ASTM D3291-22

Standard Practice for Compatibility of Plasticizers in Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Plastics Under Compression

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 It is possible for plasticizers to become less compatible in poly(vinyl chloride) resin when fused compound is subjected to compressive stress.  
5.1.1 This test subjects a standard test specimen to a definite deformation and allows qualitative determination of the amount of spew that is capable of occurring over a period of time.  
5.1.2 An apparent decrease in compatibility of plasticizers with subsequent exudation can cause excessive dirt pickup, marring of lacquered or varnished surfaces, sticky feel, and a number of other associated problems.  
5.1.3 When a plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) sheet is stressed in compression by bending it through 180°, one way to relieve the stress is by migration of the plasticizer from the compressed area (inside of bend) to the area in tension (outside of bend). If these compressive stresses cannot be relieved rapidly by internal migration of plasticizer, then plasticizer will spew. The internal migration of plasticizer will continue and when a deficiency of plasticizer occurs at the compressed area spewed plasticizer will be reabsorbed. It is possible for certain plasticizers to spew and be reabsorbed quite rapidly. Less compatible plasticizers are capable of spewing early and continuing to spew throughout the test. A test of one week's duration is used for screening, while an extended test of seven weeks' duration is used for a complete profile.
Note 3: It is permissible for the seller and the purchaser to agree upon other test conditions of time, temperature, or relative humidity.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice determines the compatibility of plasticizers in poly(vinyl chloride) plastics by rating the amount of plasticizer that spews due to compressional stress set up inside a 180° loop bend.
Note 1: Ingredients other than plasticizer can spew from a total formulation.  
1.2 The text of this practice references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of this practice.  
1.3 The values as stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are given for information only.  
1.4 This standard 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 standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Note 2: There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.  
1.5 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-2022
• ICS: 83.040.30 - Auxiliary materials and additives for plastics
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.15 - Thermoplastic Materials

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D883-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D883-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D883-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM D883-19c - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-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
• Refers: ASTM D1600-18 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM D883-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM D1600-14 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2014
• Refers: ASTM D1600-13 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2013
• Refers: ASTM D883-12e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM D883-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-May-2011
• Refers: ASTM D883-08 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2008

Overview

ASTM D3291-22 is the international standard practice for evaluating the compatibility of plasticizers in poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) plastics under compressive stress. Developed by ASTM International, this standard provides a qualitative assessment of plasticizer migration-referred to as "spew"-from plasticized PVC when subjected to a 180° loop-bending test. Monitoring the compatibility of plasticizers under compression is critical in ensuring the durability and performance of PVC products, as excessive migration can affect surface appearance and material properties.

Key Topics

• Plasticizer Compatibility: The standard addresses how well plasticizers remain integrated with PVC resin under compressive stress, a key aspect for maintaining product performance.
• Spew Assessment: It provides a method to detect and rate the amount of plasticizer exudation, or "spew," which can lead to practical issues in finished products.
• Test Methodology: Involves bending a PVC specimen to a set deformation, holding it over a specified period, and then assessing the surface for evidence of plasticizer migration using a standardized wiping method.
• Qualitative Rating: Spew is rated from 0 (no mark) to 3 (heavy/dripping film), with clear criteria for each assessment level.
• Test Duration: Screening tests are conducted for one week, with extended tests up to seven weeks recommended for comprehensive profiles.
• Customization: Testing time, temperature, and humidity can be agreed upon by involved parties, allowing flexibility for different application requirements.

Applications

The ASTM D3291-22 standard is widely applicable in industries that manufacture or utilize plasticized PVC products, providing value through:

• Quality Assurance: Verifies that plasticizers will remain compatible in PVC throughout the product lifespan, reducing risks of product failure or customer complaints.
• Product Development: Assists formulators in selecting appropriate plasticizer-resin combinations, helping prevent issues such as surface stickiness, excessive dirt pickup, or loss of visual quality.
• Surface Finish Integrity: Ensures lacquered, varnished, or coated PVC surfaces remain unmarred and resist stickiness or dirt accumulation, improving end-use aesthetics and performance.
• Material Screening: Offers a screening tool to quickly identify less compatible plasticizers that could cause issues in critical applications, such as flooring, medical devices, automotive parts, and consumer goods.
• Vendor-Supplier Agreements: Supports procurement decisions by enabling objective comparison and acceptance criteria between buyers and suppliers, improving material consistency.

Related Standards

Users of ASTM D3291-22 may also find the following ASTM standards relevant:

• ASTM D883 - Terminology Relating to Plastics: Provides standard definitions for terms used in the plastics industry, ensuring clear communication.
• ASTM D1600 - Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics: Standardizes the use of abbreviations for plastics and related materials.
• There is currently no ISO equivalent to ASTM D3291-22, making it the primary reference for this testing in international markets.

Practical Value

• Ensures reliable PVC product performance under stress by identifying plasticizer compatibility issues before market release.
• Minimizes warranty claims and enhances customer satisfaction by preventing visible defects and performance failures related to plasticizer migration.
• Facilitates compliance with international quality standards and aligns with WTO-recommended standardization principles.

Keywords: ASTM D3291-22, plasticizer compatibility, poly(vinyl chloride) plastics, PVC testing, plasticizer migration, exudation, plasticizer spew, compressive stress, quality assurance, surface finish standards.

