Designation: C 591 – 01

Standard Specification for

Unfaced Preformed Rigid Cellular Polyisocyanurate
Thermal Insulation1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 591; 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

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superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This specification covers the types, physical properties, 2.1 ASTM Standards:
and dimensions of unfaced, preformed rigid cellular polyiso- C 165 Test Method for Measuring Compressive Properties
cyanurate plastic material intended for use as thermal insula- of Thermal Insulations2
tion on surfaces from − 297°F (−183°C) to 300°F (150°C). For C 168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulating Materi-
specific applications, the actual temperature limits shall be als2
agreed upon by the manufacturer and purchaser. C 177 Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measure-
1.2 This specification only covers “polyurethane modified ments and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of
polyisocyanurate” thermal insulation which is commonly re- the Guarded Hot Plate Apparatus2
ferred to as “polyisocyanurate” thermal insulation. This stan- C 203 Test Method for Breaking Load and Flexural Prop-
dard does not encompass all polyurethane modified materials. erties of Block-Type Thermal Insulation2
Polyurethane modified polyisocyanurate and other polyure- C 236 Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Performance
thane materials are similar, but the materials will perform of Building Assemblies by Means of a Guarded Hot Box2
differently under some service conditions. C 272 Test Method for Water Absorption of Core Materials
1.3 This standard is designed as a material specification, not for Structural Sandwich Constructions2
a design document. Physical property requirements vary by C 303 Test Method for Density of Preformed Block-Type
application and temperature. At temperatures below - 70°F Thermal Insulation2
(- 51°C) the physical properties of the polyisocyanurate insu- C 335 Test Method for Steady-State Heat Transfer Proper-
lation at the service temperature are of particular importance. ties of Horizontal Pipe2
Below - 70°F (- 51°C), the manufacturer and the purchaser C 390 Criteria for Sampling and Acceptance of Preformed
must agree on what additional cold temperature performance Thermal Insulation Lots2
properties, may be required to determine if the material can C 411 Test Method for Hot Surface Performance of High
function adequately for the particular application. Temperature Thermal Insulation2
1.4 The use of thermal insulation material covered by this C 518 Test Method for the Steady State Heat Flux Measure-
specification may be regulated by building codes that address ments and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of
fire performance. the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus2
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded C 550 Practice for Measuring Trueness and Squareness of
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for Rigid Block and Board Thermal Insulation2
information only and may be approximate. C 585 Practice for Inner and Outer Diameters of Rigid
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the Thermal Insulation for Nominal Sizes of Pipe and Tubing
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the (NPS System)2
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- C 871 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Thermal
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- Insulation Materials for Leachable Chloride, Fluoride,
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Silicate, and Sodium Ions2
C 976 Test Method for Thermal Performance of Building
Assemblies by Means of a Calibrated Hot Box2
C 1045 Practice for Calculating Thermal Transmission
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on Properties from Steady-State Heat Flux Measurements2
Thermal Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.22 on
Inorganic and Nonhomogeneous Inorganic Thermal Insulation. C 1058 Practice for Selecting Temperatures for Evaluation
Current edition approved Nov. 10, 2001. Published February 2002. Originally and Reporting Thermal Properties of Thermal Insulation2
published as C 591 – 66 T. Last previous edition C 591 – 00.
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.06.

