This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: C1534 − 22

Standard Specification for

Flexible Polymeric Foam Sheet Insulation Used as a
Thermal and Sound Absorbing Liner for Duct Systems1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1534; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope C177 Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measure-

1.1 This specification covers the composition, dimensions, ments and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of
and physical properties of flexible unfaced foam sheet, used to the Guarded-Hot-Plate Apparatus
insulate interior surfaces of HVAC ducts, plenums and equip- C390 Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal
ment used for the distribution of conditioned air with a Insulation Lots
temperature of up to 250°F (121°C). C411 Test Method for Hot-Surface Performance of High-
Temperature Thermal Insulation
1.2 HVAC ducts, plenums and equipment systems typically
C423 Test Method for Sound Absorption and Sound Absorp-
operate between a temperature range of 50°F to 150°F (10°C to
tion Coefficients by the Reverberation Room Method
65°C) and are designed to meet building code requirements of
C447 Practice for Estimating the Maximum Use Tempera-
maximum temperatures of 250°F (121°C).
ture of Thermal Insulations
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded C518 Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only C634 Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental
and are not considered standard. Acoustics
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the C665 Specification for Mineral-Fiber Blanket Thermal Insu-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the lation for Light Frame Construction and Manufactured
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- Housing
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- C1045 Practice for Calculating Thermal Transmission Prop-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. erties Under Steady-State Conditions
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor- C1071 Specification for Fibrous Glass Duct Lining Insula-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- tion (Thermal and Sound Absorbing Material)
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the C1104/C1104M Test Method for Determining the Water
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- Vapor Sorption of Unfaced Mineral Fiber Insulation
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical C1114 Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. Properties by Means of the Thin-Heater Apparatus
C1304 Test Method for Assessing the Odor Emission of
2. Referenced Documents Thermal Insulation Materials
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 C1338 Test Method for Determining Fungi Resistance of
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation Insulation Materials and Facings
C1763 Test Method for Water Absorption by Immersion of
Thermal Insulation Materials
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of
Thermal Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.22 on Building Materials
Organic and Nonhomogeneous Inorganic Thermal Insulations.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2022. Published December 2022. Originally
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
approved in 2002. Last previous edition approved in 2020 as C1534 – 20a. DOI: E795 Practices for Mounting Test Specimens During Sound
10.1520/C1534-22. Absorption Tests
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or E2231 Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Pipe and Duct Insulation Materials to Assess Surface
the ASTM website. Burning Characteristics

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 C1534 − 22
G21 Practice for Determining Resistance of Synthetic Poly- 5.2 Flexible, polymeric cellular thermal insulations shall be
meric Materials to Fungi of uniform core density. These insulation materials are avail-
2.2 Other Standards: able with a smooth skin surface or coating on one or both sides,
CAN/ULC-S102 Standard Method of Test for Surface and they are to be considered homogeneous for the purposes of
Burning Characteristics of Building Materials and Assem- determining thermal performance.
blies
6. Ordering Information
3. Terminology
6.1 Specific installation, insulation type, thickness, length,
3.1 The definitions of terms used in this specification shall and width suited for the intended use shall be agreed upon by
be in accordance with Terminologies C168, C634, and E176. In the purchaser and supplier.
case of any conflicts, Terminology C168 shall be the authority.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: 7. Physical Properties—See Tables 1 and 2 for Summary
3.2.1 closed cell foam—a foam comprised of predominately of Requirements
individual non interconnecting cells.
7.1 Apparent Thermal Conductivity—The material shall be
3.2.2 flexible cellular—a cellular material that will not tested for apparent thermal conductivity at 75°F (24°C) mean
rupture within 60 s when a specimen 1 × 1 × 8 in. in length (25 temperature in accordance with 12.1. The thermal conductivity
× 25 × 200 mm) is bent around a 1 in. (25 mm) diameter for the average of any four randomly selected samples, shall
mandrel at a uniform rate of one lap in 5 s in the form of a helix not be more than 0.30 Btu-in./h-sq ft°F (0.043 W/m-K) when
at a temperature between 65 and 85°F (18 and 29°C). tested in accordance with 12.1. See Table 1.
3.2.3 open cell foam—a foam made porous by interconnect- NOTE 2—Consult the local or state building codes for the minimum
ing cells. installed thermal resistance, R-value, required to be installed.
7.2 Surface Burning Characteristics—Shall be in accor-
4. Classification dance with 12.2. See Table 1 for requirements.
4.1 The flexible polymeric insulations of this specification 7.3 Hot Surface Performance—The insulation shall have no
are classified into Types I and II. Type I is a closed cell flexible evidence of flaming, glowing, smoldering, visible smoke,
foam. Type II is an open cell flexible foam. delamination, cracking, melting, dripping or reduction in
4.2 When referencing Specification C1534, type and grade thickness when tested in accordance with 12.3 at the tempera-
shall always be specified. ture specified in Table 1. Maximum allowed warpage is 0.5 in.
NOTE 1—The primary difference between Type I and Type II materials (12 mm).
are: Type I materials exhibit lower water absorption properties and Type
II materials have greater acoustical properties as noted in Table 1 and NOTE 3—Hot Surface Performance Characteristics for Type 1
Table 2. Material—When this type of material is used on hot applications, the
material’s characteristics will change and should be considered when
5. Materials selecting the material for an application. Heat will cause the elastomeric
insulation to harden. As the temperature approaches the stated high
5.1 These products shall be made of a homogeneous blend temperature limit, the process occurs faster. This hardening will not
of natural or synthetic polymeric materials. Modifications with negatively effect the thermal performance or water vapor transmission
various thermoplastic or thermosetting resins, plasticizers, properties of the product. The hardening will be most noticeable closer to
modifiers, antioxidants, curatives, blowing agents and other the heat source. This effect is based on time and temperature.
additives are allowed. These products do not melt when 7.4 Water Vapor Sorption—Shall be tested in accordance
exposed to heat and are considered to be thermoset materials. with 12.4. See Table 1.

