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IS 13435:2000 (Part 3) is the Indian Standard (BIS) for acrylic-based polymer waterproofing material - methods of the test, part 3: determination of capillary water take-up. This standard specifies the laboratory test method for determining the capillary water take-up of acrylic-based polymer waterproofing materials. It details the apparatus, specimen preparation, procedure, and calculation for measuring the mass of water absorbed by a coated specimen through capillary action over a 24-hour period. This test assesses the material's ability to resist water ingress on porous surfaces.
Acrylic-based polymer waterproofing material - Methods of the test, Part 3: Determination of capillary water take-up
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Waterproofing and Damp-Proofing
! The MFFT value is crucial for determining the safe application temperature range for a waterproofing product; applying it below the MFFT will lead to film defects and failure.
! This test is primarily used by manufacturers for quality control and by testing laboratories for product certification, not typically performed on-site.
! Results from this test directly inform the Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and application guidelines for waterproofing materials, especially regarding use in different climates.
ISO 3251:2019ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
HighCurrent
Paints, varnishes and plastics — Determination of non-volatile-matter content
Defines the primary international method for determining non-volatile matter in polymer dispersions, a direct equivalent.
ASTM C1250 - 20ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials), USA
HighCurrent
Standard Test Method for Nonvolatile Content of Cold Liquid-Applied Elastomeric Waterproofing Membranes
Specifically addresses liquid-applied waterproofing, matching the application, though with a longer drying time.
ASTM D2369 - 10(2023)ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials), USA
MediumCurrent
Standard Test Method for Volatile Content of Coatings
Covers a similar gravimetric method for general coatings, from which solid content is derived (100% - Volatile%).
EN 934-4:2009CEN (European Committee for Standardization)
LowCurrent
Admixtures for concrete, mortar and grout - Part 4: Admixtures for grout for prestressing tendons - Definitions, requirements, conformity, marking and labelling
References the determination of 'dry extract' for polymer admixtures, often using methods like ISO 3251.
Key Differences
≠The specified drying time in IS 13435 is 3 hours, which aligns with ISO 3251, but significantly differs from ASTM C1250 (24 hours for waterproofing membranes) and ASTM D2369 (typically 1 hour for coatings).
≠ASTM D2369 requires adding a small amount of suitable solvent (e.g., water) to aid in film formation, a step not specified in IS 13435 or ISO 3251.
≠Sample mass requirements vary slightly. IS 13435 specifies 'approx 1 g', similar to ISO 3251 (1 ± 0.1 g), while ASTM C1250 requires a larger sample of 2.0 ± 0.5 g.
≠International standards like ASTM D2369 often specify the use of a forced-draft oven for uniform heating, whereas IS 13435 is less specific, simply requiring a thermostatically controlled oven.
Key Similarities
≈The fundamental test principle is identical across all standards, relying on a gravimetric method to determine mass loss upon heating in an oven.
≈The specified drying temperature is highly consistent. IS 13435 (105 ± 2 °C) is nearly identical to ISO 3251 (105 ± 2 °C) and ASTM C1250 (105 ± 3 °C), indicating an industry consensus.
≈All standards require the same basic set of laboratory apparatus: an analytical balance, a drying oven, a flat-bottomed dish, and a desiccator for cooling the sample before reweighing.
≈The mathematical formula for calculating the percentage of solid content, (Mass of residue / Initial mass of sample) * 100, is universal to all the compared standards.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Drying Temperature
105 ± 2 °C
105 ± 2 °C
ISO 3251:2019
Drying Time
3 hours
24 hours
ASTM C1250 - 20
Drying Time (Coatings)
3 hours
60 minutes
ASTM D2369 - 10(2023)
Sample Mass
Approx 1 g
1 ± 0.1 g
ISO 3251:2019
Sample Mass (Waterproofing)
Approx 1 g
2.0 ± 0.5 g
ASTM C1250 - 20
Solvent Addition for Spreading
Not required
Required for some materials
ASTM D2369 - 10(2023)
Dish Diameter
75 mm
Not less than 50 mm and not more than 100 mm
ISO 3251:2019
Calculation Formula
(Mass of residue / Mass of sample) x 100
(m2 / m1) x 100
ISO 3251:2019
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values5
Quick Reference Values
Typical MFFT Apparatus Temperature Range-5°C to +75°C
Specified Wet Film Thickness for Test75 ± 5 microns
Definition of MFFTThe lowest temperature at which a latex will uniformly coalesce when laid on a substrate as a thin film.
Definition of White PointThe temperature at which a dried film of the polymer dispersion turns white or opaque upon cooling.
Dry Air Flow Rate over Film2-4 litres/minute
Key Formulas
W = (m_t - m_o) / A — Where W is capillary water take-up (kg/m²), m_t is mass after immersion (kg), m_o is initial mass (kg), and A is surface area (m²).
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
No tables data
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - Apparatus
Clause 4 - Procedure for Determination of Minimum Film Forming Temperature (MFFT)
Clause 5 - Procedure for Determination of White Point
Clause 6 - Test Report
Frequently Asked Questions4
What is Minimum Film Forming Temperature (MFFT)?+
It is the lowest temperature at which the polymer particles in an acrylic emulsion will fuse together to form a continuous, crack-free film (Clause 4).
Why is MFFT important for a waterproofing coating?+
If a coating is applied below its MFFT, it will dry into a powdery or cracked layer that offers no waterproofing protection. The film fails to form correctly.
What is the 'White Point' temperature?+
It is the temperature at which a clear, dried film of the polymer turns opaque upon cooling, which can be relevant to its performance and appearance in cold service conditions (Clause 5).
What is the main equipment used for this test?+
The primary apparatus is an MFFT Bar, a metal plate with a precisely controlled temperature gradient, along with a film applicator to create a uniform film (Clause 3).