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 C 591
C 1114 Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission 5. Ordering Information
Properties by Means of the Thin-Heater Apparatus2 5.1 Orders for materials purchased under this specification
C 1303 Test Method for Estimating the Long-Term Change shall include the following:
in the Thermal Resistance of Unfaced Rigid Closed Cell 5.1.1 Designation of this specification and year of issue,
Plastic Foams by Slicing and Sealing Under Controlled 5.1.2 Product name or type, or both,
Laboratory Conditions3 5.1.3 Apparent thermal conductivity and specific thickness
D 883 Terminology Relating to Plastics4 required,
D 1621 Test Method for Compressive Properties of Rigid 5.1.4 Product dimensions,
Cellular Plastics4 5.1.5 Quantity of material,
D 1622 Test Method for Apparent Density of Rigid Cellular 5.1.6 Special packaging or marking, if required, and
Plastics4 5.1.7 Special requirements for inspection or testing, or both.
D 1623 Test Method for Tensile and Tensile Adhesion
Properties of Rigid Cellular Plastics4 6. Materials and Manufacture
D 2126 Test Method for Response of Rigid Cellular Plastics 6.1 Unfaced, preformed rigid cellular polyisocyanurate ther-
to Humid Aging4 mal insulation is produced by the polymerization of polymeric
D 2856 Test Method for Open Cell Content of Rigid Cel- polyisocyanates in the presence of polyhydroxyl compounds,
lular Plastics by the Air Pycnometer5 catalysts, cell stabilizers, and blowing agents.
E 84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of 6.2 The material covered by this specification may be
Building Materials6 supplied in “bun” form or finished board stock or special
E 96 Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Mate- shapes.
rials2 7. Physical Properties
3. Terminology 7.1 Unfaced, preformed rigid cellular polyisocyanurate ther-
3.1 For descriptions of terms used in this specification, refer mal insulation shall conform to the requirements shown in
to Terminologies C 168 and D 883. Table 1 or Table 2.
3.2 The term polyisocyanurate does not encompass all 7.2 Polyisocyanurate thermal insulation is an organic mate-
polyurethane containing materials (see 1.2). rial and is combustible. It should not be exposed to flames or
3.3 The term “core specimen” refers to representative other ignition sources. The fire performance of the material
samples cut in accordance with the sampling procedure listed should be addressed through fire test requirements established
within each property test method. by the appropriate governing authority. The manufacturer
should be contacted for specific data as fire performance
4. Classification characteristic will vary with grade, type, and thickness.
4.1 Unfaced, preformed rigid cellular polyisocyanurate ther- 7.3 Not all physical properties at temperature below - 70°F
mal insulation covered by this specification is classified into six (-51°C) have been fully tested, and the user should consult the
types as follows: manufacturer for properties and performance at these lower
4.1.1 Type I—Compressive resistance of 16 lb/in2 (110 temperatures.
kPa), minimum. 8. Dimensions and Tolerances
4.1.2 Type IV—Compressive resistance of 21 lb/in2 (145 8.1 The dimensions shall be as agreed upon by the pur-
kPa), minimum. chaser and the supplier. Polyisocyanurate thermal insulation is
4.1.3 Type II—Compressive resistance of 36 lb/in2 (250 commonly available in lengths up to 144 in. (3.66 mm), widths
kPa), minimum. up to 48 in. (1.22 m), and thicknesses from 0.5 in. (13 mm) to
4.1.4 Type III—Compressive resistance of 45 lb/in2 (310 24 in. (610 mm).
kPa), minimum. 8.2 Insulation Board:
4.1.5 Type V—Compressive resistance of 70 lb/in2 (483 8.2.1 Dimensional tolerances for boards shall be as follows:
kPa), minimum. Dimension Tolerance, in. (mm)
4.1.6 Type VI—Compressive resistance of 125 lb/in2 (862 Length 61⁄8 (3.2)
kPa), minimum. Width 61⁄16(1.6)
Thickness 61⁄32(0.8)
4.2 Unfaced, preformed rigid cellular polyisocyanurate ther-
mal insulation covered by this specification is classified into 8.2.2 Edge Trueness—Determine in accordance with Test
two grades as follows: Method C 550. The maximum deviation from the edge trueness
4.2.1 Grade 1–Service temperature range of - 70°F (- 51°C) shall not be greater than 1⁄32 in/ft (2.6 mm/m) of length or
and 300°F (150°C). width.
4.2.2 Grade 2–Service temperature range of - 297°F 8.2.3 Face Trueness—Determine in accordance with Test
(- 183°C) and 300°F (150°C). Method C 550. The maximum deviation from flatness shall not
be greater than 1⁄16 in/ft (5.2 mm/m) of length or width.
3
8.2.4 Corner Squareness—Determine in accordance with
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.03.
4 Test Method C 550. The maximum deviation from corner
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.01.
5
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.02. squareness shall not be greater than 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) for all
6
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.07. board thicknesses.
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 C 591
TABLE 2 Physical Property Requirements
Grade 2: Operating Temperature Range -297°F (-183°C) to 300°F (149°C)
Property Type IV Type II Type III Type V Type VI
Density, min lb/ft3(kg/m3) 2.0 (32) 2.5 (40) 3.0 (48) 4.0 (60) 6.0 (96)

