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 BRITISH STANDARD BS 4254:1983

Specification for

Two-part
polysulphide-based
sealants
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UDC 691.587:678.046.73
 BS 4254:1983

Committees responsible for this

British Standard

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Elements and
Components (of Diverse Materials) for Buildings Standards Committee
(ECB/-) to Technical Committee ECB/3 upon which the following bodies were
represented:

Aluminium Window Association

British Adhesive Manufacturers Association
British Association of Synthetic Rubber Manufacturers
British Rubber Manufacturers Association
British Tar Industry Association
British Woodworking Federation
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Canadian Government Specifications Board

Department of the Environment (Building Research Establishment, Princes
Risborough Laboratory)
Flat Glass Manufacturers Association
Glass and Glazing Federation
Greater London Council
Institute of Housing
Institution of Civil Engineers
Refined Bitumen Association Ltd
Royal Institute of British Architects
Sealant Manufacturers Conference
Society of Architectural and Associated Technicians
Society of Chemical Industry

The following bodies were also represented in the drafting of the standard,
through subcommittees and panels:

British Board of Agrment

National Federation of Building Trades Employers
Coopted members

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Elements and
Components (of Diverse
Materials) for Buildings
Standards Committee was
published under the authority
of the Board of BSI and comes
into effect on
30 September 1983

BSI 02-1999
Amendments issued since publication
First published December 1967 Amd. No. Date of issue Comments
First revision September 1983
5023 December 1985 Indicated by a sideline in the margin
The following BSI references
relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference ECB/3
Draft for comment 80/15410 DC

ISBN 0 580 13430 X

 BS 4254:1983

Contents

Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword ii
1 Scope 1
2 Definitions 1
3 General 1
4 Rheological properties 1
5 Plastic deformation (recovery) 2
6 Adhesion and tensile modulus 2
7 Application life 2
8 Adhesion in peel 2
9 Loss of mass after heat ageing 2
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10 Staining 2
11 Marking and packaging 2
Appendix A Test for rheological properties 3
Appendix B Test for plastic deformation (recovery) 4
Appendix C Test for adhesion and tensile modulus 4
Appendix D Test for application life 8
Appendix E Test for adhesion in peel 8
Appendix F Test for loss of mass after heat ageing 9
Appendix G Test for staining 11
Figure 1 Typical assemblies used in the adhesion and tensile
modulus test 6
Figure 2 Assembly holding device for the cyclic test 7
Figure 3 Diagram showing arrangement of test strips for the
adhesion in peel test 10
Table 1 Tests for sealants 1
Publications referred to Inside back cover

BSI 02-1999 i
 BS 4254:1983

Foreword

This revision of this British Standard has been prepared under the direction of
the Elements and Components (of Diverse Materials) for Building Standards
Committee. It covers products intended for use in normal atmospheric
environments in buildings in the UK. This standard supersedes BS 4254:1967,
which is withdrawn.
If it is desired to use a two-part polysulphide-based sealant in situations other
than those specified in clause 1, products complying with this standard may still
be suitable but in each case the manufacturer will need to be consulted to verify
this fact. Such verification may necessitate testing in accordance with this
standard but using the actual intended building material in place of the substrate
materials specified in C.2. It may also necessitate special performance
considerations and tests; for instance, if it is intended to use the product in the
walls of a reservoir, both the ability of the product to perform in such a
sub-aqueous situation and the effect on the contained liquid (e.g. the potability of
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drinking water) will need to be ascertained.

The following are the principal changes made in this revision of this standard.
a) In the rheological test the maximum permissible slump for gun grade
sealants has been increased to 1 mm.
b) In the adhesion and tensile modulus test the preparation of the test
assemblies has been brought into line with other sealant standards. The size
of the cement mortar blocks has been changed and stainless steel has been
deleted from the list of test surfaces.
c) The test for loss of mass after heat ageing has been brought into line with
other sealant standards.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
pages 1 to 12, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on
the inside front cover.

ii BSI 02-1999
 BS 4254:1983

1 Scope
This British Standard specifies the requirements for
two grades of two-part polysulphide-based sealant
for use in general building applications, namely
pouring grade (see 2.2.1) and gun grade (see 2.2.2).
Pouring grade sealants are intended for use in
horizontal joints whilst gun grade sealants are
intended for use in vertical and inclined joints,
e.g. glazing applications. Both grades of sealant are
intended to perform satisfactorily in the normal
range of atmospheric temperature and humidity
levels found in the UK and with the types of
substrate represented by the test surfaces specified
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3 General
3.1 Type tests shall be carried out, as given in
Table 1, to prove the composition and properties of
sealants and shall be repeated whenever there is a
change in the composition of the sealant or a change
in the manufacturing process.
3.2 All tests shall be carried out on sealant mixed
from components obtained from previously
unopened containers. The components shall be
capable of being readily mixed to form a sealant
complying with this standard at any time up to the
expiry date [see clause 11 e)], when stored under the
conditions stated on the package.

