ASTM E2785-11

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.

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.

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.

This test method is intended to evaluate only the following types of materials, as defined by their physical properties or chemical properties, or both, and used in penetration firestops:

Endothermic,

Intumescent,

Insulative,

Ablative, and

Subliming.

This test method determines initial physical properties, chemical properties, or both, to allow comparison with physical properties, chemical properties, or both after exposure. The following properties are to be considered, as applicable:

Weight loss or gain,

Volume expansion,

Thermal conductivity,

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA),

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC),

Tensile strength and elongation,

Visual observations, and

Loss on ignition.

This test method uses the following exposures:

Elevated temperature,

High humidity,

Carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide with moisture present,

Water immersion,

Temperature cycling,

Wet-freeze-dry cycling, and

Weathering.

This test method does not provide any information regarding the actual fire performance of the firestop before or after the exposure tests.

This test method will provide a comparison between formula and processing changes in materials.

This test method only provides for a comparison of the tested material before and after a standardized exposure process.

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.

1.1 This test method evaluates a change in physical properties, chemical properties, or both, of firestop materials after a standardized environmental exposure. This test method does not evaluate the fire performance of the firestop materials.

1.2 This test method establishes indicators that will aid in determining the use of the tested material in buildings.

1.3 This test method evaluates the properties of component products used within a firestop system, and does not evaluate the properties of assembled firestop systems.

Note 1—This test method does not preclude the possibility of exposing complete firestop systems to one or more severe environmental exposures and then exposing the complete firestop system to a fire test.

1.4 This test method is intended to be a screening method in the evaluation of the relative behavior of a specific material before and after a standardized set of severe exposure criteria. Individual tests are not intended to be the only determining factor in evaluating or selecting a firestop material because each test has limitations.

1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.6 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.