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 BRITISH STANDARD BS 5215:1986
Incorporating
Amendment No. 1

Specification for

One-part gun grade

polysulphide-based
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 13-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

sealants

UDC 691.58:678.046.73 – 404.9

BS 5215:1986

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 Adhesives and Sealants Association
British Rubber Manufacturers’ Association

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 13-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

British Tar Industry Association
British Woodworking Federation
Canadian General Standards Board
Department of the Environment (Building Research Establishment, Princes
Risborough Laboratory)
Flat Glass Manufacturers’ Association
Glass and Glazing Federation
Greater London Council
Institution of Civil Engineers
Refined Bitumen Association Ltd.
Royal Institute of British Architects
Society of Architectural and Associated Technicians
Society of Chemical Industry
Stone Federation
Water Authorities’ Association

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

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 May 1986
Amendments issued since publication
© BSI 07-1999

First published September 1975

Amd. No. Date of issue Comments
First revision May 1986
5468 September Indicated by a sideline in the margin
1986
The following BSI references
relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference ECB/3
Draft for comment 84/10451 DC

ISBN 0 580 15131 X

 BS 5215:1986

Contents

Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword ii
1 Scope 1
2 Definitions 1
3 General 1
4 Rheological properties 1
5 Recovery and tensile modulus 1
6 Adhesion and tensile modulus after heat ageing 1
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 13-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

7 Cyclic adhesion and cohesion 1

8 Adhesion in peel 2
9 Loss of mass after heat ageing 2
10 Staining 2
11 Marking and packaging 2
Appendix A Test for adhesion and tensile modulus after heat ageing 3
Appendix B Test for cyclic adhesion and cohesion 3
Figure 1 — Jig for cyclic adhesion test 4
Table 1 — Tests for sealants 2
Table 2 — Cure conditions 2
Publications referred to Inside back cover

© BSI 07-1999 i
BS 5215:1986

Foreword

This revision of this British Standard has been prepared under the direction of
the Elements and Components (of Diverse Materials) for Buildings Standards
Committee and supersedes BS 5215:1975, which is withdrawn. In this revision
two alternative curing conditions have been introduced and, where appropriate,
cross-references to BS 3712 have replaced detailed descriptions of test methods.
Other minor alterations have been made to bring the standard into line with
BS 4254 and BS 5889.
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.

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 13-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

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 4, 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 07-1999

1 Scope
This British Standard specifies requirements for
one-part gun grade polysulphide-based sealants for
use in buildings and structures, including glazing.
NOTE 1 Primer systems are recommended for use with certain
sealants. The test requirements in this standard take account of
such systems (see 3.3).
NOTE 2 The titles of the publications referred to in this
standard are listed on the inside back cover.
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 13-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
2 Definitions
For the purposes of this British Standard the
following definitions apply.
2.1
one-part polysulphide-based sealant
sealant that has as a principal polymeric
constituent a liquid polysulphide polymer and that
also contains other ingredients, such as fillers, and
a curing system that is activated by exposure to
moisture and cures to a rubber-like solid
2.2
gun grade
sealant that permits application in a suitable joint
of any aspect or inclination without slumping
(see clause 4) at ambient temperatures
3 General
3.1 Type tests shall be carried out, as given in
Table 1, to prove the 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 obtained
from previously unopened containers. The sealants
shall be capable of 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.
3.3 When a particular primer is recommended by a
manufacturer for a specific surface, that test surface
shall be treated with the primer in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions.
NOTE Attention is drawn to the expiry date on any primer that
is used.
3.4 The same cure condition shall be used for all
tests on a particular sealant and shall be stated in
the test reports.
© BSI 07-1999
BS 5215:1986
4 Rheological properties
When tested as described in clause 8 of
BS 3712-1:1985, using channel reference
number 4 (25 mm × 12 mm) and temperatures
of 5 ± 2 °C and 35 ± 2 °C, the sealant shall not
slump in vertical displacement by more
than 1.0 mm when tested in a vertical position and
shall not protrude in front of the original profile
when tested in a horizontal position.
5 Recovery and tensile modulus
When tested as described in 4.4.2 of
BS 3712-4:1985, using an extension of 100 % and a
temperature of 23 ± 2 °C, the tensile force required
to extend each assembly by 100 % shall be within
the range 50 N to 300 N and the total area
(length × depth) of failure shall not exceed 100 mm2
in any assembly.
When tested as described in 4.4.3 of
BS 3712-4:1985, using an extension of 100 % and a
temperature of 23 ± 2 °C, but measuring the
recovery after 5 min extension, each assembly shall
exhibit recovery of not less than 75 % and, when cut
open with a clean sharp knife after the test, there
shall be no substantial transfer of the sealant on to
the knife blade.
6 Adhesion and tensile modulus after
heat ageing
When tested as described in Appendix A, the tensile
force required to extend each assembly after heat
ageing shall be:
a) not less than the mean tensile force before
ageing;
b) not greater than 150 % of the mean tensile
force before ageing.
The total area (length × depth) of failure shall not
exceed 100 mm2 in any assembly.
7 Cyclic adhesion and cohesion
When tested as described in Appendix B, the total
area (length × depth) of failure shall not
exceed 100 mm2 after three cycles in any assembly.
1
BS 5215:1986

