ASTM C267 Standard Test Methods for Chemical Resistance of Mortars, Grouts, and Monolithic Surfacings and Polymer Concretes

    What is ASTM C267?

    ASTM C267 is a set of standard test methods for evaluating the chemical resistance of mortars, grouts, monolithic surfacings, and polymer concretes. It offers uniform laboratory methods for immersing cured specimens in chemicals and assessing changes in their physical appearance and mechanical properties. The standard has multiple test procedures that determine changes in specimen weight, specimen appearance, test-medium appearance, and compressive strength following exposure to the test medium. Laboratories utilize ASTM C267 to compare material formulations, ensure product quality, and identify construction materials for use in aggressive chemical environments. ASTM C267 contains three test methods that are generally selected based on the aggregate size of the system being tested. Systems with aggregates less than 0.0625 in. (1.6 mm) generally use Test Method A. Test Method B is generally used for systems containing aggregate from 0.0625 to 0.4 in. (1.6 to approximately 10 mm) in size. Test Method C is used for systems containing aggregate larger than 0.4 in. in size.

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    Get Certified ASTM C267 Chemical Resistance Testing

    Chemical-resistant construction materials should exhibit the same performance characteristics in the presence of chemical media that are representative of the service environment. ASTM C267 provides standardized test methods that can be used to help assess chemical resistance and to aid in material selection and development based on expected service conditions.

    What is the scope of ASTM C267?

    ASTM C267 specifies test methods for evaluating the chemical resistance of resin, silica, silicate, sulfur, and hydraulic materials, grouts, monolithic surfacings, and polymer concretes under anticipated service conditions. The methods determine changes in specimen weight, specimen appearance, test-medium appearance, and specimen compressive strength after exposure to the test medium.

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    • Evaluates the chemical resistance of resin, silica, silicate, sulfur, and hydraulic materials, grouts, monolithic surfacings, and polymer concretes. 
    • Evaluates changes in specimen weight, specimen appearance, test-medium appearance, and specimen compressive strength after exposure to the test medium.
    • Determines changes in specimen weight, specimen appearance, test-medium appearance, and compressive strength.
    • Supports evaluation of compressive strength after chemical exposure. 
    • Supports material evaluation and quality control.
    • Compares the performance of different chemical-resistant materials. 
    • Provides standardized test procedures for evaluating chemical resistance under the conditions specified by the applicable method.

    What are the Uses of ASTM C267 Testing?

    ASTM C267 helps manufacturers evaluate how specified materials respond to exposure to chemical media under the conditions established by the applicable test method. The test helps evaluate how materials respond to chemical exposure and assists product development and quality assurance.

    • Evaluates chemical resistance of construction materials. 
    • Compares different mortar, grout, and polymer concrete formulations. 
    • Supports material selection for chemical processing facilities. 
    • Assists quality control during manufacturing. 
    • Evaluates chemical resistance of the material under the specified exposure conditions.
    • Supports product development and material qualification. 
    • Checks long-term chemical resistance.

    Which Materials Can Be Tested Under ASTM C267? 

    Laboratories use ASTM C267 to evaluate the chemical resistance of resin, silica, silicate, sulfur, and hydraulic materials, grouts, monolithic surfacings, and polymer concretes under anticipated service conditions.

    Why is ASTM C267 Important?

    ASTM C267 provides test methods for evaluating the chemical resistance of specified materials under anticipated service conditions. The test assists manufacturers in comparing material performance, evaluating chemical resistance, optimizing formulations, and supporting material selection for anticipated service conditions.

    Common Challenges and Troubleshooting

    Proper specimen preparation, controlled curing, appropriate test-medium concentration, and stable exposure conditions support reliable chemical resistance test data. Improper curing, contaminated test media, temperature fluctuations, incomplete immersion, and inaccurate measurements can affect the results. Technicians use standardized procedures, calibrated equipment, and controlled laboratory conditions to minimize these sources of error.

    ASTM C267 Equipment and Sample Preparation Guide

    Reliable chemical resistance data is provided with good specimen preparation and controlled chemical exposure. Representative specimens are prepared and conditioned in the laboratory, using the appropriate procedure, and then subjected to the test medium and exposed for a specific length of time. Accurate measurements and calibrated equipment can help to produce repeatable test results.

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    Sample and Specimen DetailsTechnicians prepare representative specimens (mortar, grout, monolithic surfacing, or polymer concrete) from the material under evaluation.
    Specimen PreparationTechnicians record the initial specimen measurements and weight before exposing the specimens to the selected test medium.
    Specimen DimensionsTechnicians prepare specimens according to the applicable specimen requirements for the selected ASTM C267 test procedure.
    Instrumentation Chemical Exposure Containers, a Compression Testing Machine, an Analytical Balance, dimensional-measurement equipment, and other equipment appropriate to the applicable ASTM C267 procedure.

    Testing Procedures and Requirements for ASTM C267

    ASTM C267 outlines standard methods for evaluating the effects of chemical exposure on specified materials by exposing specimens to a test medium under controlled conditions and determining changes in specimen weight, specimen appearance, test-medium appearance, and compressive strength.

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    Specimen ConditioningCure and condition the specimens before chemical exposure.
    Chemical ExposureSubmerge the specimens in the chemical solution for the exposure time under controlled laboratory conditions.
    Property EvaluationTechnicians determine the changes in specimen weight, specimen appearance, test-medium appearance, and compressive strength following exposure to the test medium.
    Result VerificationTechnicians compare the results obtained after exposure with the applicable initial measurements and observations to evaluate the material’s response to the selected test medium.

    ASTM C267 Testing Process and Data Collection 

    Technicians prepare and cure representative specimens according to the applicable material requirements to begin the testing process. Technicians record the initial mass and condition of the specimens before exposing the specimens to the selected test medium for the designated period. They examine the specimens after exposure, make dimensional and weight measurements, and then conduct the necessary mechanical tests. The laboratory documents chemical exposure conditions, specimen identification, exposure time, physical observations, and mechanical test results.

    This image shows a chemical exposure container used to expose specimens to a selected test medium during ASTM C267 chemical resistance testing.
    ASTM C267 Chemical Exposure Container

    Analysis Results and Interpretation 

    • ASTM C267 evaluates the chemical resistance of mortars, grouts, monolithic surfacings, and polymer concretes. 
    • Laboratories normally report weight change in %, dimensional change in mm or inches, compressive strength in MPa or psi, and flexural strength in MPa or psi. 
    • Smaller changes in the properties evaluated by the applicable ASTM C267 procedure generally indicate better resistance to the specified chemical exposure.

    Link to ASTM C267

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    Updated on August 12, 2026

    Gokula Srinivasan Selvam
    About Author
    Gokula Srinivasan Selvam
    Gokula Srinivasan Selvam is a Material Testing Associate at Matestlab Inc. and holds a postgraduate degree in Ceramic Engineering from IIT (BHU), Varanasi. His academic background and professional experience are centered on advanced ceramic materials, their processing, characterization, and performance evaluation.
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