Compressive resistance at 10 % deformation 21 (145) 35 (240) 45 (310) 70 (483) 125 (862)

or yield whichever occurs first, parallel to
rise, min, lb/in2(kPa)

Apparent thermal conductivity, max

BTU-in/h-ft2°F (W/m-K),
at a mean temperature of:
-200°F (-129°C) .13 (.019) .13 (.019) .14 (.020) .14 (.020) .15 (.022)
-150°F (-101°C) .15 (.022) .15 (.022) .16 (.023) .16 (.023) .17 (.025)
-100°F (-73°C) .17 (.025) .17 (.025) .18 (.026) .18 (.026) .19 (.027)
-50°F (-46°C) .19 (.027) .19 (.027) .20 (.029) .20 (.029) .21 (.030)
0°F (-17°C) .18 (.026) .18 (.026) .19 (.027) .19 (.027) .20 (.029)
50°F (10°C) .17 (.025) .17 (.025) .18 (.026) .18 (.026) .19 (.027)
75°F (24°C) .18 (.026) .18 (.026) .19 (.027) .19 (.027) .20 (.029)
150°F (86°C) .22 (.032) .22 (.032) .23 (.033) .23 (.033) .24 (.035)
200°F (93°C) .24 (.035) .24 (.035) .26 (.037) .26 (.037) .28 (.040)

Water absorption, max, % by volume 0.5 0.7 0.8 0.8 0.8

Water vapor permeability, max, perm-in (ng/Pa-s-m) 4.0 (5.8) 3.5 (5.1) 3.0 (4.4) 2.5 (3.7) 2.0 (2.9)

Dimensional stability, max % linear change

158 + 4°F (70 + 2°C), 97 + 3 % relative humidity 4 4 4 4 4

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−40 + 6°F (−40+ 3°C), ambient relative humidity 1 1 1 1 1
212 + 4°F (100 + 2°C), ambient relative humidity 2 2 2 2 2

Closed cell content, min 90 90 90 90 90

A
Hot-surface performance, at 300°F (149°C) Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass
A
Pass/fail criteria found in 12.4.