in C.2. NOTE For the purpose of laboratory testing the proportion by

NOTE 1 Primer systems are recommended for use with certain mass of the curing component to be mixed with the base
two-part polysulphide-based sealants. The test requirements in component should be specified by the manufacturer on request.
this standard take account of such systems (see 3.3). The permissible deviation from this proportion by mass should
NOTE 2 The titles of the publications referred to in this also be specified by the manufacturer and under no
standard are listed on the inside back cover. circumstances should this deviation be exceeded.
3.3 Where a particular primer is recommended by a
2 Definitions manufacturer for a specific surface, that test surface
For the purposes of this British Standard the shall be treated with the primer following the
following definitions apply. manufacturers instructions.
NOTE Attention is drawn to the expiry date on any primer that
2.1 is used.
two-part polysulphide-based sealant
a sealant consisting of two components, essentially 4 Rheological properties
a component containing polysulphide polymer and a 4.1 Pouring grade sealants. When tested as
separate component containing the curing agent, described in Appendix A the sealant shall exhibit a
which are mixed together before application and smooth, level surface.
cure at ambient temperature to form a rubber-like
solid 4.2 Gun grade sealants. When tested as described
in Appendix A the sealant shall not slump in
2.2 Grades of sealant vertical displacement by more than 1.0 mm when
2.2.1 tested in a vertical position and shall not protrude in
pouring grade front of the original profile when tested in a
a sealant which flows sufficiently to give a horizontal position.
reasonably smooth level surface when applied in a Table 1 Tests for sealants
horizontal upward-facing joint at ambient Test Clause Appendix
temperatures reference for reference for
requirement tests
2.2.2
gun grade Rheological properties 4 Appendix A
a sealant which permits application in a suitable Plastic deformation 5 Appendix B
joint of any aspect or inclination without (recovery)
appreciable slumping at ambient temperatures Adhesion and tensile 6 Appendix C
NOTE Gun grade sealants may be applied by various means, modulus
e.g. trowel.
Application life 7 Appendix D
2.3
application life Adhesion in peel 8 Appendix E
the time after mixing during which the sealant may Loss of mass after 9 Appendix F
be easily applied and readily adheres to a substrate heat ageing
Staining 10 Appendix G

BSI 02-1999 1
 BS 4254:1983

5 Plastic deformation (recovery)
When tested as described in Appendix B the sealant
shall have a plastic deformation not greater
than 25 %.
6 Adhesion and tensile modulus
6.1 General. Before each of the tests for adhesion
and tensile modulus, described in Appendix C, the
following shall be carried out.
a) For the tests described in C.6.2 to C.6.5, three
assemblies shall be made for each type of test
surface. For the test described in C.6.6, three
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If not more than one strip of backing material on a
test surface fails in adhesion over more than 25 % of
the test area a second test shall be permitted.
However, if any strip fails this test the sealant shall
be deemed not to comply with this standard.
9 Loss of mass after heat ageing
When the sealant is tested as described in
Appendix F the loss of mass shall not exceed 12 %,
for pouring grade sealants, or 6 %, for gun grade
sealants.
If one specimen fails the test, a second test shall be
permitted. However, if any specimen fails this test

assemblies consisting of one aluminium test

the sealant shall be deemed not to comply with this
surface and one glass surface shall be made.
standard.
b) The assemblies shall be subjected to the
appropriate tests described in Appendix C. 10 Staining
c) The following acceptance criteria shall apply. When tested as described in Appendix G the sealant
1) If all three assemblies pass the test the shall produce no staining on the primed or
sealant shall be accepted. unprimed surfaces of the test mortar.
2) If two assemblies fail the test the sealant
shall be rejected. 11 Marking and packaging
3) If one assembly fails the test, a) and b) shall Each package containing the components of the
be repeated using a second set of assemblies. If sealant shall be marked with the following
all three of these assemblies pass the second particulars:
test, the sealant shall be accepted. However, if a) the name or identification mark of the
any assembly fails this test the sealant shall be manufacturer;
rejected.
b) the number of this British Standard,
6.2 Testing. When an assembly is tested in i.e. BS 42541);
accordance with C.6.2, C.6.3, C.6.4 and C.6.6 the
c) the grade of sealant and the type of component,
total area (length depth) of failure shall not
i.e. whether base or curing agent;
exceed 100 mm2 and the force required to produce
the extension shall be not less than 25 N nor more d) the nominal volume of the mixed materials;
than 270 N. When an assembly is tested as e) the expiry date, i.e. the date before which the
described in C.6.5, the total area (length depth) of materials shall be used;
failure shall not exceed 100 mm2. f) the manufacturers batch number;
7 Application life g) the storage temperature range;
h) mixing instructions;
When tested as described in Appendix D the sealant
shall have an application life of not less than 2 h. i) the application life.
j) details of any primer system, where
8 Adhesion in peel appropriate.
When the sealant is tested as described in Mixing instructions shall be supplied with the
Appendix E the average peel strength of four strips package.
of backing material for each of the test surfaces shall
be not less than 25 N and the material shall not fail
in adhesion over more than 25 % of the test area.

