ASTM E595-07 Testing: Outgassing Evaluation of Materials for Total Mass Loss and Volatile Condensables

What is ASTM E595-07 Testing?

ASTM E595-07 is the standard test method that provides a means to determine the volatile outgassing characteristics of materials intended for use in vacuum environments, such as spacecraft, satellites, and electronic systems.

When materials are exposed to vacuum conditions with higher temperatures, they emit volatile compounds that can later condense on sensitive surfaces, resulting in contamination and performance issues.

This test measures two key parameters:

• TML: Total Mass Loss refers to the percentage of mass lost due to outgassing.
• Collected Volatile Condensable Materials (CVCM) — the total amount of volatile material that recondenses on a chilled collector plate.

Material prospects for high-vacuum or space applications can be evaluated based on ASTM E595 standards, considering minimal risk of contamination.

Why is ASTM E595 Testing Important?

In aerospace and high-vacuum systems, even trace amounts of volatile emissions can have critical consequences, including optical contamination, electrical failure, or reduced adhesion in bonded components.

ASTM E595 testing is essential because it helps:

• Assess material compatibility for spacecraft, satellites, and vacuum chambers.
• Prevent contamination of sensitive optical, electronic, or thermal control components.
• Ensure compliance with space agency material qualification requirements (e.g., NASA, ESA).
• Improve reliability and longevity of systems exposed to vacuum and elevated temperatures.

NASA, for example, references ASTM E595 as part of its NASA Outgassing Data for Selecting Spacecraft Materials (NASA Reference Publication 1124), setting acceptable limits for TML and CVCM to qualify materials for space missions.

Which Materials Can Be Tested Under ASTM E595?

This test method applies to nonmetallic materials and assemblies that may release volatiles under vacuum conditions, including:

• Polymers and plastics (e.g., polyimides, fluoropolymers)
• Adhesives and sealants
• Elastomers and rubbers
• Coatings, paints, and inks
• Lubricants and greases
• Composite materials
• Encapsulation resins and potting compounds

Materials are typically tested in solid form (film, sheet, cured sample, or bonded component), ensuring representative evaluation of the actual application state.

What Information Do ASTM E595 Test Results Provide?

The test produces quantitative data on material outgassing behavior, typically summarized as:

These results indicate a material’s vacuum stability.

• Low TML and CVCM values suggest minimal contamination risk.
• NASA typically requires a TML of ≤ 1.00% and a CVCM of ≤ 0.10% for approval.

What Industries Use ASTM E595 Testing?

ASTM E595 testing is widely used in industries that demand high cleanliness and vacuum stability, including:

• Aerospace and Spacecraft Manufacturing – structural materials, coatings, and adhesives for satellites and spacecraft.
• Electronics and Optics – circuit boards, sensors, optical instruments, and camera systems.
• Defense and Military – avionics, missile systems, and radar components.
• Semiconductor Manufacturing – cleanroom materials, resins, and vacuum-compatible polymers.
• Research Laboratories – components for vacuum chambers, cryogenic systems, and instruments.

This test ensures materials maintain dimensional and optical stability under extreme conditions.

What Equipment Is Used for ASTM E595 Testing?

The typical ASTM E595 test setup includes:

• High-vacuum chamber capable of reaching pressures below 5 × 10⁻⁵ torr
• Temperature-controlled sample holder (maintained at 125°C ± 2°C)
• Cooled collector plate maintained at 25°C ± 2°C
• Precision analytical balance (for pre- and post-test mass measurements)
• Quartz crystal microbalance (optional for real-time monitoring)
• Data acquisition system for temperature, pressure, and time recording

How Is the ASTM E595 Test Performed?

Step-by-Step Overview:

• Sample Preparation:
  Material specimens (typically ~50 mm × 50 mm) are cleaned, dried, and weighed to determine their initial mass.
• Test Setup:
  The specimen is placed in a vacuum chamber with a collector plate positioned above it.
• Test Conditions:
  • Chamber evacuated to ≤ 5 × 10⁻⁵ torr
  • Sample heated to 125°C ± 2°C
  • The collector plate is maintained at 25°C ± 2°C
  • Exposure duration: 24 hours
• Condensation and Measurement:
  Volatile materials emitted by the specimen condense on the collector plate.
  After testing, both specimen and collector are cooled, vented, and reweighed.
• Data Calculation:
  • TML = [(Initial Mass − Final Mass) / Initial Mass] × 100
  • CVCM = [(Mass of Condensed Material) / Initial Mass] × 100
  • WVR = Moisture regained after reconditioning in ambient air

What Are the Standard Test Conditions?

Stable environmental and vacuum conditions are essential for producing accurate and reproducible results.

Key Properties Measured

ASTM E595 measures a material’s tendency to release volatile substances when exposed to vacuum and heat.
The primary properties include:

• Total Mass Loss (TML): Quantifies total volatile emissions.
• Collected Volatile Condensable Material (CVCM): Indicates potential contamination.
• Water Vapor Regained (WVR): Assesses hygroscopic behavior post-exposure.

These parameters help predict how a material will perform in space, vacuum, or cleanroom environments, where contamination control is critical.

Related Testing Methods

Other relevant or complementary standards include:

• ASTM E1559: Dynamic outgassing rate measurement under vacuum
• ASTM E1461: Thermal diffusivity measurement of materials
• ASTM E595-15: Updated version of the E595-07 standard
• ECSS-Q-ST-70-02C: ESA standard for outgassing materials
• ISO 14624-1: Space systems material outgassing determination

These methods collectively help evaluate thermal stability, contamination risk, and long-term material performance in space applications.

Conclusion

ASTM E595-07 describes a consistent and reproducible method for quantifying the outgassing behavior of nonmetallic materials under vacuum conditions.

This test gives assurance by measuring the total mass loss and the amount of collected volatile condensable material. In doing so, materials used within spacecraft, satellites, and vacuum systems maintain integrity, not compromising sensitive components through contamination.

ASTM E595 brings the following benefits to both manufacturers and engineers:

• Qualify materials for aerospace and vacuum environments
• Follow the standards of NASA and ESA.
• Enhance the reliability and operational life expectancy of the system. 

This method remains a cornerstone of materials selection, contamination control, and quality assurance for high-precision and vacuum-critical applications.

Why Choose Infinita Lab for ASTM E595?

Infinita Lab is a leading provider of ASTM E595 and streamlined material testing services, addressing the critical challenges faced by emerging businesses and established enterprises. With access to a vast network of over 2,000+ accredited partner labs across the United States, Infinita Lab ensures rapid, accurate, and cost-effective testing solutions. The company’s unique value proposition includes comprehensive project management, confidentiality assurance, and seamless communication through a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) model. By eliminating inefficiencies in traditional material testing workflows, Infinita Lab accelerates research and development (R&D) processes.

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