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: D3291 − 22
Standard Practice for
Compatibility of Plasticizers in Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Plastics
Under Compression
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3291; 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.
1. Scope* 3. Terminology
1.1 This practice determines the compatibility of plasticiz- 3.1 General—Definitions are in accordance with Terminol-
ers in poly(vinyl chloride) plastics by rating the amount of ogy D883 and abbreviations with Terminology D1600, unless
plasticizer that spews due to compressional stress set up inside otherwise indicated.
a 180° loop bend.
4. Summary of Practice
NOTE 1—Ingredients other than plasticizer can spew from a total
4.1 Test specimens of plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) sheet
formulation.
are bent through an arc of approximately 180°. The inner
1.2 The text of this practice references notes and footnotes
radius of the bend is equal to the thickness of the specimen.
that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
These bent specimens are secured in a jig designed to hold
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered
them in the desired conformation. At specified intervals of
as requirements of this practice.
time, a specimen is removed, bent 360° in the opposite
1.3 The values as stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
direction, and the former inside of the loop (now the outside)
standard. The values in parentheses are given for information
is examined for evidence of plasticizer spew.
only.
5. Significance and Use
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 5.1 It is possible for plasticizers to become less compatible
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- in poly(vinyl chloride) resin when fused compound is sub-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- jected to compressive stress.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 5.1.1 This test subjects a standard test specimen to a definite
deformation and allows qualitative determination of the
NOTE 2—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
amount of spew that is capable of occurring over a period of
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
time.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5.1.2 An apparent decrease in compatibility of plasticizers
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
with subsequent exudation can cause excessive dirt pickup,
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
marring of lacquered or varnished surfaces, sticky feel, and a
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
number of other associated problems.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.1.3 When a plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) sheet is
stressedincompressionbybendingitthrough180°,onewayto
2. Referenced Documents
relieve the stress is by migration of the plasticizer from the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
compressed area (inside of bend) to the area in tension (outside
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
of bend). If these compressive stresses cannot be relieved
D1600 Terminology forAbbreviatedTerms Relating to Plas-
rapidly by internal migration of plasticizer, then plasticizer will
tics
spew. The internal migration of plasticizer will continue and
when a deficiency of plasticizer occurs at the compressed area
1 spewed plasticizer will be reabsorbed. It is possible for certain
This practice is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.15 on Thermoplastic Materials.
plasticizers to spew and be reabsorbed quite rapidly. Less
Current edition approved May 1, 2022. Published May 2022. Originally
compatible plasticizers are capable of spewing early and
ɛ1
approved in 1974. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D3291 – 11(2016) .
continuing to spew throughout the test. A test of one week’s
DOI: 10.1520/D3291-22.
duration is used for screening, while an extended test of seven
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
weeks’ duration is used for a complete profile.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. NOTE 3—It is permissible for the seller and the purchaser to agree upon
*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
D3291 − 22
A Drill and countersink for 6.35-mm ( ⁄4-in.) flat head machine screw
B Drill and tap to receive 6.35-mm ( ⁄4-in.) machine screw
C Permitted to
...

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.
´1
Designation: D3291 − 11 (Reapproved 2016) D3291 − 22
Standard Practice for
Compatibility of Plasticizers in Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Plastics
Under Compression
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3291; 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.
ε NOTE—Reapproved and editorially changed items throughout in September 2016.
1. Scope*
1.1 This practice determines the compatibility of plasticizers in poly(vinyl chloride) plastics by rating the amount of plasticizer
that spews due to compressional stress set up inside a 180° loop bend.
NOTE 1—Ingredients other than plasticizer can spew from a total formulation.
1.2 The text of this practice references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding
those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of this practice.
1.3 The values as stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are given for information only.
1.4 This standard 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 standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
NOTE 2—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
1.5 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:
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
3. Terminology
3.1 General—Definitions are in accordance with Terminology D883 and abbreviations with Terminology D1600, unless otherwise
indicated.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.15 on Thermoplastic Materials.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2016May 1, 2022. Published September 2016May 2022. Originally approved in 1974. Last previous edition approved in 20112016 as
ɛ1
D3291 – 11.D3291 – 11(2016) . DOI: 10.1520/D3291-11R16E01.10.1520/D3291-22.
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.
*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
D3291 − 22
A Drill and countersink for 6.35-mm ( ⁄4-in.) flat head machine screw
B Drill and tap to receive 6.35-mm ( ⁄4-in.) machine screw
C Permitted to be any convenient length up to 457 mm (18 in.)
Material—Oil-hardening precision ground tool and die steel
FIG. 1 Bending Test Jig
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 Test specimens of plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) sheet are bent through an arc of approximately 180°. The inner radius of
the bend is equal to the thickness of the specimen. These bent specimens are secured in a jig designed to hold them in the desired
conformation. At specified intervals of time, a specimen is removed, bent 360° in the opposite direction, and the former inside of
the loop (now the outside) is examined for evidence of plasticizer spew.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 It is possible for plasticizers to become less compatible in poly(vinyl chloride) resin when fused compound is subjected to
compressive stress.
5.1.1 This test subjects a standard test specimen to a definite deformation and allows qualitative determination of the amount of
spew that is capable of occurring over a period of time.
5.1.2 An apparent decrease in compatibility of plasticizers with subsequent exudation can cause excessive dirt pickup, marring of
lacquered or varnished surfaces, sticky feel, and a number of other associated problems.
5.1.3 When a plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) sheet is stressed in compression by bending it through 180°, one way to relieve the
stress is by migration of the plasticizer from the compressed area (inside of bend) to the area in tension (outside of bend). If these
compressive stresses cannot be relieved rapidly by internal migration of plasticizer, then plasticizer will spew. The internal
migration of plasticizer will continue and when a deficiency of plasticizer occurs at the compressed area spewed plasticizer will
be reabsorbed. It is possible for certain plasticizers to spew and be reabsorbed quite rapidly. Less compatible plasticizers are
capable of spewing early and continuing to spew throughout the test. A test of one week’s duration is used for screening, while
an extended test o
...