1)
Marking BS 4254 on or in relation to a product is a claim by the manufacturer that the product has been manufactured in
accordance with the requirements of the standard. The accuracy of such a claim is therefore solely the manufacturers
responsibility. Enquiries as to the availability of third party certification should be addressed to the appropriate certification
body.

2 BSI 02-1999

Appendix A Test for rheological
properties
A.1 Apparatus
A.1.1 Cylindrical container, 65 mm in diameter and
approximately 50 mm high.
A.1.2 Containers, for storing components and
sealant.
A.1.3 Enclosure, maintained at 25 2 C
and 50 5 % r.h. r.h.
A.1.4 Two enclosures, with one maintained
at 5 2 C and the other at 35 2 C, each with a out the tests given in a) and b) with two separate
rail for suspending the channel.
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A.1.5 Power stirrer, or spatula.
A.1.6 Metal channel, with inside dimensions 20 mm
wide by 12 mm deep by approximately 150 mm
long, closed at both ends. This is used for the testing
of pouring grade sealants.
NOTE It is advantageous to use metal channel assemblies
made in pressed blanks as these are disposable items.
A.1.7 Four aluminium alloy channels, of
rectangular cross section and inside
dimensions of 200 mm 25 mm 12 mm, open
ended, with a transverse V-notch 0.5 mm
wide 1.0 mm deep at the mid-point of the exposed
face of each side wall. These are used for the testing
of gun grade sealants.
A.1.8 Pallet knife
A.2 Pouring grade sealants
A.2.1 Conditioning and mixing. Condition suitable
quantities of base component and curing component
in closed containers (A.1.2) for at least 16 h in an
enclosure (A.1.4) at 5 2 C. Condition the metal
channel (A.1.6) in the same enclosure for not less
than 1 h.
Mix appropriate amounts of the conditioned
components in a clean cylindrical container (A.1.1),
either by hand for 10 min, using a spatula, or by
using a power stirrer (A.1.5) until uniform mixing is
achieved, the speed of rotatation being such that the
minimum amount of air is entrained in the mixed
sealant.
Store the mixed sealant in the enclosure for 30 min.
A.2.2 Procedure. Pour the mixed sealant into the
conditioned channel, held horizontally in the
enclosure (A.1.4) at 5 2 C. Maintain at this
temperature for 24 h, then examine the sealant.
A.3 Gun grade sealants
A.3.1 Conditioning and mixing. Condition suitable
quantities of base component and curing component
in closed containers (A.1.2) for at least 16 h in an
enclosure (A.1.3) at 25 2 C and 50 5 % r.h.
Condition the channels (A.1.7) at 25 2 C for not
less than 1 h.
BSI 02-1999
BS 4254:1983
Mix appropriate amounts of the conditioned
components in a clean cylindrical container (A.1.1),
either by hand for 10 min, using a spatula, or by
using a powered stirrer until uniform mixing is
achieved, the speed of rotation being such that the
minimum amount of air is entrained in the mixed
sealant.
A.3.2 Procedure
A.3.2.1 Immediately after mixing. Fill the sealant
into the conditioned channels immediately after
mixing and strike off the surplus with the smallest
possible number of strokes of a pallet knife. Carry
conditioned channels, in the enclosures (A.1.4),
maintained at 5 2 C and 35 2 C respectively.
Proceed as follows.
a) Testing with the channel held vertically. Draw
a knife blade along the two V-notches in the
aluminium channel, producing a transverse
mark across the face of the sealant, and
immediately suspend the channel in the test
enclosure with its longitudinal axis vertical
for 24 h or other specified period.
Measure the slump to the nearest millimetre by
measuring the vertical distance between the
V-notches on the sides of the aluminium channel
and the lowest point to which the transverse
mark on the surface of the specimen has
slumped.
b) Testing with the channel held horizontally.
Place the channel with its longitudinal axis
horizontal and its open side vertical in the test
enclosure for 24 h or other specified period.
Measure the amount in millimetres by which the
sealant protrudes in front of its original profile.
A.3.2.2 1 h after mixing. Repeat the procedure given
in A.3.2.1 1 h after mixing.
A.4 Test report. The following details shall be
recorded.
a) For the vertical channels:
1) the slump value, to the nearest millimetre,
