ISO 10591-2021 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 10591:2021 — Building and civil engineering sealants — Determination of adhesion/cohesion properties of sealants after immersion in water. This International Standard specifies a laboratory method to assess the influence of water immersion on the adhesion and cohesion behaviour of sealants with predominantly plastic behaviour used in joints in buildings and civil engineering works.

Abstract

This third-edition standard (2021) defines the principle, apparatus, specimen preparation, conditioning (including two conditioning methods), test procedure, result expression and test report requirements for determining adhesion and cohesion properties of sealants after specified immersion in water. The method is intended to evaluate water-induced changes in sealant performance relevant to durability and suitability for jointing applications.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: October 2021 (edition 3, 2021-10).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 91.100.50 (Binders. Sealing materials).
• Edition / version: 3rd edition (ISO 10591:2021).
• Number of pages: 5 pages.

Scope

ISO 10591:2021 specifies a laboratory test method for assessing the effect of immersion in water on the adhesion and cohesion properties of predominantly plastic sealants used in building and civil engineering joints. The standard covers specimen preparation, required apparatus, two conditioning methods for water exposure, the test procedure (including tensile/adhesion‑type testing), calculation and expression of results, and minimum reporting information. It is intended to provide repeatable, comparable data for durability assessment and specification.

Key topics and requirements

• Test principle: determination of adhesion/cohesion after immersion in water (changes in bond/cohesive failure behaviour).
• Apparatus: fixtures and tensile/peel testing equipment appropriate for the chosen specimen geometry and loading.
• Specimen preparation: substrates, dimensions and sealant application procedures to ensure reproducible interfaces.
• Conditioning methods: defined methods A and B for immersion/conditioning in water prior to testing.
• Result expression: description of failure mode (adhesive/cohesive), quantitative measures (e.g., force, strength) and how to report them.
• Test report requirements: specimen identification, test conditions, conditioning details, apparatus used, and results summary.

Typical use and users

Used by sealant manufacturers for product development and quality control, independent testing laboratories for conformity and performance verification, specifiers and architects when selecting sealants for wet or exposed applications, certification bodies assessing durability, and standards committees harmonizing test methods. The standard is referenced in product specifications and European adoptions (EN ISO) for construction applications.

Related standards

ISO 10591:2021 is part of the suite of standards for building and civil engineering sealants. Notable related documents include ISO 11600 (classification and requirements for sealants), ISO 6927 (vocabulary for sealants), and standards addressing test substrates and specimen preparation (for example ISO 13640 guidance on test substrates). The 2021 edition of ISO 10591 supersedes the 2005 edition; the EN system has adopted it as EN ISO 10591:2021.

Keywords

sealants, building and civil engineering, adhesion, cohesion, water immersion, conditioning, specimen preparation, tensile test, durability, EN ISO.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 10591:2021 is an International Standard that specifies a laboratory method to determine the effect of immersion in water on the adhesion and cohesion properties of predominantly plastic sealants used in building and civil engineering joints.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers test principle, required apparatus, specimen preparation, two defined conditioning methods for water immersion, the test procedure, how results are expressed, and the minimum content of the test report.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Sealant manufacturers, independent testing laboratories, specifiers, certification bodies and standards committees involved in evaluating and specifying sealant performance in wet or water‑exposed conditions.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — ISO 10591:2021 (third edition) was published in October 2021 and supersedes ISO 10591:2005. The text has also been adopted as EN ISO 10591:2021.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the body of ISO standards for building and civil engineering sealants developed by ISO/TC 59/SC 8, and is commonly referenced alongside related standards such as ISO 11600 (classification/requirements), ISO 6927 (vocabulary) and standards on test substrates and specimen preparation (e.g., ISO 13640).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Sealants; adhesion; cohesion; water immersion; conditioning; specimen preparation; durability; building joints; EN ISO.