for a minimum of 24
C518 Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission hours before testing.
Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus
5.2 Density—Determine the density in accordance with Test
C871 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Thermal Insu-
Method C303. Preferably, the density shall be measured on a
lation Materials for Leachable Chloride, Fluoride, Silicate,
full block, 18 by 24 in. (450 by 600 mm) by full thickness.
and Sodium Ions
5.2.1 It shall be noted that density is interesting as such for
calculation of insulated equipment load and because it has
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on influence on the other important properties of cellular glass.
Thermal Insulation and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.32 on
Mechanical Properties.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2016. Published September 2016. Originally
3
approved in 1950. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as C240 – 08 (2012). Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
DOI: 10.1520/C0240-16. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
2 4
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from DLA Document Services, Building 4/D, 700 Robbins Ave.,
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, http://quicksearch.dla.mil.
5
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from Director of Regulatory Standards, US Atomic Energy
the ASTM website. Commission, Washington, DC 20545.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 C240 − 16
But it shall not be considered in itself as a criterion for 1007.6 The repeatability or single-laboratory operator precision
acceptance in the case of cellular glass. is 60.00060 g/cm2 or 60.030 volume % (61S). The repro-
5.3 Water Absorption: ducibility or multilaboratory operator precision is 60.00071
g/cm2 or 60.035 volume %. Due to a lack of a standard, no
5.3.1 Scope—This test method covers the determination of
statement is made regarding bias.
water absorption of cellular glass insulating blocks by measur-
ing the amount of water retained as a result of complete 5.4 Compressive Strength—Determine the compressive
immersion for a prescribed time interval. Surface blotting is strength in accordance with Test Method C165 Procedure A,
used to correct for the water absorbed on the cut surface cells. with the following test parameters and specimen preparation
5.3.2 Significance and Use—This test method provides a techniques:
means of measuring the water absorption of cellular glass 5.4.1 Each of the two parallel bearing surfaces of the
insulating blocks under isothermal conditions as a result of specimens shall be plane. When required, rub them on a
direct immersion in liquid water. It is intended for use in suitable abrasive surface to produce the required flat surface.
product evaluation and quality control. 5.4.2 The test specimens shall be 9 by 12 in. (225 by 300
5.3.3 Equipment and Materials: mm) by nominal received thickness, 12 by 18 in. (300 by 450
5.3.3.1 Balance, minimum 1500 g capacity and 0.1 g or mm) by nominal received thickness, or 18 by 24 in. (450 by
greater sensitivity. 600 mm) by nominal received thickness. Quadrant specimens
5.3.3.2 Immersion Tank, equipped with inert specimen sup- shall be taken from any one of four equal area quadrants of the
ports and top surface weights such as stainless steel. preformed block. The minimum acceptable specimen size is 8
by 8 in. (200 by 200 mm). The report shall include the
5.3.3.3 Synthetic Sponge, 4 by 7 by 1.5 in. (100 by 180 by
specimen size.
40 mm) or larger. Sponges found acceptable to use include
5.4.3 Cap both bearing surfaces of the specimens as follows:
cellulosic sponges and fine-pored absorbent synthetic plastic
Coat one surface with molten Type III or Type IV asphalt
sponges.
(350, +50, −25°F (preheated to 177, +28, −14°C)), completely
5.3.3.4 Test Room, with temperature of 70 6 5°F (21 6
filling the surface cells with a small excess. Such a coating
3°C) and relative humidity of 50 6 10 %.
application rate is approximately 0.20 lb/ft2 (1.0 kg/m2) 6 25
5.3.3.5 Distilled Water. %. Immediately press the hot coated block onto a precut piece
5.3.4 Procedure: of felt or paper laying on a flat surface. This is to prevent the
5.3.4.1 Carefully measure the thickness, width, and length asphalt surface from sticking to the compression platten during
to the nearest 1 mm of a cellular glass block, preferably 2 by the test. A lightweight kraft paper is suitable, although tradi-
12 by 18 in. (50 by 300 by 450 mm) and calculate the volume tionally a Type 1 roofing felt paper, commonly called a No. 15
and exposed surface area. asphalt felt, per Specification D226/D226M or D4869/
5.3.4.2 Weigh the specimen to the nearest 0.1 g (W1), then D4869M has been used.
submerge it horizontally under 25 mm (1 in.) of water
NOTE 1—A hot asphalt capping is used to simulate field applied
maintained at 70 6 5°F (21 6 3°C). Inert top surface weights systems, which require a high load bearing insulation product, ranging
are required to keep it submerged. After submerging it for 2 h, from roof applications to cryogenic storage tank base applications.
