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IS 17477:2020 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for polyethylene foam for thermal insulation - specification. This standard specifies the requirements, sampling protocols, and test methods for both non-crosslinked and crosslinked polyethylene foam used for thermal insulation. It covers material properties such as density, thermal conductivity, water absorption, and fire performance for foam supplied in sheet, roll, or tubular form.
Specifies requirements for polyethylene foam used for thermal insulation.
Broader standard for various cellular plastics, but includes specific categories and requirements for polyethylene foam insulation.
BS 7523:2001BSI (British Standards Institution), UK
HighWithdrawn
Specification for preformed flexible elastomeric foam and polyethylene foam for the thermal insulation of pipework
Previously specified polyethylene foam for pipe insulation, now covered by the European standard EN 14313.
Key Differences
≠Fire performance testing and classification are fundamentally different. IS 17477 refers to Indian test methods like IS 3808, while ASTM C1427 uses ASTM E84 (flame spread/smoke developed index), and EN 14313 uses the Euroclass system (EN 13501-1).
≠IS 17477 explicitly distinguishes between 'Chemically Crosslinked' and 'Irradiation Crosslinked' polyethylene foam, with slightly different requirements for each. Most international standards, like ASTM C1427, group them as 'polyolefin' or 'polyethylene' without this primary classification distinction.
≠The classification or 'typing' system varies. IS 17477 classifies by crosslinking method and form, ASTM C1427 by form (Type I/II) and fire performance (Grade 1/2), and EN 14313 uses a detailed designation code to describe performance levels for multiple properties.
≠Some properties are specified differently. IS 17477 sets a fixed limit for density, whereas EN 14313 and ASTM C1427 often require the manufacturer to declare the density, which is then used for quality control against that declared value.
Key Similarities
≈All standards cover the same base material (polyethylene foam) and its application for thermal insulation in similar forms (sheets, rolls, and tubes).
≈The core performance properties evaluated are consistent across all standards: thermal conductivity, density, water absorption, water vapour transmission, and dimensional stability.
≈They all rely on standardized test methods for property evaluation, even if the specific methods differ (e.g., IS, ASTM, or ISO test methods for determining thermal conductivity).
≈All standards include requirements for marking and labeling the product to ensure traceability and verification of compliance with the respective standard.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Thermal Conductivity (max)
≤ 0.040 W/(m·K) at 23 ± 2 °C mean temp.
≤ 0.040 W/(m·K) at 24 °C (75 °F) mean temp.
ASTM C1427
Apparent Density
25 to 45 kg/m³ (for chemically crosslinked)
No specific range; value is declared by manufacturer and must be within ±15% or ±1.5 lb/ft³ of the declared value.
ASTM C1427
Water Absorption (by volume)
≤ 1 % after 28 days partial immersion
≤ 0.3 % after 28 days full submersion (Test Method C209)
ASTM C1427
Fire Performance
Passes test as per IS 3808 (Part 4)
For Grade 2: Flame Spread Index ≤ 25, Smoke Developed Index ≤ 50 (per ASTM E84)
ASTM C1427
Service Temperature Range (Upper Limit)
70 °C
≥ 93 °C (200 °F)
ASTM C1427
Water Vapour Permeability
≤ 4.5 g/(m²·24h) for 2mm thick sample
Water vapour resistance factor (μ) must be declared. Typical PEF values are >3500.
EN 14313
Linear Shrinkage (at 70°C, 24h)
≤ 5 %
≤ 7 % (at 93°C, 7 days)
ASTM C1427
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Minimum Density (Type 1 - Non-Crosslinked)25 kg/m³
Maximum Thermal Conductivity at 24°C0.040 W/m.K
Maximum Water Absorption by Volume (after 28 days)1.5 %
Maximum Water Vapour Permeability4.5 ng/Pa.s.m
Working Temperature Range-40 °C to +90 °C
Minimum Limiting Oxygen Index23 %
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Physical Requirements for Polyethylene Foam
Table 2 - Dimensional Tolerances for Polyethylene Foam Sheets/Rolls/Tubes
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - Types and Classes
Clause 5 - Requirements
Clause 5.2 - Physical Requirements
Clause 6 - Dimensions and Tolerances
Clause 7 - Sampling and Criteria for Conformity
Annex A - Method for Determination of Thermal Conductivity
What is the maximum thermal conductivity allowed for PE foam under this standard?+
The maximum thermal conductivity is 0.040 W/m.K when tested at a mean temperature of 24°C (Table 1).
What is the specified working temperature range?+
The material should be suitable for a continuous working temperature range of -40°C to +90°C (Clause 5.2.7).
How is fire performance classified?+
The material is classified as Class 'O' or Class '1' based on tests for fire propagation and surface spread of flame as per BS 476 (Parts 6 and 7) respectively (Clause 3.3).
Does this standard cover pipe insulation?+
Yes, the standard applies to polyethylene foam supplied in the form of sheets, rolls, and preformed tubes for pipe insulation (Clause 1.1).