ASTM D3841-21

Standard Specification for Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Polyester Plastic Panels

ABSTRACT
This specification covers glass-fiber reinforced polyester plastic panels intended for use in construction. Light transmitting panels covered by this specification are divided into two types, based on relative response to a laboratory flammability test: Type CC1 for limited flammability and Type CC2 for general purpose. These types may be further subdivided by grades based on relative response to weathering tests: Grade 1 for weather resistance and Grade 2 for general purpose. The polyester resin used in the panels shall be a thermosetting styrenated and acrylated polyester resin composed of polymeric esters in which the recurring ester groups are an integral part of the main polymer chain. The resin shall be reinforced with glass fibers. The polyester resin may contain additives for various purposes. The materials shall be tested for water absorption, tensile strength, linear thermal expansion, and flexural strength.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the classification, materials of construction, workmanship, minimum physical requirements, and methods of testing glass-fiber reinforced polyester plastic panels intended for use in construction. Panels for specialized or unique applications have the potential to require values significantly above or below those stated in this specification. Recommended practices for certain specific applications are included as Appendix X1. This specification is not intended to restrict or limit technological changes affecting performance when those changes are agreed upon between the purchaser and the seller.  
1.2 Supplementary information on chemical resistance, resistance to heat, and installation practices are provided in Appendix X1.  
1.3 The classification of these plastic panels into types based on relative response to a laboratory test shall not be considered a fire hazard classification.  
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.5 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in Tables and Figures) shall not be considered as requirements of this standard.  
1.6 Fire properties are determined by using laboratory flammability tests (Test Methods D635, D1929, and E84).  
1.6.1 This standard is used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the materials, products or assemblies under actual fire conditions.  
1.6.2 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests.  
1.7 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Section 8 of this specification. This specification does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this specification to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
Note 1: There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.  
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2021
• ICS: 83.120 - Reinforced plastics
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.24 - Plastic Building Products

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D883-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM E84-23d - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM D883-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM E84-23c - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2023
• Refers: ASTM D883-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM D1929-19 - Standard Test Method for Determining Ignition Temperature of Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19c - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM E84-19b - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM E84-19a - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM E831-19 - Standard Test Method for Linear Thermal Expansion of Solid Materials by Thermomechanical Analysis
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM E84-19 - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-18a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM D883-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018

Overview

ASTM D3841-21 is the standard specification developed by ASTM International for glass-fiber-reinforced polyester plastic panels used in construction. This specification defines the classification, required materials, workmanship, physical property criteria, and testing methods for these panels. The practical objective of ASTM D3841-21 is to ensure that glass-fiber-reinforced polyester panels used in building construction meet uniform quality and performance thresholds. The standard is widely referenced in building codes and is critical for ensuring the safety, durability, and functional performance of translucent and structural panel systems.

Key Topics

• Material Composition: Panels must be manufactured from thermosetting styrenated and acrylated polyester resin reinforced with glass fibers. Additional additives may be included to meet performance goals such as fire retardancy, color, or surface durability.

• Panel Types and Grades:

  • Type CC1: Limited flammability (distinctive for jurisdictions prioritizing reduced fire spread).
  • Type CC2: General purpose applications.
  • Each type may be divided by weather resistance:
    • Grade 1: Weather-resistant
    • Grade 2: General purpose

• Physical Performance Requirements:

  • Minimum strength and durability parameters
  • Maximum water absorption
  • Tolerances for size, color, light transmission, and thickness

• Testing and Classification:

  • Fire behavior assessed by established ASTM methods (including D635, D1929, E84).
  • Weathering resistance via specified outdoor or accelerated exposures.
  • Structural tests including tensile strength, flexural properties, and thermal expansion.

• Quality Assurance and Marking:

  • Panels marked with designation, grade, and weight/thickness for traceability
  • Manufacturer must certify compliance to ASTM D3841 during production

Applications

ASTM D3841-21 applies to light-transmitting building panels commonly used in:

• Roofing and Skylights: Provides daylighting while maintaining structural performance.
• Wall Systems: Used for industrial, agricultural, and commercial wall panels due to weather resistance and translucency.
• Canopies, Greenhouses, and Enclosures: Favored where light transmission with durability is essential.

The two types (CC1 and CC2) allow for suitability in settings with distinct fire safety or general-purpose requirements. Grade selection (1 or 2) further tailors the material for exposure to harsh weathering or more controlled environmental conditions.

