BS EN ISO 4590-2016 PDF

Full title and description

STB BS EN ISO 4590-2016 — Rigid cellular plastics — Determination of the volume percentage of open cells and of closed cells. This designation reflects the international ISO standard ISO 4590:2016 (edition 3, July 2016) and its European/British adoption (EN / BS EN ISO 4590:2016). The standard specifies laboratory procedures to determine the volumetric proportion of open and closed cells in rigid cellular (foam) plastics by measuring geometric volume and air‑impenetrable volume and applying corrections for surface cells opened by specimen preparation.

Abstract

This standard provides a general procedure for determining the volume percentage of open and closed cells in rigid cellular plastics. The method requires measurement of the specimen’s geometrical volume followed by measurement of the air‑impenetrable (closed‑cell) volume using one of two specified techniques; results include a correction to account for cells opened at cut surfaces. Two alternative measurement methods and corresponding apparatus are described; method 2 results are intended for comparison purposes. The 2016 edition replaces ISO 4590:2002.

General information

• Status: Published — confirmed (ISO review confirmed the 2016 edition as current in 2021).
• Publication date: ISO edition published 14 July 2016; BS EN / BSI publication listed 31 August 2016.
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO); national/adopted versions published by national bodies (example: BSI for BS EN ISO 4590:2016). Some national catalogues list the STB designation for local distribution.
• ICS / categories: 83.100 — Cellular materials (rigid cellular plastics).
• Edition / version: Edition 3 (2016). Replaces ISO 4590:2002.
• Number of pages: ISO edition: 22 pages (typical ISO PDF); national BS EN published copies show longer paginations (BS EN variants commonly listed around 34 pages depending on national front matter).

Scope

Applies to rigid cellular (foam) plastics and specifies a laboratory method to determine the percentage by volume of open and closed cells in test specimens. The method is intended for quality control, material specification and comparative testing where knowledge of cell openness affects material properties (thermal, acoustic, mechanical, moisture transport). It gives two alternative procedures for measuring the impenetrable volume and includes the required specimen preparation and correction factors.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of open cells versus closed cells and the significance of volume percentage in rigid cellular plastics.
• Procedure for measuring geometrical volume of test specimens (dimensions, specimen preparation and handling).
• Two alternative methods for determining air‑impenetrable (closed‑cell) volume, with apparatus descriptions and method selection guidance.
• Correction procedure to account for cells opened during cutting and specimen preparation (surface cell correction).
• Calculation steps to derive volume percentage of open and closed cells and reporting requirements.
• Comparative-use notes: one method flagged as primarily for comparison between laboratories or materials.

Typical use and users

Used by materials laboratories, foam manufacturers, product designers and quality control engineers who need quantitative information on foam cell structure. Typical applications include thermal insulation development, acoustic materials, buoyancy/packaging foams and any product where permeability, mechanical behaviour or moisture behaviour depend on cell openness. Researchers comparing foam formulations and certification bodies assessing compliance with material specifications will also use this standard.

Related standards

Related work includes earlier editions of ISO 4590 (2002 and earlier), other ISO and EN standards on cellular plastics (mechanical and thermal property tests, resilience, burning behaviour) and relevant national adoptions (EN ISO / BS EN / DIN EN versions). Users often consult complementary test standards in ISO/TC 61/SC 10 for a full characterization program.

Keywords

Rigid cellular plastics, foam, open cells, closed cells, volume percentage, impenetrable volume, specimen preparation, cell openness, ISO 4590, BS EN ISO 4590, STB (national catalogue designation).

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 4590:2016 (published as BS EN ISO 4590:2016 in its EN/BS adoption) is an international test method that specifies how to determine the volume percentage of open and closed cells in rigid cellular plastics by measuring geometrical volume and air‑impenetrable volume, with correction for surface cells opened during cutting.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation, measurement of geometrical volume, two alternative measurement methods for the impenetrable (closed‑cell) volume, correction procedures for surface cells, calculation of volume percentages and reporting of results. One method is primarily intended for comparative purposes.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials testing laboratories, foam manufacturers, product development engineers, quality managers and certification bodies working with rigid cellular plastics who require quantitative cell‑structure data for specification, performance prediction or R&D.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2016 edition (Edition 3) replaced ISO 4590:2002. The ISO record shows the 2016 edition as published in July 2016 and later reviewed/confirmed (status confirmed in the ISO lifecycle review in 2021), indicating it remained current at the time of that review. Users should check their national catalogue for any later amendments or national revisions before use.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is one of several ISO/EN standards dealing with cellular polymeric materials managed by ISO/TC 61 (subcommittee SC 10); related tests cover mechanical, thermal, flammability and resilience properties. The standard itself supersedes earlier editions (1981, 2002).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Rigid cellular plastics; open cells; closed cells; volume percentage; impenetrable volume; specimen preparation; ISO 4590; BS EN ISO 4590; cell structure.