This specification establishes the composition and physical properties of rigid polyimide cellular foams intended for use as thermal and sound-isolating insulation in commercial and industrial environments. The polyimide insulations covered are classified into three types (Types I, II, and III) according to closed cell content, and into four grades (Grades 1, 2, 3, and 4) according to density. Type II insulation is further divided into two classes (Classes 1 and 2) according to upper temperature limits. Materials shall be manufactured from the appropriate monomers and necessary ingredients. Specimens shall be sampled, tested, and conform accordingly to the following physical property requirements: apparent thermal conductivity; water and gas permeability; density; percent closed cell; upper temperature limit; high temperature stability; compressive strength; compressive force deflection; water vapor transmission; steam aging characteristics (tensile strength, dimensional and weight changes), corrosiveness; chemical resistance; vertical burn characteristics (flame application and time, burn length, and dripping); specific optical smoke density for both flaming and non-flaming exposures; toxic smoke generation; surface burning characteristics (flame spread and smoke developed indices); combustion by-products (carbon monoxide, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and hydrogen cyanide); oxygen index, and ¼ scale room burn.

1.1 This specification covers the composition and physical properties of polyimide foam insulation with nominal densities from 1.0 lb/ft³ to 8.0 lb/ft³ (16 kg/m³ to 128 kg/m³) and intended for use as thermal and sound-isolating insulation for temperatures from −423°F to +600°F (−253°C to +316°C) in commercial and industrial environments.

1.1.1 The annex shall apply to this specification for marine applications.

1.1.2 This standard is designed as a material specification and not a design document.

1.1.3 The values stated in Table 1 and Table 2 are not to be used as design values. It is the buyer’s responsibility to specify design requirements and obtain supporting documentation from the material supplier.

1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The SI units are given in parentheses for information only and are approximate.

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 requirements prior to use.

Note 1—The subject matter of this material specification is not covered by any other ASTM specification. There is no known ISO standard covering the subject of this standard.