Before installation in specialized environments or chemically aggressive atmospheres, users are advised to consult with panel manufacturers regarding suitability and expected longevity, as per the guidance in the specification's appendix. Panels are available in multiple sizes, thicknesses, and colors, with optional surface treatments for enhanced durability.

Related Standards

ASTM D3841-21 references numerous related ASTM standards to define test methods and performance evaluations, including:

• ASTM D635: Fire resistance by rate of burning
• ASTM D638, D790: Tensile and flexural property tests
• ASTM D570: Water absorption of plastics
• ASTM D696, E831: Thermal expansion measurements
• ASTM D1435, G151, G155: Weathering and UV exposure tests
• ASTM E84: Surface burning characteristics related to building codes
• ASTM D1494, E903, E972: Light and solar transmission testing

There is currently no ISO equivalent for ASTM D3841-21, making this standard especially important for international and North American projects specifying glass-fiber-reinforced polyester plastic panels for construction.

Conclusion

Choosing panels that conform to ASTM D3841-21 ensures compliance with industry benchmarks for performance, quality, and safety. This standard underpins the selection and use of glass-fiber-reinforced polyester panels in diverse construction applications where durability, light transmission, and fire performance are essential. For all technical details and up-to-date requirements, users should consult the official ASTM standard document and coordinate closely with manufacturers for specialized needs.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D3841 −21 An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Polyester Plastic Panels
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3841; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope* 1.7 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the
test method portion, Section 8 of this specification. This
1.1 This specification covers the classification, materials of
specification does not purport to address all of the safety
construction, workmanship, minimum physical requirements,
concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
and methods of testing glass-fiber reinforced polyester plastic
of the user of this specification to establish appropriate safety
panels intended for use in construction. Panels for specialized
and health practices and determine the applicability of regu-
or unique applications have the potential to require values
latory limitations prior to use.
significantly above or below those stated in this specification.
Recommended practices for certain specific applications are
NOTE 1—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
included as Appendix X1. This specification is not intended to
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
restrict or limit technological changes affecting performance
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
when those changes are agreed upon between the purchaser
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
and the seller.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.2 Supplementary information on chemical resistance, re-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
sistance to heat, and installation practices are provided in
Appendix X1.
2. Referenced Documents
1.3 The classification of these plastic panels into types
2.1 ASTM Standards:
based on relative response to a laboratory test shall not be
D570Test Method for Water Absorption of Plastics
considered a fire hazard classification.
D618Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
1.4 Thevaluesstatedininch-poundunitsaretoberegarded
D635Test Method for Rate of Burning and/or Extent and
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for
Time of Burning of Plastics in a Horizontal Position
information only.
D638Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
1.5 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
D696TestMethodforCoefficientofLinearThermalExpan-
whichprovideexplanatorymaterial.Thesenotesandfootnotes
sion of Plastics Between −30°C and 30°C with a Vitreous
(excludingthoseinTablesandFigures)shallnotbeconsidered
Silica Dilatometer
as requirements of this standard.
D790Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced
and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materi-
1.6 Fire properties are determined by using laboratory
als
flammability tests (Test Methods D635, D1929, and E84).
D883Terminology Relating to Plastics
1.6.1 This standard is used to measure and describe the
D1435Practice for Outdoor Weathering of Plastics
responseofmaterials,products,orassembliestoheatandflame
D1494Test Method for Diffuse Light Transmission Factor
under controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate
of Reinforced Plastics Panels
allfactorsrequiredforfirehazardorfireriskassessmentofthe
D1600TerminologyforAbbreviatedTermsRelatingtoPlas-
materials, products or assemblies under actual fire conditions.
tics
1.6.2 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safe-
D1929Test Method for Determining Ignition Temperature
guards for personnel and property shall be employed in
of Plastics
conducting these tests.