set the specimen on end on a damp cotton bath towel to drain Uncapped material or different cappings will give different values.
for 10 min. After the 10 min, remove the excess surface water Properly capped surfaces shall be approximately plane and
by hand with a damp sponge for 1 min per large face and 1 min parallel. Set the specimens on edge, exposing both capped
for the four sides. Wring out the sponge before and once in surfaces to room temperature for a minimum of 15 min to
between for each face and pass a minimum of two times on allow the asphalt to harden before testing.
each surface. Blot each face of the specimen equally by 5.4.4 The number of specimens to be tested and the sam-
compressing the sponge by a minimum of 10 % of its thick- pling plan shall conform to Practice C390 where applicable.
ness. Weigh the specimen immediately (W2) to the nearest 0.1 For the purpose of inspection by user’s representative or
g. independent third party, the number of specimens shall con-
5.3.5 Calculation of Results—Calculate the weight of water form to ISO 3951 inspection level S-4, 10.0 % AQL using the
absorbed (W2 − W1) and express it as a function of the exterior S method.
surface of the sample (g/cm2). Water absorption is also be 5.4.5 Compress the specimen until failure. The deformation
expressed as a function of volume percent, absorbed water at failure will vary, depending on the thickness of insulation
volume divided by specimen volume; or as a function of and the thickness of the capping materials. Record the loads at
weight percent, weight of water absorbed (W2 − W1) divided the failure point or definite yield point. The compressive
by the dry specimen weight (W1). Such ways of expressing the
results shall be strictly limited to direct comparison of results
on specimens of identical sizes. 6
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
5.3.6 Precision and Bias—The precision as determined in be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:C16-1007. Contact ASTM Customer
inter-laboratory tests is given in Research Report RR:C16- Service at [email protected].

2
 C240 − 16
strength is calculated from this load divided by the specimen bars, is the use of cold-rolled steel bars. These bars generally
cross sectional area in accordance with Test Method C165. are sufficiently flat and uniform in thickness.
5.4.6 The rate of loading shall be determined by using 5.6.1.3 Using a third straight metal bar long enough to lap
constant load rates of 250 lbf/s (1100 N/s) for 9 by 12 in. (225 metal bars on each side, carefully rub off the upper face of the
by 300 mm) specimens, 500 lbf/s (2200 N/s) for 12 by 18 in. specimen until the scraping bar just contacts the thickness bars.
(300 by 400 mm) specimens and 1000 lbf/s (4400 N/s) for 18 5.6.1.4 Turn the specimen upside down and place it back on
by 24 in. (450 by 600 mm) specimens. An alternate method the flat metal plate and put the two metal bars on the metal
would be to use a crosshead speed of 0.01 in./min (0.1 plate near two opposite sides of the specimen, this time without
mm/min) per inch (centimetre) of specimen thickness. the sheet of paper under each metal bar.
5.4.7 Due to the sample preparation, with the inclusion of 5.6.1.5 Repeat the rubbing operation described in 5.6.1.3.
felts and asphalt, the method described in Test Method C165 to 5.6.1.6 If the specimens have to be shipped, provide ad-
determine compressive modulus of elasticity does not apply for equate protection.
cellular glass as a material by itself. 5.6.2 Due to the rigid nature of the material and its open cell
NOTE 2—It has been found extremely convenient to employ a partially surface, it is preferable to have the thermocouples mounted on
submerged roll (see Fig. 1) for applying the asphalt. the surface of the plates and not adhered to the surface of the
5.5 Flexural Strength—Determine flexural strength in ac- specimens.
cordance with Test Method C203, Method I or Method II, 5.6.3 For maximum accuracy, it is recommended that the
Procedure A, preferably with a test specimen 1 in. thick by 4 in. temperature difference between the hot and cold surfaces of the
wide by 12 in. long ( 25 mm thick by 100 mm wide by 300 mm specimens is such that the temperature gradient in the specimen
long). equals or exceeds 40 F/in. (900 K m−1). Avoid specimens made
5.5.1 Measure the distance between the supports from from several pieces of cellular glass. Joints are prohibited in
center to center of the bearing bars. the central measuring area and their number shall be minimized
5.5.2 The number of specimens to be tested and the sam- in the guard area.
pling plan shall conform to Practice C390 where applicable. 5.6.4 The number of specimens to be tested and the sam-
For the purpose of inspection by user’s representative or pling plan shall conform to Practice C390 where applicable.