Table 1 — Tests for sealants

Test
Rheological properties
Recovery and tensile modulus
Adhesion and tensile modulus
after heat ageing
Cyclic adhesion and cohesion
Clause reference Reference for test methods Cure conditions
for requirements
4 Clause 8 of BS 3712-1:1985
5 Clause 4 of BS 3712-4:1985
6 Appendix A
7 Appendix B As given in Table 2

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 13-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

Adhesion in peel 8 Clause 3 of BS 3712-4:1985
Loss of mass after heat ageing 9 Clause 5 of BS 3712-4:1985
Staining 10 2.2 of BS 3712-2:1973
Table 2 — Cure conditions 11 Marking and packaging
Cure condition in Temperature Relative Time Each package containing sealant shall be marked
DD 121 humidity
with the following particulars:
°C % Days
a) the name or identification mark of the supplier
C4 23 ± 2 95 ± 5 28 or manufacturer;
C5 40 ± 2 95 ± 5 21 b) the number and date of this standard,
i.e. BS 5215:19861);
8 Adhesion in peel c) the cure condition used to test the sealant,
i.e. C4 or C5;
When the sealant is tested as described in clause 3
of BS 3712-4:1985, the average peel strength of four d) the volume of the contents;
strips of backing material for each of the test e) the expiry date, i.e. the date before which it is
surfaces described in 3.2 of BS 3712-4:1985 shall be essential to use the sealant;
not less than 25 N and the material shall not fail in f) the manufacturer’s batch number;
adhesion over more than 25 % of the test area.
g) the storage temperature range and conditions.
If only 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 clause 5
of BS 3712-4:1985, the loss of mass, including the
volatile content, shall not exceed 10 % and the
sealant shall not exhibit any cracks, bubbles or
chalking.
If one specimen fails the test, a second test shall be
permitted. However, if any specimen fails this test,
the sealant shall be deemed not to comply with this
standard.

10 Staining
When tested as described in 2.2 of BS 3712-2:1973,
the sealant shall produce no staining on the primed
or unprimed surfaces of the test mortar.

1) Marking BS 5215:1986 on or in relation to a product is a claim by the manufacturer that the product has been manufactured to
the requirements of the standard. The accuracy of such a claim is therefore solely the manufacturer’s responsibility. Enquiries as
to the availability of third party certification should be addressed to the appropriate certification body.