TABLE 1 Physical Properties

Type II
Type I
Grade A Grade B
Maximum Apparent Thermal Conductivity Btu-in./h-ft 2–°F) max. 0.30 0.30 0.30
(W/m-K) max. (0.043) (0.043) (0.043)
Surface Burning Characteristics ( at maximum total installed thickness): (SeeA ) (SeeA ) (SeeA )
Flame Spread Index, (max) # 25 15 25
Smoke Developed Index, (max) # 50 15 50
Water Vapor Sorption wt % gain by vol. (max.) 0.75 0.1 0.1
Water Absorption, wt % gain by vol. (max.) 0.2 4.0 4.0
Dimensional Stability % change (max.) length, width or thickness 7.0 1.0 1.0
Odor Emission Pass Pass Pass
Corrosiveness Pass Pass Pass
Fungi Resistance No Growth No Growth No Growth
Erosion Resistance Pass Pass Pass
Hot Surface Performance at not less than 250°F (125°C) Pass PassB PassB
(See 7.3 for requirements)
A
Consult manufacturer regarding maximum thickness approved for surface burning characteristics Type 1 is typically tested at 1 in. thickness. Type 2 is typically tested
at 2 in. thickness. Product needs to be tested at the thickness to be used in the application.
B
In some cases actual product properties exceed requirements listed in Table 1, consult manufacturers for specific applications.

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 C1534 − 22
TABLE 2 Sound Absorption Coefficients (minimum) Using Test Method C423 Type “A” MountingA Practice E795
Frequency, Hz 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 NRCA
Type I
1⁄2 in. (13 mm) 0.00 0.04 0.06 0.20 0.40 0.15 0.20
1 in. (25 mm) 0.15 0.10 0.30 0.30 0.20 0.20 0.25
2 in. (50 mm) 0.08 0.62 0.32 0.43 0.36 0.31 0.50

Type II
1⁄2 in. (13 mm) 0.07 0.10 0.25 0.60 0.98 0.85 0.50
1 in. (25 mm) 0.14 0.20 0.45 0.80 0.98 0.85 0.60
2 in. (50 mm) 0.25 0.58 1.00 0.98 1.00 0.90 0.90
A
NRC-Noise Reduction Coefficient