i.e. the vertical distance by which the reference
mark on the sealant has slumped;
2) whether any sealant has become detached or
has slipped from the channel.
b) For the horizontal channels: the distance, to
the nearest millimetre, by which the sealant has
protruded in front of its original profile.
3
 BS 4254:1983
Appendix B Test for plastic
deformation (recovery)
B.1 Apparatus
B.1.1 Ventilated oven with fan, complying with
BS 2648.
B.1.2 Tensile testing machine, capable of holding the
specimen aligned whilst maintaining the rate of
separation at 5 mm/min to 6 mm/min and capable
of recording the force required to extend the
specimen.
B.2 Procedure. Prepare three test assemblies
using aluminium surfaces as described in
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Appendix C. After the seven-day cure period place
the assemblies in an oven complying with BS 2648
at 50 2 C for three days. Remove the assemblies
from the oven and condition them for not less
than 16 h at 25 2 C.
Place each assembly in the jaws of a tensile testing
machine (B.1.2) and pull apart at the rate
of 5 mm/min to 6 mm/min until extended to a total
width of 30 mm. Hold the assemblies in the testing
machine at this extension for 5 min. Immediately
remove and allow to recover for 1 h at 25 2 C
without compression by placing edgewise on a glass
surface with the long axis of the test specimen
perpendicular to this surface.
B.3 Expression of results. Calculate the plastic
deformation D (in %) using the following formula:
w ar w
D = ----------------------i 100
we w i
where
war is the width after recovery (in mm);
wi is the initial width (in mm);
we is the width extended (in mm).
B.4 Test report. The plastic deformation (in %) as
calculated in B.3 shall be recorded.
Appendix C Test for adhesion and
tensile modulus
C.1 Apparatus
C.1.1 Two enclosures, both maintained at 25 2 C
with one at 50 5 % r.h. and the other
at 65 5 % r.h.
C.1.2 Ventilated oven with fan, controlled
at 70 2 C or 110 2 C, otherwise complying with
the requirements of BS 2648.
C.1.3 Tensile testing machine, capable of a jaw
separation rate of 5 mm/min to 6 mm/min and
capable of recording the force required to extend the
specimen.
4 BSI 02-1999
C.1.4 Softwood spacer bars, wrapped with release
paper or treated with recommended release agent,
either 12 no.
12 mm 13 mm 50 mm [see Figure 1 (a)], or 6 no.
12 mm 38 mm 50 mm [see Figure 1 (d)], or 6 no.
12 mm 19 mm 50 mm [see Figure 1 (e)].
C.1.5 Power stirrer or spatula.
C.1.6 Feeler gauge, of thickness 0.025 mm,
width 2 mm, graduated in 1 mm increments.
C.2 Test surfaces
C.2.1 Aluminium. Each aluminium test surface
shall consist of untreated aluminium alloy of
grade 6063 TF or 6082 TF as specified in BS 1474 or
grade 6082 TF as specified in BS 1470, either in the
form of plates of sufficient thickness to withstand
deformation under testing or in the form of thin
plates securely bonded to the faces of a rigid
substrate.
C.2.2 Glass. Each glass test surface shall consist of
clear float glass, either in the form of plates of
sufficient thickness to withstand deformation under
testing or in the form of thin plates securely bonded
to the faces of a rigid substrate.
C.2.3 Portland cement mortar. Each cement mortar
test surface shall consist of a block of not less
than 12 mm nominal thickness, stored for 24 h in
an enclosure (C.1.1) at 25 2 C and 50 5 % r.h.
Prepare the cement mortar blocks as follows.
a) Mix one part by dry mass of ordinary Portland
cement complying with BS 12 with 1 parts by
dry mass of sand complying with BS 4550-6 and
add water to give a water to cement ratio of 0.35
to 0.40.
The grain size of the sand shall be such
that 100 % by mass shall pass through a 850 4m
test sieve, complying with BS 410, and 0 to 10 %
by mass shall pass through a 600 4m test sieve,
complying with BS 410.
Ensure that the sand is thoroughly washed and
dried before use.
b) Transfer the mortar immediately to rigid
plastics moulds in about four layers, each being
thoroughly compacted on a suitable vibrating
table.
c) Cure the blocks in the moulds for 24 h in an
atmosphere of not less than 90 % r.h.
d) Remove the blocks from the moulds and cure
for a further 28 days in water at room
temperature, using a volume of water not less
than 400 mL per block.

