This test method is an indicator of a potential sealing problem that could occur if a sealant backing is flawed in manufacture or transportation to the job site, or abused during the installation. If flawed, some sealant backing materials, in combination with certain environmental conditions, can outgas, generating voids in the applied sealant before the sealant cures, thereby potentially compromising the cured sealant's intended performance.

Voids are also known to be caused by other means and under certain conditions such as air entrapment during sealant application, trapped air in the substrate releasing into the uncured sealant, incompatibility of the sealant with the sealant backing or substrate, or inhospitable installation conditions in the field. This test method is limited to identifying the outgassing potential of a punctured sealant backing by formation of a void in the soft uncured sealant under conditions of heat and compression.

1.1 This test method provides a procedure for determining the outgassing potential of a sealant backing when it is punctured during or after installation, with the puncture occurring before the sealant cures.

1.2 The values stated in SI 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.