2 © BSI 07-1999

Appendix A Test for adhesion and
tensile modulus after heat ageing
A.1 Principle
The tensile moduli of identical test assemblies
before and after heat ageing are compared, using
the test method given in clause 4 of BS 3712-4:1985.
A.2 Apparatus and accessory materials
A.2.1 General. The appropriate apparatus and
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 13-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
accessory materials described in 4.1
of BS 3712-4:1985 shall be used, together with the
apparatus given in A.2.2.
A.2.2 Ventilated oven with fan, controlled
at 70 ± 2 °C, otherwise complying with BS 2648.
A.3 Procedure
A.3.1 Prepare two sets of three test assemblies for
each type of test surface as described in 4.3 of
BS 3712-4:1985.
A.3.2 Test one set of assemblies at 23 ± 2 °C as
described in 4.4.2 of BS 3712-4:1985, extending the
sealant by 100 % of the original width.
A.3.3 Record the tensile force in newtons required to
obtain the maximum extension for each assembly
and the total area in mm2 (length × depth) of any
failure of adhesion and cohesion in each assembly.
A.3.4 Place the other set of assemblies, with the
spacers still in position, in a ventilated oven (A.2.2)
at 70 ± 2 °C. After 7 days, remove the assemblies
from the oven and allow them to cool for not less
than 2 h at 23 ± 2 °C.
A.3.5 Place the assemblies in the extension machine
and proceed as described in A.3.2 and A.3.3.
A.4 Test report
The test report shall contain the following
information:
a) the mean tensile force in newtons required to
obtain the maximum extension for each set of
assemblies not subjected to heat ageing;
b) the tensile force in newtons required to obtain
the maximum extension for each individual
assembly subjected to heat ageing;
c) the total area in mm2 (length × depth) of any
failure of adhesion and cohesion for each
individual assembly.
© BSI 07-1999
BS 5215:1986
Appendix B Test for cyclic adhesion
and cohesion
B.1 Apparatus
B.1.1 General
The appropriate apparatus and accessory materials
described in 4.1 of BS 3712-4:1985 shall be used,
together with the apparatus given in B.1.2 to B.1.5.
B.1.2 Cyclic adhesion test jig as shown in Figure 1 or
similar device permitting assemblies to be extended
and compressed continuously by increments
of 1.0 ± 0.1 mm.
B.1.3 Ventilated oven with fan, controlled
at 70 ± 2 °C, otherwise complying with BS 2648.
B.1.4 Refrigerated chamber maintained
at – 15 ± 2 °C.
B.1.5 Feeler gauge of thickness 0.025 mm and
width 2 mm, graduated in 1 mm increments.
B.2 Procedure
B.2.1 Prepare three test assemblies for each test
surface as described in 4.3 of BS 3712-4:1985. Place
the assemblies, with the spacers still in position, in
a ventilated oven (B.1.3) at 70 ± 2 °C for 4 days.
B.2.2 Cool the assemblies for at least 2 h
at 23 ± 2 °C. Remove the spacers and scribe the
sealant 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. Immerse the assemblies in
distilled or de-ionized water for 24 h at 23 ± 2 °C,
using a separate bath for mortar block assemblies.
B.2.3 Dry the surfaces of the assemblies and place
them in a jig (B.1.2). Then place the jig containing
the assemblies in a refrigerated chamber (B.1.4) for
not less than 16 h.
B.2.4 After this conditioning period, maintain the
temperature at – 15 ± 2 °C and extend the
assemblies by increments of 1.0 ± 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 for 24 h at the same temperature.
B.2.5 Remove the assemblies from the enclosure
and allow them to stand for 4 h at 23 ± 2 °C with all
tensile stress removed. At the end of this time,
compress the assemblies at a rate of 5 mm to 6 mm
per minute until the distance between the
compressed surfaces is 12 mm; then place them in
the oven at 70 ± 2 °C in this compressed state
for 4 days.
B.2.6 Repeat B.2.2 to B.2.4 twice in succession.
3
BS 5215:1986

B.2.7 Examine the assemblies for loss of adhesion or
cohesion while in the extended position; measure
the depth of any crack using the feeler
gauge (B.1.5).
Estimate the total area of failure (length × depth) of
each assembly in square millimetres.
B.3 Test report
The total area in square millimetres
(length × depth) of any failure of adhesion and
cohesion for each assembly shall be reported.

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 13-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

Figure 1 — Jig for cyclic adhesion test

4 © BSI 07-1999
 BS 5215:1986

Publications referred to

BS 2648, Performance requirements for electrically heated laboratory drying ovens.

BS 3712, Building and construction sealants.
BS 3712-1, Methods of test for homogeneity, relative density, extrudability, penetration and slump.
BS 3712-2, Methods of test for seepage, staining, shrinkage, shelf life and paintability.
BS 3712-4, Methods of test for adhesion in peel, tensile extension and recovery and loss of mass after heat
ageing.
BS 4254, Specification for two-part polysulphide-based sealants2).
BS 5889, Specification for silicone based building sealants2).
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 13-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

DD 121, Classification system for sealants for building and construction.

2) Referred to in the foreword only.

© BSI 07-1999
BS 5215:1986

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