e) Dry the blocks at a temperature of 110 C in an
oven (C.1.2) for at least 12 h and store in the
enclosure for at least 28 days at 25 2 C
and 65 % r.h.
If blocks are not required for immediate use and are
subsequently stored under alternative or
uncontrolled conditions, store them for at least a
further seven days at 25 2 C and 65 % r.h. before
use.
C.3 Cleaning of test surfaces. Before
constructing the test assemblies clean the test
surfaces as follows.
a) Clear float glass, aluminium. Remove major
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contamination by cleaning with water, detergent
solution or solvents. Clean the surface with
methyl ethyl ketone or similar solvent. Wash
with dilute detergent solution and rinse with
distilled or deionized water. Rinse in industrial
methylated spirits and air dry.
b) Mortar. Remove loose dust using a clean stiff
bristle brush. If it is found, after the preparation
of the block, that the surface has any cavity
greater than 2 mm diameter, reject the block.
Where appropriate, prime the surface (see 3.3).
Apply primer only over the area to which the sealant
is intended to adhere.
C.4 Preparation of test assemblies. Condition
the components of the sealant in closed containers
for 16 h at 25 2 C. Mix together suitable
quantities of the components in a clean cylindrical
container, either by hand for 10 min, using a
spatula, or by using a power stirrer until uniform
mixing is achieved, the speed of rotation being such
that the minimum amount of air is entrained in the
mixed sealant.
Prepare three test assemblies each consisting of
a 12 mm 12 mm 50 mm bead of sealant held
between parallel test surfaces, using spacer
bars (C.1.4).
Carefully fill the channels, formed by the spacer
bars and test surfaces, with sealant, taking care to
prevent voids and occlusion of bubbles. Typical
assemblies are shown in Figure 1. If type 2 or type 3
assemblies are used, tool the open surfaces to obtain
a rectangular bead of
sealant 12 mm 12 mm 50 mm.
Cure the test assemblies for seven days in the
enclosure (C.1.1) at 25 2 C and 50 5 % r.h. Hold
the assemblies securely to prevent movement
during the cure period.
BSI 02-1999
BS 4254:1983
C.5 Positioning of test assemblies. Use the
tensile testing machine (C.1.3) for all tests except
the test described in C.6.5. Position the test
assembly in the tensile testing machine, ensuring
that the jaws provide a direct pull (see Figure 1).
NOTE When it is required to maintain the test assembly in
tension, a simple method of achieving this is to insert suitably
dimensioned spacer bars before releasing the tensile testing
machine.
For the test described in C.6.5 use a device such as
that shown in Figure 2. Obtain the specified rate of
separation by periodically adjusting the bolts A
and B. All clamping bolts on this machine shall have
milled heads. Care should be taken when tightening
the clamping bolts when using glass or other brittle
materials. Suitable packing material between the
bolt and the test assembly is permitted.
C.6 Test procedures
C.6.1 General. Immediately after the seven day cure
period (see C.4) carry out each of the tests given
in C.6.2 to C.6.6. Immediately before testing,
remove the spacer bars and scribe the specimens
with a sharp knife or marking pencil or use masking
tape along the lines where the sealant is in contact
with the test surface, in order to define the original
bonded area.
C.6.2 Before ageing test. Subject test assemblies for
each of the test surfaces to strain, extending the
assembly at the rate of 5 mm/min to 6 mm/min until
extended to a total width of 30 mm.
Record the force required to produce the extension
in each test assembly.
After insertion of spacer bars take the assembly
from the tensile testing machine and hold at this
extension for 24 h at a temperature of 25 2 C.
Still holding the extension, record the total area
(length depth) of any failure of adhesion and
cohesion for each test assembly. Measure the depth
of any crack with the feeler gauge (C.1.6).
C.6.3 After water immersion test. Totally immerse
test assemblies for each of the test surfaces in
distilled water, on end, for seven days at 25 2 C.
Then proceed as described in C.6.2.
5
 BS 4254:1983
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Figure 1 Typical assemblies used in the adhesion and tensile modulus test

