ASTM D2377-14(2019)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Tack-Free Time of Caulking Compounds and Sealants
Standard Test Method for Tack-Free Time of Caulking Compounds and Sealants
ABSTRACT
This test method describes the determination of the tack-free time property of caulking compounds and sealants. The method is applicable to both gun and knife grades. Requirements for the apparatus including the cabinet or room, brass sheet, template, steel sheets, plastic strips (polyethylene strips), spatula, and knife blade are given. Methyl ethyl ketone, ethylene dichloride, or similar solvent shall be used. The test specimen shall be sampled from a previously unopened container and shall be thoroughly mixed before using. The method of preparation and conditioning of the test specimen, and the test procedure are detailed. No caulking compound or sealant shall adhere to the polyethylene strip in the test specimen.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes the determination of the tack-free time property of caulking compounds and sealants. This test method is applicable to both gun and knife grades.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.3 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 The committee with jurisdiction over this standard is not aware of any comparable standard published by other organizations.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 30-Apr-2019
- Technical Committee
- C24 - Building Seals and Sealants
- Drafting Committee
- C24.20 - General Test Methods
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2017
- Effective Date
- 15-Nov-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2012
- Effective Date
- 15-Jan-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2011
- Effective Date
- 15-Jan-2011
Overview
ASTM D2377-14(2019), titled Standard Test Method for Tack-Free Time of Caulking Compounds and Sealants, is an internationally recognized standard published by ASTM International. This standard provides a definitive method for determining the tack-free time property of both gun and knife grades of caulking compounds and sealants. Establishing a consistent, reliable process for assessing tack-free time is critical for product quality, end-use performance, and meeting regulatory or client requirements in construction and manufacturing industries.
Key Topics
- Tack-Free Time: The principal focus is on determining how long it takes for a caulking compound or sealant to become tack-free after application, which is a key quality and performance measure.
- Applicable Materials: The test is relevant to both gun-grade and knife-grade caulking compounds and sealants, commonly used for sealing joints and gaps.
- Testing Apparatus: The standard specifies equipment like a controlled environmental cabinet or room, brass and steel sheets, templates, polyethylene strips, spatulas, and suitable knife blades.
- Specimen Preparation:
- Samples must be taken from unopened containers and thoroughly mixed.
- Specimens are prepared using clean tools and specified templates to ensure uniform thickness and distribution.
- Test Procedure:
- Exposure of specimens under standard conditions for a set period (72 hours for gun grades, 120 hours for knife grades).
- Evaluation involves applying a polyethylene strip and brass weight, then assessing adhesion - the compound or sealant should not stick to the strip.
- Safety Considerations: Users must ensure compliance with relevant health, safety, and environmental protocols, especially regarding solvent use.
- Reporting Results: The outcome is a qualitative assessment indicating whether the material exhibits a tack-free surface according to the set criteria.
Applications
ASTM D2377-14(2019) is essential for:
- Product Quality Control: Manufacturers of sealants and caulking compounds use this standard to verify product performance before shipping.
- Construction and Building Maintenance: Ensures that applied sealants achieve a tack-free state within a predictable timeframe, reducing the risk of dust pickup and ensuring proper curing in building joints and seams.
- Specification Compliance: Contractors, procurement teams, and quality inspectors reference this test method to certify materials for project contracts and meet regulatory or client requirements.
- R&D and Product Development: Researchers and formulators utilize this standard to compare the performance of new or modified formulations in controlled test environments.
Related Standards
For users of ASTM D2377-14(2019), it may be beneficial to reference the following related standards:
- ASTM C717 – Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants. Essential for understanding standard definitions used in D2377.
- Other ASTM Building Sealant Standards – While D2377 is unique in focus, the ASTM C24 committee maintains various complementary standards related to physical property testing, durability, and application.
Keywords: ASTM D2377, tack-free time, caulking compounds, sealants, standard test method, building sealant performance, product quality, construction materials, ASTM standards, test procedure, adhesion testing.
