Overview - EN ISO 10591:2021 (Building and civil engineering sealants)
EN ISO 10591:2021 (adopted by CEN) specifies a laboratory test method to determine the influence of water on the adhesion and cohesion properties of sealants with predominantly plastic behaviour used in building and civil engineering joints. The standard describes specimen preparation, conditioning regimes, immersion, tensile testing to rupture and calculation/reporting of elongation at break after water exposure.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Evaluation of adhesion/cohesion after immersion in water for sealants used in buildings and civil works.
- Specimen preparation: Sealant is cast between two parallel substrate pieces (mortar, anodized aluminium or glass are specified) with anti-adherent backing and spacers; manufacturer’s instructions (primers, mixing) are followed.
- Substrates & accessories: Uses substrates defined in ISO 13640; spacers (12 mm × 12 mm), anti-adherent film (e.g., PE) and cleaning procedures (e.g., acetone for metal/glass) are specified.
- Conditioning methods:
- Method A: 28 days at (23 ± 2) °C and (50 ± 10) % RH.
- Method B: Method A plus three repeated heat/water cycles involving an oven at (70 ± 2) °C and distilled water at (23 ± 2) °C; final storage 24 h at (23 ± 2) °C and (50 ±10) % RH.
- Water immersion and testing: After conditioning, specimens are immersed in water for 4 days at (23 ± 2) °C, stored 1 day in air, then extended in a tensile test machine to rupture at a rate of (5,5 ± 0,5) mm/min while recording force/extension.
- Results & reporting:
- Elongation at break is calculated and rounded according to the standard.
- Test report shall include laboratory ID and date, reference to EN ISO 10591:2021, sealant identification (type, colour, batch), substrate/primer details, conditioning method, force/extension diagrams and measured percentage elongation at break.
Practical applications and users
- Sealant manufacturers: Verify product performance after water exposure and support declarations for performance data.
- Independent test laboratories: Provide standardized, reproducible adhesion/cohesion data for product certification and quality control.
- Specifiers, architects and civil engineers: Compare products and specify sealants appropriate for wet or humid conditions in buildings and infrastructure.
- Contractors and quality managers: Validate on-site product acceptance and conformity to technical specifications.
Related standards
Keywords: EN ISO 10591:2021, sealants, adhesion, cohesion, water immersion, building and civil engineering, sealant testing, elongation at break, conditioning method.
