Insulation material compressive strength test- Calcium Silicate (Medium Density)

[MKhaniba]

Can anyone provide me some info about how humidity can affect the compressive strength of insulation materials- Calcium Silicate (Medium density)?
What does it mean if cracks propagate during the compressive test?

 

[SWComposites]

If cracks propagate? It means the material is failed.

 

[3DDave]

Since the material gains strength from hydration I would expect the strength to be little affected by humidity. Since it is used as an insulating material and is porous by nature, humidity or water absorption will reduce the ability to insulate and, if the item being insulated raises in temperature above the boiling point of water, may fracture due to the pressure of steam formation.

As SWComposites mentioned, if it cracked as part of a test where it should not crack it failed. If the material is lower density than required or of an incorrect composition, those would be reasons for failing the test.

 

[MKhaniba]

Since the material gains strength from hydration I would expect the strength to be little affected by humidity. Since it is used as an insulating material and is porous by nature, humidity or water absorption will reduce the ability to insulate and, if the item being insulated raises in temperature above the boiling point of water, may fracture due to the pressure of steam formation.

As SWComposites mentioned, if it cracked as part of a test where it should not crack it failed. If the material is lower density than required or of an incorrect composition, those would be reasons for failing the test.

Thank you for your response. My concern is that although cracks propagated during the test, they did not appear to affect the load-displacement graph from the tensile tester. I observed no noticeable drop in the load on the graph. In this situation, would the test still be considered a failure?

 

[Gr8blu]

Would it still be a failure? Depends on why the material is used in the first place. If it was intended as a thermal barrier for some process equipment (piping, etc.), then yes.

Would you buy a NEW blanket with a hole or tear in it? Especially if it was right where you wanted to be kept warm?