D3892Practice for Packaging/Packing of Plastics
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on
PlasticsandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeD20.24onPlasticBuilding
Products. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved May 1, 2021. Published May 2021. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1980. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D3841–16. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D3841-21. the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3841 − 21
D4364Practice for Performing OutdoorAccelerated Weath- 4.3.3 Light Transmission—Refer to manufacturers’ litera-
ering Tests of Plastics Using Concentrated Sunlight ture for range of transmission available.
E72Test Methods of Conducting Strength Tests of Panels 4.3.4 Solar Energy Transmission—Refer to manufacturers’
for Building Construction literature for range of transmission available.
E84Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of 4.3.5 Color—Refer to manufacturers’literature for range of
Building Materials colored products available.
E631Terminology of Building Constructions 4.3.6 Load Deflection—Refer to manufacturers’ literature
E831Test Method for Linear Thermal Expansion of Solid for load and deflection data on specific profiles.
Materials by Thermomechanical Analysis
4.3.7 Weight Per Square Foot or Thickness—Panels are
E903Test Method for Solar Absorptance, Reflectance, and generally designed and sold by weight per square foot, the
Transmittance of Materials Using Integrating Spheres most common of which are 4 through 12 oz (1.2 through 3.7
E972Test Method for Solar Photometric Transmittance of kg/m ). Other weights are available. Flat sheet is potentially
Sheet Materials Using Sunlight designated and sold by either weight (as indicated above) or
E1084Test Method for Solar Transmittance (Terrestrial) of thickness, the most common of which are 0.030 through 0.125
Sheet Materials Using Sunlight in. (0.76 through 3.2 mm), as measured in accordance with
E1175Test Method for Determining Solar or Photopic
8.4.1. Other thicknesses are available.
Reflectance, Transmittance, andAbsorptance of Materials
NOTE 3—Besides standard profiles, special or custom profiles may be
Using a Large Diameter Integrating Sphere
developed.
G147Practice for Conditioning and Handling of Nonmetal-
lic Materials for Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests
5. Materials
G151PracticeforExposingNonmetallicMaterialsinAccel-
5.1 The polyester resin used in the panels shall be a
erated Test Devices that Use Laboratory Light Sources
thermosetting styrenated and acrylated polyester resin com-
G155Practice for Operating XenonArc LightApparatus for
posed of polymeric esters in which the recurring ester groups
Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials
are an integral part of the main polymer chain. The resin shall
bereinforcedwithglassfibers.Thepolyesterresinispermitted
3. Terminology
to contain additives for various purposes, such as additives to
3.1 General—For definitions of terms used in this specifi-
provide low smoke density or high fire retardancy, catalyst
cation relating to plastics, refer to Terminology D883. For
residues, stabilizers, pigments, dyes, and fillers.
abbreviations used in this specification relating to plastics,
refer to D1600. For definitions of terms in this specification
6. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
relating to building constructions, refer to Terminology E631.
6.1 The panels will conform to the specific dimensions of
4. Classification
theprofilebeingproducedandshallbefullycured.Panelsshall
not contain visual cracks, resin voids, foreign inclusions, or
4.1 Light transmitting panels covered by this specification
surface wrinkles that would impair the proper nesting of the
are divided into two types, based on relative response to a
corrugated panels, alter the specific dimensions of the panels,
laboratory flammability test:
or otherwise affect their serviceability.
4.1.1 Type CC1.
4.1.2 Type CC2.
7. Physical Requirements
NOTE 2—Types CC1 and CC2 are classifications incorporated in the
7.1 Size (Length and Width)—Tolerance on nominal length
major model building codes. Panels used in other applications are also
classified by major model building codes in accordance with appropriate andwidthshallbe 60.25in.(66mm)measuredinaccordance
chapters of those codes.
with 8.2. Panels exceeding 16 ft in length shall have a length
tolerance of +0.75 −0.125 in. (+19 −3.2 mm).
4.2 These types are further subdivided in accordance with
7.8 by grades based on relative response to weathering tests:
7.2 Squareness—Panels shall be within 0.125 in. (3.2 mm)
4.2.1 Grade 1—Weather resistance.
of square when measured in accordance with 8.3.
4.2.2 Grade 2—General purpose.
7.3 Weight—Tolerance on the specified weight of all panels
4.3 Within the classification of type and grade of plastic
shall be 610% when determined in accordance with 8.4.
panel described in this specification are commercial products
7.3.1 Thickness—When a thickness requirement is specified
with the following variations as agreed upon between pur-
for flat panels in place of standard weight per square foot, the
chaser and supplier:
toleranceshallbe 610%whendeterminedinaccordancewith
