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ASTM C1338: 2019
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Quick understanding of the test
ASTM C1338 : 2019 - Standard Test Method for Determining Fungi Resistance of Insulation Materials and Facings
Applicable to insulation materials and facings that are used on unfinished floors, ceilings, and more.
- Test samples are inoculated with fungal spores and incubated for 28 days.
- After incubation, samples are visually examined for fungal growth.
- Comparative materials are also tested for performance analysis.
- Ensures insulation materials can resist fungal growth in humid conditions.
- Verifies long-term performance by testing in controlled environmental chambers.
Turnaround Time
It typically takes 4-6 weeks.
Passing criteria
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Abstract
ASTM C1338 test is used to determine the resistance of insulation materials and facings against fungal growth. Ensuring the fungi resistance of insulation materials is crucial because it helps maintain indoor air quality. This, in turn, prevents material degradation and exposure to molds that can potentially cause health risks.
Scope and applications of ASTM C1338
The standard applies to insulation materials and facings that claim fungal resistance. These include materials used on unfinished floors, ceilings, walls, and other new construction areas where high humidity and warm temperatures can favor the growth of fungi and mold.
Test requirements
Environmental Chamber: An experimental set-up to maintain a temperature range of 28-30ยฐC and relative humidity of 95% to favor fungal growth.
Test microorganism: A spore suspension of Aspergillus niger is used as the test microorganism.
Test samples: Triplicate samples of the insulation material are prepared and used.
Control samples: Customers can send the comparative material for analyzing the performance of test samples against fungal growth.
ASTM C1338 Test Method
- A spore suspension of the test fungi strains is prepared.
- Test sample, the control sample, and the comparative material are placed in separate Petri plates.
- Each sample is inoculated with approximately 0.5 ml of spore suspension.
- The samples are incubated at 28-30ยฐC and a relative humidity of 95% for 28 days.
- After the incubation, samples are examined for visual fungal growth.
Passing criteria:
- If the growth of the test specimen is greater than the comparative item, it shall be considered to fail.
- If the growth of the test specimen is less than the comparative item, it shall be considered to pass.
- If no growth is expected, any growth means failure.
Importance of ASTM C1338 Test
Fungi quickly begin to thrive on insulation material and facings under moist and humid environments. The ASTM C 1338 standard helps evaluate the relative ability of these products to support or resist mold/fungi growth under controlled lab conditions. These controlled conditions are closely simulated to replicate favorable conditions such as high humidity that are required for fungal growth.
The other notable significance of this test method is that it uses a comparative material to determine the resistivity or susceptibility of the test material. However, ome specified products are required to be completely resistant so that no growth occurs. In such cases, comparative material is not needed, and the product’s efficacy is determined whether growth occurs or not.
Conclusion
ASTM C 1338 provides a standardized approach for evaluating insulating materials, thus providing insights into the durability and effectiveness of the material in withstanding fungal growth.
At MIS, we have incorporated advanced testing & analytical technologies to perform antifungal efficacy protocols like ASTM C1338. Our experts specialize in evaluating insulation materials to verify their resistance to fungal growth, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
DR. Martinoz Scholtz
ASTM C1338 is a qualitative antifungal test to determine the efficacy of insulation materials and facings against fungal growth.
ASTM C1338 test is applicable to insulation materials and facings that are used on unfinished floors, ceilings, walls, and other new construction areas.
ASTM C1338 test takes 4-6 weeks to complete.
At Microbe Investigations, we test for ASTM C1338 using Aspergillus niger (ATCC-16888). Additional strains can be added as per customer request.
The test standard is widely used in industries such as HVAC, transportation, and manufacturing.
The pass/fail criterion is based on visual inspection of fungal growth after incubation.
Compliance with this standard is not mandatory, but it is often required for market acceptance, safety, and regulatory adherence.
ASTM C1338 tests insulation materials and their facings for fungal growth resistance, while ASTM G21 broadly applies to plastics and other non-metallic materials.
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