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: C356 − 17

Standard Test Method for

Linear Shrinkage of Preformed High-Temperature Thermal
Insulation Subjected to Soaking Heat1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C356; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the amount 3.1 Definitions—Terminology C168 shall apply to the terms
of linear shrinkage and other changes that occur when a used in this test method.
preformed thermal insulating material is exposed to soaking
heat. This test method is limited to preformed high-temperature 4. Significance and Use
insulation that is applicable to hot-side temperatures in excess 4.1 Linear shrinkage, as used in this test method, refers to
of 150°F (66°C), with the exception of insulating fire brick the change in linear dimensions that has occurred in test
which is covered by Test Method C210. specimens after they have been subjected to soaking heat for a
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded period of 24 h and then cooled to room temperature.
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical 4.2 Most insulating materials will begin to shrink at some
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only definite temperature. Usually the amount of shrinkage in-
and are not considered standard. creases as the temperature of exposure becomes higher. Even-
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the tually a temperature will be reached at which the shrinkage
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the becomes excessive. With excessive shrinkage, the insulating
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- material has definitely exceeded its useful temperature limit.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- When an insulating material is applied to a hot surface, the
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. shrinkage will be greatest on the hot face. The differential
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- shrinkage which results between the hotter and the cooler
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- surfaces often introduces strains and may cause the insulation
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the to warp. High shrinkage may cause excessive warpage and
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- thereby may induce cracking, both of which are undesirable.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical High shrinkage may also open gaps at the insulation joints to
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. an excessive extent rendering the application less efficient and
more hazardous. In order to predict the limit of permissible
2. Referenced Documents shrinkage in service, the degree of linear shrinkage to be
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 tolerated by specimens of an insulating material when sub-
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation jected to soaking heat must be determined from experience.
C210 Test Method for Reheat Change of Insulating Firebrick 4.3 It is recognized that a fixed relation between linear
C411 Test Method for Hot-Surface Performance of High- shrinkage under soaking heat and actual shrinkage in service
Temperature Thermal Insulation cannot be established for different types of insulating materials.
Generally the amount of shrinkage increases with time of
exposure. The amount and rate of increase varies from one
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on Thermal material to another. In addition, the various types of materials
Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.31 on Chemical and may have different amounts of maximum permissible shrink-
Physical Properties. age. Therefore, each product must define its own specific limits
Current edition approved May 1, 2017. Published June 2017. Originally
approved in 1960. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as C356 – 10. DOI:
of linear shrinkage under soaking heat.
10.1520/C0356-17.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 5. Apparatus
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on 5.1 Furnace—A gas-fired or electrically heated muffle
the ASTM website. furnace, having a size sufficient to accommodate at least four