6 BSI 02-1999

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Figure 2 Assembly holding device for the cyclic test
C.6.4 After heat ageing test. Heat-age test
assemblies for each of the test surfaces, on end, for
seven days in a ventilated hot-air oven (C.1.2)
at 70 2 C. Then condition the assemblies for not
less than 4 h at 25 2 C.
Proceed as described in C.6.2 except that the
maximum extension shall be 24 mm.
C.6.5 After cycles of extension at 15 C and
compression at 25 C test. Place the test assemblies
for each of the test surfaces in a suitable device,
such as that shown in Figure 2, for separating the
parallel test surfaces by increments of 0.8 0.1 mm.
Place these devices, and the contained test
assemblies, in a cold box maintained at 15 2 C
for not less than 4 h.
Extend the test assemblies, still at 15 2 C, by
increments of 0.8 0.1 mm every 3 min until the
sealant has been extended to a total width
of 24 mm. Maintain the assemblies at this extension
at a temperature of 15 2 C for 16 h. Still
holding the extension, record the total area
(length depth) of any failure of adhesion and
cohesion for each test assembly. Measure the depth
of any crack using the feeler gauge.
2) A MLU 300 W sunlamp made by Philips Electrical Ltd. is suitable.
BSI 02-1999
BS 4254:1983
Remove the assemblies from the cold box and allow
to stand, with all tensile stress removed,
at 25 2 C for 4 h. At the end of this time compress
the test assemblies at the constant rate
of 5 mm/min to 6 mm/min until they regain their
original thickness, and then allow to relax for an
additional 16 h at 25 2 C, thus completing one
test cycle.
Subject each test assembly to three such cycles.
C.6.6 After sun lamp exposure through glass test.
Use three test assemblies each consisting of one
glass and one aluminium surface. Place each
assembly on end and expose the glass side to
radiation from a sun lamp ( 300 W, 240 V, 50
cycles)2). No lamp shall be used for more than 200 h
for testing. Provide ventilation so that the air
temperature at the surface of the test specimen does
not exceed 50 C during the exposure period.
Expose to radiation for 96 h, at a distance
of 300 mm from the surface of the lamp and normal
to the axis through the centre of the lamp. At the
end of the exposure period, completely immerse the
test assemblies in distilled water for 96 h
at 25 2 C.
Proceed as described in C.6.2, except that the
maximum extension shall be 24 mm.
7
 BS 4254:1983
C.7 Test report. For each test the following details
shall be recorded:
a) the force required to produce the extension in
each test assembly;
b) the total area (length depth) of any failure of
adhesion and cohesion for each test assembly;
c) the depth (in mm) of any crack.
Appendix D Test for application life
D.1 Apparatus
D.1.1 Cylindrical container, 65 mm in diameter and
approximately 50 mm high.
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D.1.2 Containers, for storing components and
sealant.
D.1.3 Enclosure mainted at 25 2 C
and 50 5 % r.h.
D.1.4 Power stirrer or spatula for mixing.
D.1.5 Spatula.
D.2 Test surface. The aluminium alloy test surface
shall be mill finished, of grade 6063 TF or 6082 TF
as specified in BS 1474 or grade 6082 TF as
specified in BS 1470.
D.3 Conditioning and mixing. Condition suitable
quantities of base component and curing component
in closed containers (D.1.2), together with a clean
cylindrical container (D.1.1), for at least 16 h in the
enclosure (D.1.3). Thoroughly mix together an
appropriate amount of the base component and of
the curing component in the cylindrical container
at 25 2 C, either by hand for 10 min, using a
spatula or by using a power stirrer (D.1.4) until
uniform mixing is achieved. It is essential to
disperse the curing component evenly throughout
the base component. Take particular care to keep
the amount of air entrapped in the mixture to a
minimum.
D.4 Cleaning of test surface. Clean the
aluminium test surface as described in C.3.
D.5 Procedure. Store the mixed sample uncovered
in the humidity cabinet. Not less than 30 min before
the expected expiry time of the application life, and
thereafter at 10 min intervals, perform tests to
check that the sample is capable of being applied by
a spatula (D.1.5) without difficulty on to a smooth
clean aluminium surface.
D.6 Test report. The application life shall be
recorded as the total time between the completion of
mixing and the last test at which the sealant is
easily applied and readily adheres to the aluminium
surface.
8 BSI 02-1999
Appendix E Test for adhesion in peel
E.1 Apparatus
E.1.1 Testing machine, with tension grips capable of
pulling at a rate of separation of 50 5 mm/min
with a dial or chart calibrated to record the force.
E.1.2 Paper masking tape, 25 mm wide.
E.1.3 Two metal spacer bars, at least 125 mm
long 1.5 mm 1.5 mm.
E.1.4 Thin flexible backing
material, 225 mm 75 mm to which the compound
will adhere throughout the test and which requires
a force appreciably less than 25 N to be pulled back
at an angle of 180 (e.g. cloth, brass screen, unsized
cotton duck fabric, open weave glass cloth).
E.1.5 12 mm diameter rod, steel or glass, 150 mm
long.
E.1.6 Enclosure, maintained at 25 2 C
and 50 5 % r.h.
E.1.7 Spatula.
E.2 Test surfaces
E.2.1 Aluminium. Two pieces of untreated
aluminium alloy, approximately 125 mm 75 mm,
not less than 3 mm thick, of grade 6082 TF as
specified in BS 1470 or grade 6063 TF or 6082 TF as
specified in BS 1474.
E.2.2 Glass. Two pieces of clear float
glass, 125 mm 75 mm, not less than 6 mm thick.
E.2.3 Portland cement mortar. Two blocks of cement
mortar, approximately 125 mm 75 mm 25 mm
prepared as described in C.2.3.
E.3 Cleaning of test surfaces. Before
constructing the test assemblies clean the test
surfaces as described in C.3. Where appropriate,
prime the surfaces (see 3.3).
E.4 Preparation of test assemblies
E.4.1 Prepare six test assemblies, two for each test
surface, as described in E.4.2 to E.4.4.
E.4.2 Place a strip of 25 mm paper masking
tape (E.1.2) across the width of a test surface along
and parallel to the lower edge of the plate, leaving
an area of 100 mm 75 mm exposed (see Figure 3).

