MaTestLab > Test Standards > ASTM C920 Standard Specification for Elastomeric Joint Sealants
Last updated 15th January 2025
ASTM C920 Standard Specification for Elastomeric Joint Sealants
ASTM C920 is the standard specification for elastomeric joint sealants. This specification defines the requirements for elastomeric joint sealants used in building construction. This specification describes the properties of a cured single- or multicomponent cold-applied elastomeric joint sealant for sealing, caulking, or glazing operations on construction sites such as buildings, plazas, and decks for vehicular or pedestrian use, and types of construction other than highway and airfield pavements and bridges. The standard covers various properties such as adhesion, elongation, and hardness, ensuring the quality and performance of sealants for sealing joints in structures. It ensures consistency and quality in the manufacturing and application of sealants and helps to ensure long-lasting, effective joint sealing in various construction projects.
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ASTM C920 Introduction
ASTM C920 outlines test methods and procedures to evaluate the performance and physical properties of sealants while ensuring their compliance with the specified requirements per their type, grade, and class. Test methods outlined in the standard primarily pertain to standardized substrates like mortar, glass, and aluminum. The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
By adhering to ASTM C920, manufacturers can produce sealants with consistent quality, while contractors and specifiers can confidently select sealants that meet the necessary standards, contributing to the overall integrity and longevity of constructed buildings or structures.
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ASTM C920 Test Procedure
Specimen Selection
The standard recommends using special standard specimens made of mortar, glass, and aluminum as substrates for testing purposes.
Test Setup and Execution
It involves selecting the appropriate specimen and preparing the required equipment and materials. The sealant is applied to the designated substrate according to the specified joint dimensions. After allowing sufficient curing time, the test specimens are subjected to various evaluations,
C920 Equipment and Sample Preparation
Specimen Details
After the weathering cycle, the specimen is fully submerged in distilled or deionized water for a duration of 7 days to keep the mortar specimens separate from the glass and aluminum specimens. This separation is necessary because the highly alkaline conditions created by the mortar could potentially impact the glass and aluminum materials.
Specimen dimensions
The dimensions of test specimens may vary depending on the specific test method being conducted.
ASTM C920 Test Results and Interpretation
The results drawn from the tests conducted under this standard help to evaluate the sealant’s adhesion, elongation, hardness, tear resistance, movement capability, and other properties. These results assist in determining the sealant’s quality, performance, and suitability for specific applications.
Relevant Tests related to C920
Important relevant tests related to ASTM C920 include ASTM C794 (adhesion-in-peel), C719 (adhesion and cohesion under cyclic movement), C661 (indentation hardness), D412 (tension), D624 (tear strength), and (surface preparation). These tests assess adhesion, movement capability, hardness, tear resistance, and surface preparation of elastomeric joint sealants.
Use of ASTM C920 in Various Industries
It is a high-performance sealant used in construction, automotive, and aerospace industries for concrete, masonry, metal structures, and parts of the automobile and aircraft fuselage-all because of the flexible and resistant quality that it possesses.
Materials Commonly Tested with C920
This standard tests the joint movement, adhesion, flexibility, and other environmental factors acting on silicone, polyurethane, and polysulfide sealants. These shall seal on a concrete substrate, metal, glass, or plastics, to check their compatibility in real-life conditions.
Common Challenges and Troubleshooting in ASTM C920 Testing
Testing for this standard is known to be difficult because most times, results are not uniform, due to substrate surface preparation, sealant curing conditions, application thickness by improper quantity, and inconsistent environmental controls. Troubleshooting may require reassessments of setups, adjustment of curing time, and ensuring that the substrate surfaces are clean.
Safety and Best Practices in C920 Testing
Testing requires proper wearing of personal protective equipment, ventilation, handling sealant according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and proper disposal of material to ensure safe handling, prevent exposure to sealants and chemicals and release of volatile organic compounds in curing.
Importance of ASTM C920
It is highly important in standardizing the performance criteria for elastomeric joint sealants in order to ensure reliability and durability of long-term joint flexibility applications. It assists manufacturers with the production of quality sealants-thus aiding the longevity of the structure and consumer confidence because of resilience they are known to show against hostile conditions once tested against ASTM C920.
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Where can I get the astm c920 tested?
You can share your astm c920 testing requirements with MaTestLab. MaTestLab has a vast network of material testing laboratories, spread across the USA and Canada. We support your all material testing needs ranging from specific astm c920 test to various testing techniques.
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Please contact us for a detailed quote for your astm c920 testing needs. Cost incurred to carry out different astm c920 testing methodology depends on the type of raw material; number of samples, coupons, or specimens; test conditions, turn around time etc. Costs of some ASTM testing methods start from $100 and the final value depends upon the factors listed above. Please contact us for the best and latest prices.
How many samples are required for astm c920?
The required number of samples or specimens should comply with the procedure given in the astm c920 standard. However, the MaTestLab operations team can assist you for your special requirements once you share your testing details with us.
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MaTestLab has a vast testing laboratory network, hence we bring you the best testing facilities in a cost-effective way. We offer considerable discounts (15-20%) to our returning customers based on test volume and frequency.
How many days will it take to complete the astm c920 test?
The turnaround time for astm c920 test methodology depends upon the test procedure mentioned in the standard test document. However, we at MaTestLab understand your research requirements and hence try to get your test completed within the least possible time.
Where can I get the astm c920 tested?
You can share your astm c920 testing requirements with MaTestLab. MaTestLab has a vast network of material testing laboratories, spread across the USA and Canada. We support your all material testing needs ranging from specific astm c920 test to various testing techniques.
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