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 C356 − 17
test specimens and two dummy specimens, 6 by 21⁄2 by 11⁄2 in. if the sections are large enough. If the material is not
(152.4 by 63.5 by 38.1 mm) (Note 1), spaced so as to allow a homogeneous or the sections are not sufficiently large, then
clearance of at least 1⁄2 in. (12.7 mm) on all surfaces of every curved or partly curved segments of a cylinder shall be used. In
test specimen. The temperature of the furnace shall be con- this case, the specimens shall preferably be cut to an over-all
trolled throughout the volume occupied by the specimens to width of 21⁄2 in. (63.5 mm), with the sides cut parallel rather
within 6 1 % of the desired temperature. A furnace- than on a radius.
temperature indicator or recorder is required.
NOTE 1—If the structure is not homogeneous throughout its thickness,
7. Procedure
or if thinner materials are under test, then test the specimen at the original 7.1 Select and prepare a minimum of four test specimens as
thickness. For smaller ovens, unable to accommodate the required number prescribed in Section 6. Weigh the specimens in the as-received
of specimens, it will be necessary to make several test batches in order to
secure the minimum number of specimens required. condition and dry them to constant weight following applicable
specifications for the material unless it has been shown that the
5.2 Oven—A controlled-temperature conditioning oven with dimensional stability is not significantly affected by moisture
range up to at least 250°F (121°C). content. In the absence of such specifications, dry the specimen
5.3 Specimen-Measuring Apparatus—An instrument suit- in an oven or desiccator at a temperature of 215 to 250°F (102
able for measuring a gauge length up to 6 in. (152.4 mm), and to 121°C) or at a suitable lower temperature if these tempera-
having an accuracy of measurement of 0.002 in. (0.05 mm) or tures would be destructive. If specimens are dried, allow
better. Care must be taken, by the use of proper measuring specimens to cool to room temperature and if necessary held in
techniques, to ensure reproduction of any measurement to a desiccator before testing. Other conditioning procedures are
within 0.01 in. (0.2 mm). It is particularly important to avoid acceptable only where agreed upon between manufacturer and
crushing the ends of the specimens during measurement, purchaser. After conditioning and before any changes in
especially in the case of soft materials. dimensions occur, determine the linear dimensions. Make at
NOTE 2—Reference points, such as pins, inserted near the ends of the
least one measurement of length and two each of width and
specimen, serve to improve reproducibility without specimen damage; or thickness at points marked so that remeasurements can be
it is acceptable to insert metal strips may be inserted between the specimen made at the same points after soaking heat.
ends and the jaws of the caliper. Suggested instruments are dilatometers,
vernier caliper, or comparators. One suitable type of comparator is 7.2 Place the measured and weighed specimens in the
equipped with a fine adjustment. It has a long-range, continuous dial furnace, the temperature of which shall not exceed 250°F
indicator. The dial is attached to a wide-face (1⁄2-in. (12.7-mm) diameter (121°C). The specimens shall rest on their 6 by 11⁄2-in. (152.4
flat) button point which is held against the specimen by internal spring by 38.1-mm) edges, supported by at least three supports (such
pressure. When the point is lifted 1⁄2 in. (12.7 mm), the pressure is about as small ceramic triangular bars, or cylindrical rods), which in
50 g, corresponding to a bearing force of 0.6 psi (4.8 kPa), and suitable for
very soft materials. For harder materials, an additional weight of 0.25 lb turn shall be supported on a protective plate. The supporting
(0.114 kg) may be applied, making the load of the specimen, at 1⁄2 in. (12.7 bars or rods shall be large enough so that the specimens have
mm) compression of the spring, about 1.9 psi (13.1 kPa). Directly beneath a clearance of at least 1⁄2 in. (12.7 mm) above the protecting
the button point is another wide-face button point tapped to the base of the plate. Arrange the specimens face to face in a group, but
comparator. The comparator is adjustable and requires a set of steel
separated at least 1⁄2 in. (12.7 mm) from each other. Place
shaftings, 1⁄2 in. (12.7 mm) in diameter, having lengths at 1-in. (25.4-mm)
intervals from 1 to 6 in. (25.4 to 152.4 mm), to zero the comparator dummy blocks or other protective means along the sides of the
accurately. two specimens at each end of the group, so as to protect the
5.4 Balance—A balance, having an accuracy of 0.01 g, for faces of these two specimens from radiation losses or gains
weighing the specimen before and after heating. from the inner surfaces of the furnace. This arrangement of the
specimens will allow free access of the heat to all of their
6. Sampling and Preparation of Test Specimens surfaces.

6.1 All samples that will be required to complete the tests 7.3 Apply the source of heat after the specimens have been
shall be selected at one time and in such a manner as to be arranged in the furnace. The rate of heat supply shall be
representative of the average of the material. controlled so that the average rise to the temperature of test
shall not exceed 300°F (167°C)/h (Notes 3 and 4). During the
6.2 Specimens for any one test condition shall be selected heating-up period, especially in the initial stages, make fre-
from the original sample lot so as to be as representative as quent observations to note any signs of combustibility, by
possible. The specimens shall be cut or sawed from full-size opening the furnace door momentarily or, if possible, through
pieces in such a manner that they will be fully representative of observation ports. After the furnace has reached the desired test
the entire, full-size piece as well as of the material generally. temperature, maintain soaking-heat conditions for a period of
These specimens shall be cut to size 6 by 21⁄2 by 11⁄2 in. (152.4 24 h, and then cut off the supply of heat. When the furnace has
by 63.5 by 38.1 mm), in such a manner that the length and cooled to 200 to 250°F (93 to 121°C), remove the specimens
width are cut parallel to the length and width, respectively, of and place them directly into a desiccator.
the original, full-size piece. If it is impossible to faithfully
represent the material by cutting to a 11⁄2-in. (38.1-mm) thick NOTE 3—It is realized that the actual rate of increase in temperature will
not be uniform. The temperature will rise rapidly at first, and then will
specimen, or for thinner pieces, then the original thickness of continue to rise progressively slower as the final temperature is ap-
the material shall be tested. Rectangular specimens cut from proached. By the statement, “the average rise in temperature shall not
pipe covering shall be used if the material is homogeneous and exceed 300°F (167°C)/h,” it is meant, for example, that a final temperature