4.3.1 Size (Length and Width)—The most common nominal
8.4.1.
sizes currently available are 26 to 60 in. (66.0 to 152.4 cm) in
7.4 Profile—The pitch and depth of the corrugations shall
width, and 6 to 16 ft (1.8 to 4.9 m) in length. Corrugated
have the following tolerances: Pitch 60.0625 in. (65.2 mm)
panels, to approximately 40 ft (12.2 m), and flat sheet in coils
per square foot when measured in accordance with 8.5, and
of longer lengths, are generally available.
Depth 60.0625 in. when measured in accordance with 8.6.
4.3.2 Surface Treatments—Some manufacturers offer spe-
cial surface treatments of various types for the purpose of 7.5 Color—Color shall be uniform throughout the sheet
improving durability. Individual suppliers can provide details. when examined in accordance with 8.7.
D3841 − 21
7.6 Light Transmission—The nominal light transmission 7.15.1 Class A – flame spread index: 25, smoke developed
factor shall have a tolerance of 64% from the nominal factor index: 450
specified by purchaser when determined by Test Methods
7.15.2 Class B – flame spread index: 75, smoke developed
D1494 or E972.
index: 450
7.15.3 Class C – flame spread index: 200, smoke developed
7.7 Solar Energy Transmission—The nominal solar energy
index: 450
transmission shall be a tolerance of 64% from the nominal
transmission specified by the purchaser when determined by
8. Test Methods
Test Methods E903; E1084;or E1175. Measurements made
using E903 are to be integrated for air mass 1.5.
8.1 Conditioning—Condition the test specimens in accor-
7.8 Weather Resistance—Panels are classified for Weather
dancewithProcedureAofMethodD618whereconditioningis
ResistanceasGrade1or2basedupontheexudationorlackof
required.
exudation of glass fibers from the panels’surfaces when tested
8.2 Length and Width—Lay the panel on a flat, smooth
in accordance with Practice D1435.
surface and measure with a steel tape. Measure the length on
7.9 Coeffıcient of Linear Thermal Expansion—The linear
the two sides and the center to the nearest 0.03125 in. (0.8
thermal expansion of panels shall not exceed values specified
mm), and average the three measurements. Measure the width
in Table 1 when tested in accordance with Test Methods D696
on the projected width at each end and in the center to the
or E831.
nearest 0.03125 in., and average the three measurements.
7.10 Impact Resistance—Refer to X1.4.
8.3 Squareness—Anytypejigthathastworailsperpendicu-
7.11 Load-Deflection Properties—The load-deflection char- lar to one another, each of length at least equal to the length of
acteristics of a corrugated or ribbed panel shall be determined
the side of the panel in contact with the rail, is acceptable for
in accordance with 8.9. use to determine squareness. Place the panel in the jig so that
the longest edge of the panel touches the horizontal rail along
7.12 Rate of Burning or Extent and Time of Burning, or
its entire length, and the vertical (short edge) touches the
Both—Panels shall be classified as CC1 or CC2 when tested in
vertical rail at some point along its entire length. Measure the
accordance with Test Method D635 and when tested in the
gap between the vertical rail and the short edge of the panel at
thickness intended for use as follows:
the corner opposite the one touching the rail. Measure to the
7.12.1 CC1—Plastic panels which have a burning extent of
nearest0.03125in.(
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D3841 − 16 D3841 − 21 An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Polyester Plastic Panels
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3841; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1 This specification covers the classification, materials of construction, workmanship, minimum physical requirements, and
methods of testing glass-fiber reinforced polyester plastic panels intended for use in construction. Panels for specialized or unique
applications have the potential to require values significantly above or below those stated in this specification. Recommended
practices for certain specific applications are included as Appendix X1. This specification is not intended to restrict or limit
technological changes affecting performance when those changes are agreed upon between the purchaser and the seller.
1.2 Supplementary information on chemical resistance, resistance to heat, and installation practices are provided in Appendix X1.
1.3 The classification of these plastic panels into types based on relative response to a laboratory test shall not be considered a
fire hazard classification.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
only.
1.5 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
(excluding those in Tables and Figures) shall not be considered as requirements of this standard.
1.6 Fire properties are determined by using laboratory flammability tests (Test Methods D635, D1929, and E84).
1.6.1 This standard is used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under
controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the materials,
products or assemblies under actual fire conditions.
1.6.2 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these
tests.
1.7 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Section 8 of this specification. This specification