8.2.5 Edge Squareness—Determine in accordance with Test cutting of any test specimens. The core test specimens shall be
Method C 550. The maximum deviation from edge squareness cut from the cores of the test samples as required for testing.
shall not be greater that 1⁄16 in. (1.6 mm) for all board 11.2 Unless otherwise specified, the test specimens shall be
thicknesses. conditioned at 73 6 4°F (23 6 2°C) and 50 6 5 % relative
8.3 Pipe Insulation: humidity for at least 12 h prior to testing.
8.3.1 Material supplied for pipe insulation shall have di-
mensions and tolerances that are in accordance with Practice 12. Test Methods
C 585. 12.1 Density—Determine in accordance with Test Method
D 1622 or C 303.
9. Workmanship and Appearances 12.2 Compressive Resistance—Determine in accordance
9.1 The polyisocyanurate thermal insulation shall have no with Test Method C 165, Procedure A or Test Method D 1621,
defects that will adversely affect its service qualities. Procedure A at a crosshead speed of 0.1 in/min (2.5 mm/min)
10. Sampling for each 1 in. (25 mm) of specimen thickness.
10.1 Unless otherwise specified, the polyisocyanurate ther- NOTE 1—Polyisocyanurate insulation can be anisotropic and, therefore,
strength properties can vary with direction. The manufacturer should be
mal insulation shall be sampled and inspected for acceptance of
consulted if additional information is required.
material in accordance with Criteria C 390.
10.2 Inspection Requirements: 12.3 Apparent Thermal Conductivity—Determine in accor-
10.2.1 The requirements for density shown in Table 1, the dance with either Test Methods C 177, C 236, C 518, C 976,
dimensional requirements described in Section 8, and the or C 1114 in accordance with Practice C 1045 using the small
workmanship and appearance requirements described in Sec- temperature differences indicated in Practice C 1058, Table 3.
tion 9 are defined as inspection requirements (refer to Criteria Test Method C 335 may also be applicable to insulation used in
C 390). pipe applications. The core 1 in. (25mm) test specimens shall
10.3 Qualification Requirements: be conditioned at 73 6 4°F (23 6 2°C) and 50 6 5% relative
10.3.1 The physical requirements shown in Table 1 and humidity for 180 6 5 days from time of manufacture. In case
Table 2 except density are defined as qualification requirements of dispute, Test Method C 177 shall be the referee method. The
(refer to Criteria C 390). Density is defined as an inspection apparent thermal conductivity of the material tested shall not
requirement. be greater than the maximum value identified in Table 1 or
Table 2. The apparent thermal conductivity of individual
11. Specimen Preparation specimens tested shall not be greater than 110% of the
11.1 A period of at least 72 h shall elapse from the time of maximum value identified in Table 1 or Table 2. Compliance
manufacture of the polyisocyanurate thermal insulation until with qualification requirements shall be in accordance with

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 C 591
TABLE 1 Physical Property RequirementsA
Grade 1: Operating Temperature Range -70°F (-51°C) to 300°F (149°C)
Property Type I Type IV Type II Type III Type V Type VI
Density, min lb/ft3(kg/m3) 1.8 (29) 2.0 (32) 2.5 (40) 3.0 (48) 4.0 (60) 6.0 (96)

Compressive resistance at 10 % deformation 16 (110) 21 (145) 35 (240) 45 (310) 70 (483) 125 (862)
or yield whichever occurs first, parallel to
rise, min, lb/in2(kPa)

Apparent thermal conductivity, max

BTU-in/h-ft2°F (W/m-K),
at a mean temperature of:
-100°F (-73°C) .17 (.025) .17 (.025) .17 (.025) .18 (.026) .18 (.026) .19 (.027)
-50°F (-46°C) .19 (.027) .19 (.027) .19 (.027) .20 (.029) .20 (.029) .21 (.030)
0°F (-17°C) .18 (.026) .18 (.026) .18 (.026) .19 (.027) .19 (.027) .20 (.029)
50°F (10°C) .17 (.025) .17 (.025) .17 (.025) .18 (.026) .18 (.026) .19 (.027)

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75°F (24°C) .18 (.026) .18 (.026) .18 (.026) .19 (.027) .19 (.027) .20 (.029)
150°F (86°C) .22 (.032) .22 (.032) .22 (.032) .23 (.033) .23 (.033) .24 (.035)
200°F (93°C) .24 (.035) .24 (.035) .24 (.035) .26 (.037) .26 (.037) .28 (.040)

Water absorption, max, % by volume 0.5 0.5 0.7 0.8 0.8 0.8

Water vapor permeability, max, perm-in (ng/Pa-s-m) 4.0 (5.8) 4.0 (5.8) 3.5 (5.1) 3.0 (4.4) 2.5 (3.7) 2.0 (2.9)

Dimensional stability, max % linear change

158 + 4°F (70 + 2°C), 97 + 3 % relative humidity 4 4 4 4 4 4
−40 + 6°F (−40+ 3°C), ambient relative humidity 1 1 1 1 1 1
212 + 4°F (100 + 2°C), ambient relative humidity 2 2 2 2 2 2

Closed cell content, min 90 90 90 90 90 90

Hot-surface performance, at 300°F (149°C)B Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass
A
This specification does not purport to address all the performance issues associated with it’s use. it is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish
appropriate performance criteria.
B
Pass/fail criteria found in 12.4.

