Standard Test Method for Exposure of Firestop Materials to Severe Environmental Conditions

Abstract

5.1 This test method is intended to evaluate the material performance after exposure to a standardized set of severe environmental conditions. It is understood that these performance values are dependent upon these standardized exposure periods and environmental concentrations. Other values are possible if the exposure period or severe environmental concentration, or both, is changed. 5.2 This test method is intended to be used where the material is exposed to the specific extreme environmental condition in its intended field of application. 5.3 The user shall establish which properties are relevant to the application at hand, in order to determine the properties to be tested. Note 2: It is not intended for all properties to be tested in all cases. 5.4 This test method is intended to evaluate only the following types of materials, as defined by their physical properties used in penetration firestops: 5.4.1 Endothermic, 5.4.2 Intumescent, 5.4.3 Insulative, 5.4.4 Ablative, and 5.4.5 Subliming. 5.5 This test method determines initial physical properties to allow comparison with physical properties after exposure. The following properties are to be considered, as applicable: 5.5.1 Weight loss or gain, 5.5.2 Volume expansion, 5.5.3 Thermal conductivity, 5.5.4 Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), 5.5.5 Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), 5.5.6 Tensile strength and elongation, 5.5.7 Visual observations, and 5.5.8 Loss on ignition. 5.6 This test method uses the following exposures: 5.6.1 Elevated temperature, 5.6.2 High humidity, 5.6.3 Carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide with moisture present, 5.6.4 Water immersion, 5.6.5 Temperature cycling, 5.6.6 Wet-freeze-dry cycling, and 5.6.7 Weathering. 5.7 This test method does not provide any information regarding the actual fire performance of the firestop before or after the exposure tests. 5.8 This test method will provide a comparison between formula and processing changes in materials. 5.9 This test method only provides for a comparison of the tested material before and after a standardized exposure process. While this practice is designed to better understand how a material property may change after exposure to an environmental factor, it is not meant to predict longevity of service life. Service life longevity is addressed in Practice E2923. 5.10 This test method shall be used as one element in evaluating materials or selecting firestop material(s) for a specific application. Other factors shall be considered, such as its fire performance as tested in accordance with Test Methods E814 or E119, flame spread as tested in accordance with Test Method E84, durability, and its compatibility with its adjacent materials.