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 C356 − 17
of 600°F (316°C) needs to be reached in not less than 2 h, or in not less W1 = weight of specimen before soaking heat, g, and
than 6 h if the test temperature is to be 1800°F (982°C).
W2 = weight of specimen after soaking heat, g.
NOTE 4— If it is desired to determine the ability of an insulation to
withstand sudden, drastic changes in temperature, or thermal shock, a 9. Report
separate test for this condition shall be specified.
9.1 Report the following information:
7.4 When the specimens have cooled to within 10°F (5.5°C)
9.1.1 Conditioning procedure followed,
of room temperature, remove them from the desiccator and
9.1.2 Temperature of test, the time to reach temperature, the
remeasure before any changes can occur. Weigh the specimens
time at temperature, and the time for the temperature to drop
and measure their dimensions at the exact points which were
100°F (55.5°C) after the heat is turned off,
used for determining the original lengths (see 7.1). If any
9.1.3 Linear shrinkage in length, width, and thickness,
warpage occurred during the soaking heat, determine the
9.1.4 Warpage, if any,
amount of warpage to the nearest 0.01 in. (0.2 mm) in
9.1.5 Apparent linear shrinkage, if the warpage is in excess
accordance with Test Method C411. If the warpage exceeds
of 0.04 in. (1 mm),
0.04 in. (1.0 mm), the actual length of the specimen as such
9.1.6 Change in weight,
shall not be determined. Instead, determine the apparent length
9.1.7 Any visible changes in the material after soaking heat,
of the specimen by measuring the chord connecting the two
particularly when the changes are not uniform on all faces, and
edges of the concave surface of the warped specimen, or by
9.1.8 Any evidence of combustibility that occurred during
measuring the chord connecting the two points of original
the heating period or during soaking heat, such as flaming,
measurement.
glowing, smoking, smoldering, etc.
7.5 Examine the specimens, and note any visible changes
that have occurred during the heating. 10. Precision and Bias3
10.1 Basis—Five laboratories tested two products five times
8. Calculations each for linear shrinkage and weight loss under 24 h heat soak
at 1200°F (649°C).
8.1 Linear Shrinkage—Calculate the percentage linear di-
mensional change after soaking heat as follows: 10.2 Intralaboratory Precision:
10.2.1 Shrinkage—Average within laboratory standard
S 5 @ ~ L 1 2 L 2 ! /L 1 # 3 100 (1)
deviation, σ, as a percentage of the mean, x̄, was 21.6 % for
where: Sample I and 6.8 % for Sample II.
S = percentage linear dimensional change upon soaking 10.2.2 Weight Loss—Average within laboratory standard
heat, deviation, σ, as a percentage of the mean, x̄, was 8.8 % for
L1 = average length, width, or thickness of specimen before Sample I and 5.3 % for Sample II.
soaking heat, in. (or mm), and 10.3 Interlaboratory Precision:
L2 = average length, width, or thickness of specimen after 10.3.1 Shrinkage—Average interlaboratory standard
soaking heat, in. (or mm). deviation, σ, as a percentage of the mean, x̄, was 27.0 % for
8.2 Apparent Linear Shrinkage—Calculate the percentage Sample I and 10.0 % for Sample II.
apparent dimensional change after soaking heat when a speci- 10.3.2 Weight Loss—Average interlaboratory standard
men has warped excessively (more than 0.04 in. (1.0 mm)) by deviation, σ, as a percentage of the mean, x̄, was 12.7 % for
the same formula as for linear shrinkage, except that L2 shall Sample I and 10.7 % for Sample II.
represent the apparent length of the specimen after soaking 10.4 Bias—No statement of bias is possible because abso-
heat. lute standards are not available.
8.3 Change in Weight—Calculate the percent change in 11. Keywords
weight after soaking heat as follows:
11.1 high temperature insulation; linear changes; linearity;
C 5 @ ~ W 1 2 W 2 ! /W 1 # 3 100 (2) preformed thermal insulation; shrinkage; soaking heat test
where:
3
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
C = percentage change in weight after soaking heat,
be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:C16-1012.

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 C356 − 17
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