does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this
specification to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to
use.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.24 on Plastic Building Products.
Current edition approved May 1, 2016May 1, 2021. Published May 2016May 2021. Originally approved in 1980. Last previous edition approved in 20082016 as
ɛ1
D3841 – 97D3841 – 16.(2008) . DOI: 10.1520/D3841-16.10.1520/D3841-21.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3841 − 21
NOTE 1—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D570 Test Method for Water Absorption of Plastics
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
D635 Test Method for Rate of Burning and/or Extent and Time of Burning of Plastics in a Horizontal Position
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
D696 Test Method for Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion of Plastics Between −30°C and 30°C with a Vitreous Silica
Dilatometer
D790 Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D1435 Practice for Outdoor Weathering of Plastics
D1494 Test Method for Diffuse Light Transmission Factor of Reinforced Plastics Panels
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
D1929 Test Method for Determining Ignition Temperature of Plastics
D3892 Practice for Packaging/Packing of Plastics
D4364 Practice for Performing Outdoor Accelerated Weathering Tests of Plastics Using Concentrated Sunlight
E72 Test Methods of Conducting Strength Tests of Panels for Building Construction
E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
E831 Test Method for Linear Thermal Expansion of Solid Materials by Thermomechanical Analysis
E903 Test Method for Solar Absorptance, Reflectance, and Transmittance of Materials Using Integrating Spheres
E972 Test Method for Solar Photometric Transmittance of Sheet Materials Using Sunlight
E1084 Test Method for Solar Transmittance (Terrestrial) of Sheet Materials Using Sunlight
E1175 Test Method for Determining Solar or Photopic Reflectance, Transmittance, and Absorptance of Materials Using a Large
Diameter Integrating Sphere
G147 Practice for Conditioning and Handling of Nonmetallic Materials for Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests
G151 Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials in Accelerated Test Devices that Use Laboratory Light Sources
G155 Practice for Operating Xenon Arc Light Apparatus for Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials
3. Terminology
3.1 General—Definitions are in accordance with For definitions of terms used in this specification relating to plastics, refer to
Terminology D883 and. For E631 and abbreviations with Terminology abbreviations used in this specification relating to plastics,
refer to D1600 unless otherwise indicated. For definitions of terms in this specification relating to building constructions, refer to
Terminology E631.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 limited flammability—less response to fire than general purpose material when tested under laboratory conditions.
NOTE 2—Limited flammability is considered a fire hazard classification (see 1.3 and 1.6).
4. Classification
4.1 Light transmitting panels covered by this specification are divided into two types, based on relative response to a laboratory
flammability test:
4.1.1 Type CC1—CC1. Limited flammability.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
D3841 − 21
4.1.2 Type CC2—CC2. General purpose.
NOTE 2—Types CC1 and CC2 are classifications incorporated in the major model building codes. Panels used in other applications are also classified by
major model building codes in accordance with appropriate chapters of those codes.
4.2 These types are further subdivided in accordance with 7.8 by grades based on relative response to weathering tests:
4.2.1 Grade 1—Weather resistance.
4.2.2 Grade 2—General purpose.
4.3 Within the classification of type and grade of plastic panel described in this specification are commercial products with the
following variations as agreed upon between purchaser and supplier:
4.3.1 Size (Length and Width)—The most common nominal sizes currently available are 26 to 60 in. (66.0 to 152.4 cm) in width,
and 6 to 16 ft (1.8 to 4.9 m) in length. Corrugated panels, to approximately 40 ft (12.2 m), and flat sheet in coils of longer lengths,
are generally available.
4.3.2 Surface Treatments—Some manufacturers offer special surface treatments of various types for the purpose of improving
durability. Individual suppliers can provide details.
4.3.3 Light Transmission—Refer to manufacturers’ literature for range of transmission available.
4.3.4 Solar Energy Transmission—Refer to manufacturers’ literature for range of transmission available.
4.3.5 Color—Refer to manufacturers’ literature for range of colored products available.
4.3.6 Load Deflection—Refer to manufacturers’ literature for load and deflection data on specific profiles.
4.3.7 Weight Per Square Foot or Thickness—Panels are generally designed and sold by weight per square foot, the most common
of which are 4 through 12 oz (1.2 through 3.7 kg/m ). Other weights are available. Flat sheet is potentially designated and sold
by either weight (as indicated above) or thickness, the most common of which are 0.030 through 0.125 in. (0.76 through 3.2 mm),
