ASTM D2842 Water Absorption Testing for Rigid Cellular Plastics
This test method, ASTM D2842, involves measuring the change in buoyant force caused by immersion to determine the water absorption of rigid cellular polymers. The values expressed in SI units should be considered as standard.
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- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Overview
ASTM D2842 describes a standardised method for determining the water absorption of rigid cellular plastics (rigid foam). Water absorption is an important property for foam insulation and structural foam applications because absorbed moisture increases thermal conductivity, reduces mechanical strength, and can promote long-term dimensional instability.
The test involves immersing a precisely measured rigid foam specimen in distilled water at a specified depth and temperature for a defined period. After immersion, the specimen is removed, surface-dried, and reweighed. Water absorption is calculated as the volume of water absorbed per unit of specimen surface area, or as a percentage of specimen volume. This data allows designers and specifiers to assess the foam’s suitability for wet or humid service environments.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ASTM D2842 evaluates:
- Volume of water absorbed per unit area of rigid cellular plastics
- Percent water absorption by volume
- Open-cell content influence on water uptake
- Effect of immersion depth and temperature on absorption
- Long-term moisture resistance of foam insulation
- Comparative water absorption across foam types and densities
Applications
- Building and construction insulation boards
- Cold storage and refrigeration panel cores
- Roofing system insulation
- Below-grade foundation insulation
- Marine and offshore foam applications
- Pipe and equipment insulation
- Sandwich panel core materials
Benefits
- Predicts moisture resistance in wet service environments
- Supports material selection for below-grade or marine use
- Provides data for thermal performance modeling
- Enables compliance with building code moisture requirements
- Identifies foam formulations with excessive open-cell content
- Reduces long-term insulation degradation risk
Test Process
Specimen Preparation
Rigid foam specimens are cut to specified dimensions, measured, and weighed.
1Immersion
Specimens are submerged at the specified depth in distilled water at the test temperature.
2Duration
Specimens remain immersed for the required test period (typically 96 hours).
3Post-Immersion Measurement
Specimens are removed, surface water is blotted, and specimens are reweighed immediately.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | Rigid cellular plastics / rigid foam materials |
| Specimen Types | Cut foam specimens, typically rectangular blocks or sheets |
| Immersion Condition | 5.1 cm (2 in.) water head |
| Standard Test Duration | 96 hours |
| Test Environment | Controlled ambient laboratory conditions |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
- Water immersion tank with temperature control
- Analytical balance
- Digital calipers for specimen dimensioning
- Blotting paper or absorbent cloth
- Timer
- Data recording system
Results and Deliverables
- Water absorption volume per unit area
- Percent water absorption by volume
- Pre- and post-immersion mass records
- Specimen dimensional data
- Quality assurance reports
Frequently Asked Questions
It measures the amount of water absorbed by rigid cellular plastics after immersion for a specified time period.
The standard immersion period is 96 hours, unless otherwise agreed between the manufacturer and purchaser.
This test is commonly used for rigid foam insulation boards, polyurethane foams, polystyrene foams, and other cellular plastics.
It helps evaluate moisture resistance, dimensional stability, and insulation performance of foam materials in service.
It is widely used in construction, insulation, packaging, automotive, and polymer manufacturing industries.
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