7.5 Water Absorption—Shall be tested in accordance with shall conform to the dimensional tolerances listed in Table 3.
12.5. See Table 1. All dimensions shall be measured at the conditioning tempera-
7.6 Dimensional Stability—Shall be tested in accordance ture.
with 12.6.
10. Workmanship and Finish
7.7 Odor Emission—There shall be no detectable odor of
objectionable nature when tested in accordance with 12.7. 10.1 The insulation shall indicate good workmanship in
fabrication and shall not have visible defects that adversely
7.8 Corrosiveness—No corrosion shall be noted when tested effect service performance.
in accordance with 12.8.
7.9 Fungi Resistance—When tested in accordance with 11. Sampling
12.9, the test specimens shall show no fungal growth. 11.1 Sampling of the insulation shall be in accordance with
7.10 Erosion Resistance—The product shall show no evi- Practice C390. Specific provisions for sampling shall be agreed
dence of delamination or continued erosion when air is passed upon between the purchaser and the supplier.
through typical duct sections when tested in accordance with
12.10. 12. Test Methods
7.11 Sound Absorption Coeffıcient—When tested in accor- 12.1 Apparent Thermal Conductivity—Test in accordance
dance with Test Method C423 using an “A” mounting in with Test Method C177 or Test Method C518 or Test Method
accordance with Practice E795, the insulation shall have sound C1114 at 75°F (24°C) mean temperature (see also Practice
absorption coefficient and NRC not less than that indicated in C1045).
Table 2. 12.2 Surface Burning Characteristics—Determine the sur-
face burning characteristic for the material in accordance with
8. Qualification and Inspection Requirements Test Method E84. In Canada use Test Method CAN/ULC-
8.1 Qualification Requirements—The following require- S102. The results shall be reported. See Section 1 of Test
ments shall be used for purposes of initial material qualifica- Method E84 for information regarding the applicability of this
tion: test method for use with cellular plastics and Practice E2231
8.1.1 Apparent thermal conductivity, for specimen mounting methods.
8.1.2 Surface burning characteristics, 12.3 Hot Surface Performance—The maximum hot surface
8.1.3 Hot surface performance, temperature of the material shall be tested in accordance with
8.1.4 Water vapor sorption, Test Method C411 and the hot surface performance section of
8.1.5 Water absorption, Practice C447 at the insulation’s maximum use temperature
8.1.6 Odor emission, and at the manufacturer’s maximum recommended thickness.
8.1.7 Corrosiveness, The surface shall be at the intended temperature when testing
8.1.8 Fungi resistance, begins. No special requirements for heat-up shall be specified
8.1.9 Erosion resistance, and by the manufacturer.
8.1.10 Sound absorption coefficient.
12.4 Water Vapor Sorption—Test the water sorption of the
8.2 Inspection—The following requirements shall be used material in accordance with the Test Method C1104/C1104M.
for purposes of acceptance sampling of lots or shipments of
qualified thermal insulation:
8.2.1 Dimensional tolerances, and
8.2.2 Workmanship. TABLE 3 Dimensional Tolerance, in. (mm)
Dimension Tolerance
9. Dimensional Tolerances Width +0.250 in./-0 in. (+6 mm/-0 mm)
Length -0/excess permitted
9.1 After conditioning for a minimum of 24 h at 70 6 3°F Thickness ±10 %
(21 6 1.6°C) and 50 6 5 % relative humidity, the insulation

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 C1534 − 22
12.5 Water Absorption—Determine the amount of water 14. Rejection
absorption of the test specimen in accordance with Test 14.1 Material that fails to conform to the requirements
Method C1763, Procedure B (24 h immersion time) for Type I. agreed upon in the purchasing agreement is subject to rejec-
For Type II, Test Method C1763, Procedure C (24 h immersion tion. Rejection shall be reported to the producer or supplier
time). promptly and in writing.
12.6 Dimensional Stability—Determine length, width and
thickness change when tested in accordance with C356 after 15. Certification
aging 24 h at a minimum of 250°F (125°C) or the maximum 15.1 When specified in the purchase order or contract, a
use temperature whichever is higher. producer’s, supplier’s, or independent third party’s certification
12.7 Odor Emission—Determine the odor emission in ac- shall be furnished to the purchaser indicating that the material
cordance with Test Method C1304 except test at 200°F (92°C). was manufactured, sampled, tested, and inspected in accor-
dance with this specification and has been found to meet the
12.8 Corrosiveness—The corrosiveness of the material shall requirements. When specified in the purchase order or contract,
be determined in accordance with the corrosiveness test a report of test results shall be furnished.
method defined in Specification C665.
12.9 Fungi/Resistance—The fungi resistance of the material 16. Product Marking
shall be determined in accordance with Practice G21 and Test 16.1 The air stream surface of the liner shall be marked
Method C1338. according to the purchaser’s requirements, for example: prod-
12.10 Erosion Resistance—The air erosion properties of the uct name, thickness, manufacturer, surface burning character-
material shall be as determined in accordance with the erosion istics and nominal R-value.
resistance test methods and requirements defined in Specifica-
tion C1071. The air velocity for the test is dependent upon the 17. Packaging and Package Marking
use of the product. The air velocity for the test shall be 2.5 17.1 Packaging—Unless otherwise specified, the insulation
times the maximum rated velocity of the product. shall be packaged in the manufacturer’s standard containers.
12.11 Sound Absorption Coeffıcient—Test in accordance 17.2 Package Marking—The markings shall be clear and
with Test Method C423 using an “A” mounting in accordance legible. The package shall be marked with the manufacturer’s
with Practice E795. name, address, product name, lot number, material width,
length, thickness, and nominal R-value.
13. Inspection
13.1 Inspection of the insulation shall be as agreed upon by 18. Keywords
the purchaser and the manufacturer as part of the purchase 18.1 closed cell; ducts; flexible; foam; HVAC; insulation;
agreement. open cell; sound absorbing; thermal insulation

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