E.4.3 Condition not more than 200 g of the base
component and curing component at 25 2 C in
closed containers for a period of 16 h to 24 h. After
this period spread a portion of the properly mixed
sealant on the surface of the plate to a minimum
thickness of 2 mm over the area from the top edge of
the plate to the bottom of the tape and the entire
width of the plate (i.e. 125 mm 75 mm). Insert the
spacer bars (E.1.3) on the long edge of the plate
(see Figure 3). Then smear the backing material
with the mixed sealant at one end over an area
of 125 mm 75 mm and force the sealant into the
backing material using a spatula. Lay the
impregnated material over the sealant on the test
Licensed Copy: lbocvzr lbocvzr, University of Loughborough, 20 March 2004, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
surface, taking care that the minimum amount of
air is entrapped. Roll the backing material with the
rod to obtain a thickness of sealant of 1.5 mm
between the backing material and the test surface.
E.4.4 Cure the assembly in an enclosure (E.1.6)
at 25 2 C and 50 5 % r.h. for two days, then coat
the backing material with a layer, 1 mm thick or
less, of the freshly mixed sealant to protect it from
moisture and to minimize adhesion failure after
water immersion. Allow the assembly to cure
at 25 2 C and 50 5 % r.h. for a further five days,
making a total of seven days in all.
E.4.5 Cut through the backing material to the test
surface along its whole length with a sharp knife or
razor blade, leaving two strips of sealant and
backing material 25 mm wide separated by a space
approximately 10 mm wide (see Figure 3). Immerse
the assembly in distilled or deionized water
at 25 2 C for seven days.
E.5 Procedure
E.5.1 Immediately after removing the assembly
from the water wipe it dry and release the portion of
the backing material covering the masking tape.
Fold back the two strips of backing material at an
angle of 180 and place the specimen in the testing
machine (E.1.1).
E.5.2 Pull one strip of backing material at a rate of
separation of 50 mm/min for 1 min. After a
reasonably steady value has been obtained on the
testing machine, record the peel strength in
newtons shown on the dial or recording chart.
Measure the area over which the sealant has failed
in adhesion to the test surface.
Repeat the procedure for the other strip of backing
material.
If the backing material peels from the sealant
during the test, disregard the result and repeat the
test.
E.5.3 Repeat E.4.1 to E.5.2 for the remaining
assemblies.
BSI 02-1999
BS 4254:1983
E.6 Test report. The average peel strength in
newtons for each test surface and the area over
which the sealant has failed in adhesion for each
strip of backing material shall be recorded.
Appendix F Test for loss of mass after
heat ageing
F.1 Apparatus
F.1.1 Air circulating oven, controlled at 70 2 C,
otherwise complying with the requirements of
BS 2648.
F.1.2 Balance, to weigh 20 g to an accuracy
of 0.01 g.
F.1.3 Three metal dishes, with approximate internal
dimensions of 45 mm diameter and 6 mm depth.
F.1.4 Metal spatula.
F.2 Test procedure
F.2.1 Condition the sealant in a closed container
at 25 2 C for at least 16 h. Clean three metal
dishes (F.1.3) with methyl ethyl ketone, dry and
measure the mass of each dish, m1, in grams.
F.2.2 Fill each dish with sealant and strike off flat
with a spatula (F.1.4) to the level of the open rim
and immediately measure the mass, m2 in grams.
Calculate the original mass, mo of sealant using the
following formula:
mo = m2 m1
F.2.3 Allow the three specimens to cure for seven
days at 25 2 C and 50 5 % r.h. and place them
in the oven for 14 days at 70 2 C. Following this
ageing period allow each specimen to cool for 2 h at
standard laboratory conditions and measure the
mass, m3, in grams. Calculate the final mass, mf,
using the following formula:
mf = m3 m1
F.3 Expression of results. For each specimen
calculate the loss of mass (in %) which is given by
the following formula:
mo m f
----------------------- 100
mo
F.4 Test report. The following details shall be
recorded:
a) the loss of mass as a percentage of the original
mass for each specimen;
b) the average loss of mass for the three
specimens (in %).
9
 BS 4254:1983
Licensed Copy: lbocvzr lbocvzr, University of Loughborough, 20 March 2004, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

