ASTM E595 Outgassing Testing Services

ASTM E595-07 test method determines the total mass loss, collected volatile condensable materials, and the amount of water vapor regained when materials are exposed to a vacuum environment. This method is applicable for various types of organic, polymeric, and inorganic materials. The SI units are considered to be the standard of measurement.

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Overview
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Test Process
Specifications
Instrumentation
Results and Deliverables

Overview

ASTM E595-07 procedure includes a screening method to ascertain the volatile content of items in a vacuum. Total mass loss (TML) and collected volatile condensable materials (CVCM) are the two parameters that are measured. Following the completion of the exposures and measurements necessary for TML and CVCM, an additional parameter, the quantity of water vapor regained (WVR), can also be collected.

The ASTM E595-07 test method determines the total mass loss, the mass of collected volatile condensable materials, and the mass of water vapor regained upon vacuum exposure. This method applies to various ASTM E595 epoxy, organic, polymeric, and inorganic materials. SI units are to be the standard of measurement.

Scope, Applications, and Benefits

Scope

The ASTM E595–07 test method determines the volatile content of materials exposed to vacuum. This method addresses material stiffness, recovery of the deformed portion, strain calculation, functionality, development, product assessment, transformation temperatures, quality control, specification acceptance, and research, making it easy for the customer and supplier to reach an agreement. Moreover, the total mass loss and the amount of water vapor regained are also determined.

Applications

Selection of materials for spacecraft and satellite components.
Evaluation of polymers, adhesives, coatings, sealants, and composites.
Used in aerospace, defense, and vacuum technology industries.
Assessment of materials for optical instruments and sensors.
Quality control during the manufacturing of space-grade materials,
Research and development of low-outgassing materials.

Benefits

Standardized method to evaluate outgassing characteristics of material.
Measures Total Mass Loss (TML) and Collected Volatile Condensable Materials (CVCM).
Helps in material screening and qualification for sensitive environments.
Prevents contamination of optical, electronic, and thermal surfaces.
Improves the reliability and performance of components under vacuum.
Widely accepted by aerospace and space agencies for material approval

Testing Process

Specimen Preparation

Clean and condition specimens to the specified size and thickness.

Test Setup

Place the specimen between the electrodes with proper alignment.

Voltage Application

Apply voltage gradually at a controlled rate until breakdown.

Data Collection & Dielectric Strength Calculation

Record breakdown voltage and calculate dielectric strength (V/thickness).

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Specimen Thickness	As specified in the applicable material standard
Specimen Condition	Clean, dry, free from surface defects and contaminants
Electrode Type	Standard flat or spherical electrodes as per test method
Voltage Type	AC or DC (as specified)
Test Environment	Controlled temperature and humidity
Breakdown Detection	Sudden increase in current or visible electrical failure

Instrumentation Used

Vacuum oven / controlled vacuum chamber
Microbalance (high-precision)
Collection plates or cold traps for condensable materials
Temperature and vacuum control system
Data acquisition and monitoring system

Results and Deliverables

Provides a reliable method to evaluate the outgassing behavior of materials under vacuum conditions
Helps determine material suitability for critical applications such as spacecraft and satellite components
Measures total mass loss (TML) and volatile condensable content (VCM)
Conducted under stringent, controlled conditions for accurate assessment
Supports effective material quality control and selection for high-performance environments

Frequently Asked Questions

The ASTM E595-07 test method determines the total mass loss, collected volatile condensable materials, and the amount of water vapor regained when materials are exposed to a vacuum.

This test can be applied to various organic, polymeric, and inorganic materials.

This test is used to calculate the total mass loss, collected volatile condensable materials, and water vapor regained.

It deals with only the outgassing characteristics of materials, which only partially provides a way of reviewing performance materials in vacuum environments.

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