ASTM D746-14

Standard Test Method for Brittleness Temperature of Plastics and Elastomers by Impact

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method establishes the temperature at which 50 % of the specimens tested would probably fail when subjected to the conditions specified herein. The test provides for the evaluation of long-time effects such as crystallization, or those effects that are introduced by low-temperature incompatibility of plasticizers in the material under test. Plastics and elastomers are used in many applications requiring low-temperature flexing with or without impact. Use data obtained by this method to predict the behavior of plastic and elastomeric materials at low temperatures only in applications in which the conditions of deformation are similar to those specified in this test method. This test method has been found useful for specification purposes, but does not necessarily measure the lowest temperature at which the material is suitable for use.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the temperature at which plastics and elastomers (as defined by Terminology D883) exhibit brittle failure under specified impact conditions. Two routine inspection and acceptance procedures are also provided.  
Note 1: When testing rubbers for impact brittleness use Test Method D2137. When testing plastic sheeting for impact brittleness, use Test Method D1790.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.  
1.3 Due to the potential safety and environmental hazards associated with mercury-filled thermometers, the use of alternative temperature measuring devices (such as thermocouples and RTDs) is encouraged.  
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
Note 2: This test method and ISO 974 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Nov-2014
• ICS: 83.060 - Rubber
• ICS: 83.080.01 - Plastics in general
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.30 - Thermal Properties

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D746 − 14
Standard Test Method for
Brittleness Temperature of Plastics and Elastomers by
1
Impact
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D746; 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* D2137TestMethodsforRubberProperty—BrittlenessPoint
of Flexible Polymers and Coated Fabrics
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the tem-
E1Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
perature at which plastics and elastomers (as defined by
E77Test Method for Inspection and Verification of Ther-
Terminology D883) exhibit brittle failure under specified
mometers
impact conditions. Two routine inspection and acceptance
E608/E608MSpecification for Mineral-Insulated, Metal-
procedures are also provided.
Sheathed Base Metal Thermocouples
NOTE 1—When testing rubbers for impact brittleness use Test Method
E1137/E1137MSpecification for Industrial Platinum Resis-
D2137. When testing plastic sheeting for impact brittleness, use Test
tance Thermometers
Method D1790.
2.2 ISO Standard:
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
ISO974Plastics—Determination of the Brittleness Tem-
standard.
3
perature by Impact
1.3 Due to the potential safety and environmental hazards
2.3 ASTM Adjuncts:
associated with mercury-filled thermometers, the use of alter- 4
Detailed Drawing of a Typical Clamp
native temperature measuring devices (such as thermocouples
and RTDs) is encouraged.
3. Terminology
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1 General—The definitions of plastics used in this test
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
method are in accordance with Test Method D883 unless
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
otherwise specified.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.2 brittleness temperature—that temperature, estimated
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
statistically, at which 50% of the specimens would probably
NOTE 2—This test method and ISO974 address the same subject
fail.
matter, but differ in technical content.
3.3 failed specimen—the division of a specimen into two or
2. Referenced Documents
more completely separated pieces or as any crack in the
2
specimen which is visible to the unaided eye.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D618Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
4. Summary of Test Method
D832Practice for Rubber Conditioning For Low Tempera-
ture Testing
4.1 To determine the brittleness temperature, specimens are
D883Terminology Relating to Plastics secured to a specimen holder using a torque wrench. The
D1790Test Method for Brittleness Temperature of Plastic
specimen holder is immersed in a bath containing a heat-
Sheeting by Impact transfer medium, which has been cooled. The specimens are
struck at a specified linear speed and then examined for
1
failures. The brittleness temperature is defined as the tempera-
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD20onPlastics
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.30 on Thermal Proper-
ture at which 50% of the specimens would probably fail.
ties.30.07).
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2014. Published December 2014. Originally
approved in 1943. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D746–13. DOI:
3
10.1520/D0746-14. ISO Standards Handbook 21,Vol1.ISOStandardsareavailablefromAmerican
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM 10036.
4
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Adetailed drawing of a typical clamp may be obtained fromASTM Headquar-
the ASTM website. ters. Order Adjunct : ADJD0746.
*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
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D746 − 14
5. Significance and Use tested at one time. The radius of the lower jaw of the clamp
shall be 4.0 60.1 mm. The striking edge and specimen clamp
5.1 This test method establishes the temperature at which
shall have a clearance of 3.6 60.1 mm at and immediately
50% of the specimens tested would probably fail when
following impact. The clearance between the outside of the
subjected to the conditions specified herein. The test provides
striking edge and the clamp
...

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: D746 − 13 D746 − 14
Standard Test Method for
Brittleness Temperature of Plastics and Elastomers by
1
Impact
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D746; 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 test method covers the determination of the temperature at which plastics and elastomers (as defined by Terminology
D883) exhibit brittle failure under specified impact conditions. Two routine inspection and acceptance procedures are also
provided.
NOTE 1—When testing rubbers for impact brittleness use Test Method D2137. When testing plastic sheeting for impact brittleness, use Test Method
D1790.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
1.3 Due to the potential safety and environmental hazards associated with mercury-filled thermometers, the use of alternative
temperature measuring devices (such as thermocouples and RTDs) is encouraged.
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
NOTE 2—This test method and ISO 974 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
D832 Practice for Rubber Conditioning For Low Temperature Testing
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D1790 Test Method for Brittleness Temperature of Plastic Sheeting by Impact
D2137 Test Methods for Rubber Property—Brittleness Point of Flexible Polymers and Coated Fabrics
E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
E77 Test Method for Inspection and Verification of Thermometers
E608/E608M Specification for Mineral-Insulated, Metal-Sheathed Base Metal Thermocouples
E1137/E1137M Specification for Industrial Platinum Resistance Thermometers
2.2 ISO Standard:
3
ISO 974 Plastics—Determination of the Brittleness Temperature by Impact
2.3 ASTM Adjuncts:
4
Detailed Drawing of a Typical Clamp
3. Terminology
3.1 General—The definitions of plastics used in this test method are in accordance with Test Method D883 unless otherwise
specified.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.30 on Thermal Properties.30.07).
Current edition approved June 1, 2013Dec. 1, 2014. Published June 2013December 2014. Originally approved in 1943. Last previous edition approved in 20072013 as
D746 - 07.D746 – 13. DOI: 10.1520/D0746-13.10.1520/D0746-14.
2
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.
3
ISO Standards Handbook 21, Vol 1. ISO Standards are available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
4
A detailed drawing of a typical clamp may be obtained from ASTM Headquarters. Order Adjunct : ADJD0746.
*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
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D746 − 14
3.2 brittleness temperature—that temperature, estimated statistically, at which 50 % of the specimens would probably fail.
3.3 failed specimen—the division of a specimen into two or more completely separated pieces or as any crack in the specimen
which is visible to the unaided eye.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 To determine the brittleness temperature, specimens are secured to a specimen holder using a torque wrench. The specimen
holder is immersed in a bath containing a heat-transfer medium, which has been cooled. The specimens are struck at a specified
linear speed and then examined for failures. The brittleness temperature is defined as the temperature at which 50 % of the
specimens would probably fail.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method establishes the temperature at which 50 % of the spec
...