Figure 3 Diagram showing arrangement of test strips for the adhesion in peel test

10 BSI 02-1999
 BS 4254:1983

Appendix G Test for staining
G.1 Apparatus
G.1.1 Split ring mould, 12 mm in depth and 76 mm
in diameter standing on a smooth glass plate.
G.1.2 Cylindrical mandrel, of polyethylene or
similar material.
G.1.3 Enclosure, maintained at 25 2 C
and 50 5 % r.h.
G.2 Preparation of mortar block
G.2.1 Prepare a mortar mix consisting of:
1 part by mass of white Portland cement
Licensed Copy: lbocvzr lbocvzr, University of Loughborough, 20 March 2004, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
G.3.5 Repeat G.3.3 and G.3.4 13 times
within 21 days at intervals not less than 24 h. The
first appearance of discoloration, which is most
likely to be visible on the uncoated smooth
undersurface of the mortar around the interface
with the compound in the central hole, shall be
taken as evidence of staining.
G.4 Test report. The following details shall be
recorded:
a) whether or not staining occurs and, if so,
whether adjacent to a primed surface or to an
unprimed surface;
b) where applicable, the batch number and the

complying with the requirements of BS 12; expiry date of the primer.

0.2 parts by mass of high calcium hydrated lime
complying with BS 890;
3.5 parts by mass of white sand complying with
BS 4550-6.
G.2.2 Mix the cement, lime and sand dry with a
trowel on a non-absorbent, non-metallic surface
until the mixture is uniform. Add the water and mix
the whole thoroughly. Use just sufficient water to
form a smooth paste.
Cast the mortar mix in a split ring mould standing
on a smooth glass plate (G.1.1). Form a central
smooth bore cylindrical hole, about 20 mm
diameter, by standing in the centre of the ring
a 20 mm cylindrical mandrel of polyethylene or
similar material (G.1.2) to which the mortar will not
adhere.
Allow the mortar to set for 3.5 0.5 h at 25 2 C in
moist air under a damp cloth. After setting, remove
the central mandrel.
G.3 Procedure
G.3.1 If necessary, use a primer (see 3.3) to coat half
the area of the upper surface of the mortar block and
half the inner surface of the central hole.
G.3.2 Apply sufficient compound to the mortar block
by first filling the hole completely, then spreading
the remainder evenly over the whole of the top
surface to a thickness between 6 mm and 10 mm.
G.3.3 Store the assembly for 24 h in an enclosure
maintained at 25 2 C and 50 5 % r.h. (G.1.3).
Remove the assembly from the enclosure and
inspect for staining.
G.3.4 Completely immerse the specimen in 400 mL
of fresh distilled water at room temperature
for 1 min and return it to the enclosure.

BSI 02-1999 11
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12
blank
 BS 4254:1983

Publications referred to

BS 12, Specification for ordinary and rapid-hardening Portland cement.

BS 410, Specification for test sieves.
BS 890, Building limes.
BS 1470, Wrought aluminium and aluminium alloys for general engineering purposes plate, sheet and
strip.
BS 1474, Wrought aluminium and aluminium alloys for general engineering purposes bars, extruded
round tubes and sections.
BS 2648, Performance requirements for electrically-heated laboratory drying ovens.
BS 4550, Methods of testing cement.
BS 4550-6, Standard sand for mortar cubes.
Licensed Copy: lbocvzr lbocvzr, University of Loughborough, 20 March 2004, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

BSI 02-1999
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