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Cleaning aged EPDM rubber roofing membrane material for patching; laboratory investigations and recommendations

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Abstract
Many U.S. Army installations are replacing old, low-slope built up roofs using EPDM as the waterproofing component. EPDMs are nonpolar, relatively inert rubbers, and difficult to bond with adhesive. Unaddressed in prior studies, an important factor affecting seam perofmrance and eventual patch durability is the surface condition of the aged EDPDM rubber before bonding. This study assess the effectiveness of differnet cleaning methods for preparing aged EPDM membranes for patching, and recommends procecdures for use in the field. Effectiveness of the cleanign methods was evaluated using tests of short term strength and long term creep rupture in peel. Several surface analytical techniques were also used (i.e., scanning electron microscoy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and contact angle measurement(. A section on an aged, ballasted EPDM membrane, sampledfrom a roof after 10 years in service, was used in the study. Most of the methods evaluated were based on procedures currently used to prepare aged EDPDM patching. It was concluded that aged EDPM can be cleaned adequately for patchin;g, and a simple DMF "droplet test" may idicate the surface bodning conditions accurately. Field evaluation of the DMF droplet test is recommended.
Date
8/1992
Author(s)
W Rossiter; T Nguyen; W Byrd; J Seiler, J; Lechner; D Bailey
Page(s)
58
Keyword(s)
EPDM; rubber; waterproofing


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