By adhering to ASTM D2377-14(2019), organizations can confidently ensure the consistency, reliability, and performance of caulking compounds and sealants used in a wide spectrum of construction and manufacturing applications.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D2377-14(2019) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Tack-Free Time of Caulking Compounds and Sealants". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This test method describes the determination of the tack-free time property of caulking compounds and sealants. The method is applicable to both gun and knife grades. Requirements for the apparatus including the cabinet or room, brass sheet, template, steel sheets, plastic strips (polyethylene strips), spatula, and knife blade are given. Methyl ethyl ketone, ethylene dichloride, or similar solvent shall be used. The test specimen shall be sampled from a previously unopened container and shall be thoroughly mixed before using. The method of preparation and conditioning of the test specimen, and the test procedure are detailed. No caulking compound or sealant shall adhere to the polyethylene strip in the test specimen. SCOPE 1.1 This test method describes the determination of the tack-free time property of caulking compounds and sealants. This test method is applicable to both gun and knife grades. 1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only. 1.3 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 The committee with jurisdiction over this standard is not aware of any comparable standard published by other organizations. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ABSTRACT This test method describes the determination of the tack-free time property of caulking compounds and sealants. The method is applicable to both gun and knife grades. Requirements for the apparatus including the cabinet or room, brass sheet, template, steel sheets, plastic strips (polyethylene strips), spatula, and knife blade are given. Methyl ethyl ketone, ethylene dichloride, or similar solvent shall be used. The test specimen shall be sampled from a previously unopened container and shall be thoroughly mixed before using. The method of preparation and conditioning of the test specimen, and the test procedure are detailed. No caulking compound or sealant shall adhere to the polyethylene strip in the test specimen. SCOPE 1.1 This test method describes the determination of the tack-free time property of caulking compounds and sealants. This test method is applicable to both gun and knife grades. 1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only. 1.3 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 The committee with jurisdiction over this standard is not aware of any comparable standard published by other organizations. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM D2377-14(2019) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D2377-14(2019) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D2377-14, ASTM C717-19, ASTM C717-18, ASTM C717-17a, ASTM C717-17, ASTM C717-16a, ASTM C717-16, ASTM C717-14a, ASTM C717-14, ASTM C717-13, ASTM C717-12b, ASTM C717-12a, ASTM C717-12, ASTM C717-11a, ASTM C717-11. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D2377-14(2019) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D2377 − 14 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Tack-Free Time of Caulking Compounds and Sealants
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2377; 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.
3 1
1. Scope 4.2 Brass Sheet, ⁄4 by 1 ⁄2 in. (19 by 38 mm), approximately
⁄4 in. (6.4 mm) thick.
1.1 This test method describes the determination of the
tack-free time property of caulking compounds and sealants. 4.3 Template—A rectangular template of steel or brass, ⁄8
This test method is applicable to both gun and knife grades. in. (3.2 mm) thick, 1 by 3 ⁄4 in. (25.4 by 95.1 mm) inside, and
approximately 2 by 4 ⁄4 in. (51 by 121 mm) outside.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for 4.4 Steel Sheets—Two rectangular tin-plated steel sheets,
information only. approximately 3 by 5 in. (76 by 127 mm), and of a convenient
thickness.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.5 Plastic Strips—Two, clear, low-density polyethylene
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
strips, 1 by 5 in. (25.4 by 127 mm) by 0.004 6 0.001 in.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
(0.1016 6 0.0254 mm) thick.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.6 Spatula, steel, havinga4to 5-in. (102 to 127-mm) long
1.4 The committee with jurisdiction over this standard is not
narrow blade.
aware of any comparable standard published by other organi-
4.7 Thin Knife Blade.
zations.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
5. Solvent
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5.1 Methyl Ethyl Ketone, Ethylene Dichloride, or similar
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
solvent.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical 6. Conditioning
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
6.1 Condition the sample in the original closed container for
at least 5 h at Standard Conditions as defined in Terminology
2. Referenced Documents
C717.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C717 Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants 7. Sampling
7.1 Take the sealant from a previously unopened container
3. Terminology
and thoroughly mix before using.
3.1 Definitions—Refer to Terminology C717 for definitions
8. Test Specimens
of the following terms: caulking compound, compound, seal-
ant.
8.1 Prepare two test specimens as follows:
8.1.1 Thoroughly mix the conditioned compound and com-
4. Apparatus
pletely clean the template and steel sheets with solvent.
4.1 Cabinet or Room, capable of maintaining Standard
8.1.2 Center the template on the tin panel and carefully fill
Conditions as defined in Terminology C717.
it, avoiding air pockets. Strike off the surface of the compound
flat to a uniform ⁄8-in. (3.2-mm) thickness. With a thin knife
Thistestmethodisunderthejuri
...
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