independent third party, the minimum number of specimens For the purpose of inspection by user’s representative or
shall conform to ISO 3951 inspection level S-3, 10.0 % AQL independent third party, the number of specimens shall con-
using the S method. form to ISO 3951 inspection level S-3, 10.0 % AQL using the
S method.
5.6 Thermal Conductivity—Determine the thermal conduc-
tivity in accordance with Test Method C177 or Test Method 5.7 Specimen Preparation for Chemical Analysis—When
C518. In the case of cellular glass, the following points deserve specified in the purchase order or contract, the following
special attention: chemical analysis results shall be furnished to the purchaser.
5.6.1 To achieve flatness and parallelism of the surface as 5.7.1 Chemical Analysis for Leachable Chloride,
required by Test Method C177 or Test Method C518, the (Fluoride), Silicate, and Sodium Ions—Determine leachable
following method is suggested: chloride, (fluoride), silicate and sodium ions in accordance
5.6.1.1 By sawing from the original block, prepare a speci- with Test Methods C871, MIL-I-24244, or NRC 1.36, with the
men with the required dimensions, its thickness being 2 or 3 following exceptions or additions. The test specimen shall be
mm greater than the final thickness. prepared for leaching by either of the following equivalent
5.6.1.2 Place the specimen on a flat metal plate slightly methods:
larger than the specimen itself and put two machined metal 5.7.1.1 Method A—Break 300 g of the sample into small
bars on the metal plate near two opposite sides of the specimen. size pieces 1⁄2 in. (13 mm) or less. Comminute in a nominal
Insert a uniform sheet of paper with a thickness 0.01 in. (1⁄4 1-gal (4-L) mill one-third to one-half full of appropriate media
mm) between the flat base plate and the metal bars but not for 10 min. Screen out the − 200 + 325 mesh fraction of 50 g,
under the sample. The metal bars are as thick as the final wash on the finer screen with 400 to 600 mL of cp methanol
thickness of the specimen and machined so that their top and using a wash bottle, and dry on the screen to constant weight
bottom surfaces are flat and parallel. Alternatively to machined at 212 to 230°F (100 to 110°C). An appropriate grinding media
is flint pebbles or alumina pebbles.
5.7.1.2 Method B—Break 150 g of the sample into small
size pieces 1⁄2 in. (13 mm) or less. Comminute using either a
manual or motorized mortar and pestle or a blender, and
concurrently screen out the − 200 + 325 mesh fraction until 50
g is accumulated. Wash the fraction on the finer screen with
400 to 600 mL of cp methanol, using a wash bottle, and dry on
the screen to constant weight at 212 to 230°F (100 to 110°C).
5.7.1.3 Alternatively, the sized fraction will be washed in a
specially made small screen by dunking repeatedly into a
container of methanol. In any case, the screens shall be washed
FIG. 1 Application of Hot Asphalt to Specimen Surfaces first with methanol.

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 C240 − 16
5.7.2 All of the other chemical requirements of Test Meth- 6.1.4 Chemical analysis results, if required, as specified in
ods C871, MIL-I-24244, and NRC 1.36 are to be followed. purchase order.
6. Report 7. Keywords
6.1 The report shall include the following information:
7.1 breaking load; breaking strength; cellular materials;
6.1.1 Density, flexural strength and thermal conductivity
compressive strength; flexural strength; thermal insulating
shall be reported as designated in the appropriate method.
materials-glass; water absorption
6.1.2 Water absorption, in g/cm2.
6.1.3 Compressive strength in accordance with Test Method
C165, except that the dimensions of the test specimens shall
also be recorded.

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