as measured in accordance with 8.4.1. Other thicknesses are available.
NOTE 3—Besides standard profiles, special or custom profiles may be developed.
5. Materials
5.1 The polyester resin used in the panels shall be a thermosetting styrenated and acrylated polyester resin composed of polymeric
esters in which the recurring ester groups are an integral part of the main polymer chain. The resin shall be reinforced with glass
fibers. The polyester resin is permitted to contain additives for various purposes, such as additives to provide low smoke density
or high fire retardancy, catalyst residues, stabilizers, pigments, dyes, and fillers.
6. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
6.1 The panels will conform to the specific dimensions of the profile being produced and shall be fully cured. Panels shall not
contain visual cracks, resin voids, foreign inclusions, or surface wrinkles that would impair the proper nesting of the corrugated
panels, alter the specific dimensions of the panels, or otherwise affect their serviceability.
7. Physical Requirements
7.1 Size (Length and Width)—Tolerance on nominal length and width shall be 60.25 in. (66 mm) measured in accordance with
8.2. Panels exceeding 16 ft in length shall have a length tolerance of +0.75 −0.125 in. (+19 −3.2 mm).
7.2 Squareness—Panels shall be within 0.125 in. (3.2 mm) of square when measured in accordance with 8.3.
D3841 − 21
7.3 Weight—Tolerance on the specified weight of all panels shall be 610 % when determined in accordance with 8.4.
7.3.1 Thickness—When a thickness requirement is specified for flat panels in place of standard weight per square foot, the
tolerance shall be 610 % when determined in accordance with 8.4.1.
7.4 Profile—The pitch and depth of the corrugations shall have the following tolerances: Pitch 60.0625 in. (65.2 mm) per square
foot when measured in accordance with 8.5, and Depth 60.0625 in. when measured in accordance with 8.6.
7.5 Color—Color shall be uniform throughout the sheet when examined in accordance with 8.7.
7.6 Light Transmission—The nominal light transmission factor shall have a tolerance of 64 % from the nominal factor specified
by purchaser when determined by Test Methods D1494 or E972.
7.7 Solar Energy Transmission—The nominal solar energy transmission shall be a tolerance of 64 % from the nominal
transmission specified by the purchaser when determined by Test Methods E903; E1084; or E1175. Measurements made using
E903 are to be integrated for air mass 1.5.
7.8 Weather Resistance—Panels are classified for Weather Resistance as Grade 1 or 2 based upon the exudation or lack of
exudation of glass fibers from the panels’ surfaces when tested in accordance with Practice D1435.
7.9 Coeffıcient of Linear Thermal Expansion—The linear thermal expansion of panels shall not exceed values specified in Table
1 when tested in accordance with Test Methods D696 or E831.
7.10 Impact Resistance—Refer to X1.4.
7.11 Load-Deflection Properties—The load-deflection characteristics of a corrugated or ribbed panel shall be determined in
accordance with 8.9.
7.12 Rate of Burning or Extent and Time of Burning, or Both—Panels shall be classified as CC1 or CC2 when tested in accordance
with Test Method D635 and when tested in the thickness intended for use as follows:
7.12.1 CC1—Plastic panels which have a burning extent of 1.0 in. (25.4 mm) or less.
7.12.2 CC2—Plastic panels which have a burning rate of 2.5 in. (63.5 mm)/min or less.
NOTE 5—These requirements are intended only to differentiate between limited flammability panels and general purpose panels.
A
TABLE 1 Physical Properties
B
Property Value ASTM
Test Method
Water absorption, max 1 % D570
Tensile strength, min 7000 psi D638
(48.3 MPa)
–5
Coefficient of linear 2.5 × 10 in./in./°F D696 or
–5
thermal expansion, max (4.5 × 10 cm/cm/°C) E831
Flexural strength, min 14 000 psi D790
(96.6 MPa)
Flexural modulus, min 500 000 psi D790
(3447.5 MPa)
A
The values reflect the minimum performance criteria for the most common
applications. Specialized applications occasionally will require values significantly
higher or lower than those stated here. For example, it is possible that flat sheet
formulated for interior use as wall liners will have lower modulus values in order to
achieve the flexibility required for applications of the panels to irregular substrates.
B
These values are approximate. For specific product values refer to the
manufacturers’ published literature. All published physical property data shall
report the test methods used to obtain the specific data.
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7.13 Ignition Properties—All panels shall have a minimum self-ignition temperature of 650°F (343°C) when tested in accordance
with Test Method D1929.
7.14 Physical properties as shown in Table 1 shall be determined in accordance with methods specified in 8.11.
7.15 Panels shall have the following flame spread index and smoke developed index when tested in accordance with Test Method
E84.
7.15.1 Class A – flame spread index: 25, smoke developed index: 450
7.15.2 Class B – flame spread index: 75, smoke developed index: 450
7.15.3 Class C – flame sprea
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