Criteria C 390. For estimating long term changes in thermal 12.10 Tensile Strength— Determine in accordance with Test
resistance, Test Method C 1303 may provide useful informa- Method D 1623.
tion. 12.11 Leachable Chloride, Fluoride, Silicate, and Sodium
Ions— Determine in accordance with Test Method C 871.
NOTE 2—The core thickness has an impact on measured thermal
resistance, as thickness increases the thermal resistance increases, as NOTE 4—It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to determine
thickness decreases the thermal resistance decreases. The thermal resis- the technical requirements for their specific applications and to select an
tance of polyisocyanurate thermal insulation may be significantly influ- appropriate grade and type of material.
enced by installation and service related variables such as age, encapsu-
lation within gas-barrier materials, environmental conditions, and 13. Inspection
mechanical abuse and may be reduced from measured values after
exposure to conditions of use. For specific design recommendations using
13.1 Inspection of this material shall be agreed upon by the
a particular product, consult the manufacturer. purchaser and the supplier as part of the purchase agreement.
12.4 Hot-Surface Performance—Determine in accordance 14. Rejection and Rehearing
with Test Method C 411. Pass criteria defined as no warpage,
14.1 Material that fails to conform to the requirements of
cracking, flaming, glowing, smoldering, and smoking when
this specification may be rejected. Rejection shall be reported
tested with a white background.
to the producer or supplier promptly and in writing. In case of
12.5 Water Absorption— Determine in accordance with
dissatisfaction with the results of the tests, the producer or
Test Method C 272, Procedure A.
supplier may request a rehearing. Retesting may be necessary.
12.6 Water Vapor Permeability—Determine in accordance
14.2 At the agreement of the buyer and seller, the seller
with Test Methods E 96 using the desiccant procedure at 73 6
shall have the right to reinspect a rejected shipment and
2°F (23 6 1°C).
resubmit same after removal of the nonconforming portion.
NOTE 3—The application of a vapor retarder may be required in
conjunction with the application of this insulation. 15. Packaging and Marking
12.7 Dimensional Stability—Determine in accordance with 15.1 Unless otherwise agreed upon between the purchaser
Test Method D 2126. and the supplier, materials under this specification shall be
12.8 Closed-Cell Content—Determine in accordance with packaged by the manufacturer’s standard commercial practice.
Test Method D 2856. 15.2 Unless otherwise specified, shipping containers shall
12.9 Surface Burning Characteristics— Determine, if re- be marked with the name and designation of the manufacturer,
quired, in accordance with Test Method E 84 at the thickness grade , type, lot number, size thickness, product apparent
supplied and results are to be reported. thermal conductivity, and quantity of material in the container.

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 C 591
16. Supplementary Requirements thermal conductivity, and quantity of material in the container.
16.1 Polyisocyanurate thermal insulation should keep dry
during storage, shipping and installation. 17. Keywords
16.2 Unless otherwise specified, shipping containers shall 17.1 cellular plastic; polyisocyanurate; polyurethane modi-
be marked with the name and designation of the manufacturer, fied polyisocyanurate; thermal insulation
grade, type, lot number, size thickness, product apparent

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. END-USE CONSIDERATION

X1.1 Extended Service Temperature Range: pressive resistance, and dimensional stability may be helpful in
X1.1.1 Polyisocyanurate thermal insulation may be used on determining the end use suitability. Consult the manufacturer
surfaces operating between -70°F (–51°C) and –290°F for specific recommendations and properties.
(–161°C). Additional test data such as tensile strength, com-

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