ASTM D883-00
(Terminology)Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
SCOPE
1.1 This terminology covers definitions of technical terms used in the plastics industry. Terms that are generally understood or adequately defined in other readily available sources are not included.
1.2 When a term is used in an ASTM document for which Committee D20 is responsible it is included only when judged, after review, by Subcommittee D20.92 to be a generally usable term.
1.3 Definitions that are identical to those published by another standards body are identified with the abbreviation of the name of the organization; for example, IUPAC is the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.
1.4 A definition is a single sentence with additional information included in discussion notes. It is reviewed every 5 years; the year of last review is appended.
1.5 For literature related to plastics terminology, see Appendix X1.
General Information
Relations
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.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: D 883 – 00
Standard Terminology Relating to
Plastics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 883; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope* Materials into Test Specimens, Plaques, or Sheets
E 308 Practice for Computing the Colors of Objects by
1.1 This terminology covers definitions of technical terms
Using the CIE System
used in the plastics industry. Terms that are generally under-
stood or adequately defined in other readily available sources
3. Terminology
are not included.
3.1 Definitions:
1.2 When a term is used in an ASTM document for which
Committee D20 is responsible it is included only when judged,
A-stage, n—an early stage in the preparation of certain
after review, by Subcommittee D20.92 to be a generally usable
thermosetting resins in which the material is still soluble in
term.
certain liquids, and may be liquid or capable of becoming
1.3 Definitions that are identical to those published by
liquid upon heating.
another standards body are identified with the abbreviation of
DISCUSSION—Sometimes referred to as Resol. (See also B-stage and
the name of the organization; for example, IUPAC is the
C-stage.) (1978)
International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.
1.4 A definition is a single sentence with additional infor- acetal plastics, n—plastics based on polymers having a
mation included in discussion notes. It is reviewed every 5 predominance of acetal linkages in the main chain. (See also
years; the year of last review is appended. polyoxymethylene.) (1985)
1.5 For literature related to plastics terminology, seeAppen- acrylic plastics—plastics based on polymers made with
dix X1. acrylic acid or a structural derivative of acrylic acid. (1982)
addition polymerization—polymerization in which mono-
2. Referenced Documents
mers are linked together without the splitting off of water or
2.1 ASTM Standards:
other simple molecules. (1983)
C 162 Terminology of Glass and Glass Products
adiabatic extrusion—a method of extrusion in which, after
D 638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics the extrusion apparatus has been heated sufficiently by
D 747 Test Method for Apparent Bending Modulus of
conventional means to plastify the material, the extrusion
Plastics by Means of a Cantilever Beam process can be continued with the sole source of heat being
D 790 TestMethodsforFlexuralPropertiesofUnreinforced
the conversion of the drive energy, through viscous resis-
and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materi- tance of the plastic mass in the extruder. (1978)
als
aging, n—(1) the effect on materials of exposure to an
D 882 Test Methods for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic environment for an interval of time. (2) the process of
Sheeting
exposing materials to an environment for an interval of time.
D 907 Terminology of Adhesives (1973)
D 1003 Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance
alkyd plastics—plastics based on alkyd resins. (1980)
of Transparent Plastics alkyd resin—a polyester convertible into a crosslinked form;
D 1566 Terminology Relating to Rubber
requiring a reactant of functionality higher than two, or
D 4703 Practice for Compression Molding Thermoplastic having double bonds. (1982)
alloy, n (in plastics)—two or more immiscible polymers
united, usually by another component, to form a plastic resin
ThisterminologyisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD20onPlastics
having enhanced performance properties.
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.92 on Terminology.
allyl plastics—plastics based on allyl resins. (1978)
Current edition approved Aug. 10, 2000. Published October 2000. Originally
published as D 883 – 46. Last previous edition D 883 – 99.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.02.
3 6
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.01. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.03.
4 7
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.06. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 06.01.
5 8
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 09.01. Date indicates year of introduction or latest review or revision.
*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.
D883–00
allyl resin—a resin made by polymerization of chemical ofaplastic,withboundariesthatmaybemoreorlesssharply
compounds containing the allyl group. (1978) defined, somewhat resembling in shape a blister on the
amino plastics, n—plastics based on amino resins. (1978) human skin. (1983)
amino resin, n—a resin made by polycondensation of a block copolymer—an essentially linear copolymer in which
compound containing amino groups, such as urea or there are repeated sequences of polymeric segments of
melamine, with an aldehyde, such as formaldehyde, or an different chemical structure. (1982)
aldehyde-yielding material. (1985) blocking, n—unintentional adhesion between plastic films or
apparent density—See density, apparent. between a film and another surface. (1983)
aromatic polyester, n—a polyester derived from monomers in bloom, n—a visible exudation or efflorescence on the surface
which all the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups are linked of a material. (1972)
directly to aromatic nuclei. (1986) blowing agent—a compounding ingredient used to produce
artificial weathering—exposure to laboratory conditions, gasbychemicalorthermalaction,orboth,inmanufactureof
which may be cyclic, involving changes in temperature, hollow or cellular articles. (1983)
relative humidity, radiant energy, and any other elements blow molding—a method of fabrication in which a heated
found in the atmosphere in various geographical areas. parison is forced into the shape of a mold cavity by internal
gas pressure. (1985)
DISCUSSION—The laboratory exposure conditions are usually inten-
branched polyethylene plastics, n—those containing signifi-
sified beyond those encountered in actual outdoor exposure in an
cant amounts of both short-chain and long-chain branching
attempt to achieve an accelerated effect. (1980)
and having densities in the 0.910 to 0.940 g/cm range.
average injection velocity, n—the mean value of the velocity
DISCUSSION—These plastics, usually produced commercially by free
of the molten plastic flow front within a cavity during the
radicalpolymerization,aresubcategorizedbydensitylevel;lowdensity
injection time that is calculated from the shot volume and
polyethylene plastic and medium density polyethylene plastic.
injection time.
bulk density, n—the weight per unit volume of a loosely
DISCUSSION—The average injection velocity is calculated as follows:
packed material, such as a molding powder or pellets.
V
s
V 5
av
DISCUSSION—This term should not be used synonymously with
t 3 A 3 n
i c
apparent density.
where:
bulk factor, n—the ratio of the volume of a given mass of
V = average injection velocity, mm/s,
av
V = shot volume, mm , molding material to its volume in the molded form.
s
t = injection time, s,
i
DISCUSSION—The bulk factor is also equal to the ratio of the density
A = cross section of the cavity, mm , and
c
n = number of cavities. of the material to its apparent density in the unmolded form. (ISO)
This calculation is valid for molds containing a single cavity or those containing
(1982)
identical multi-specimen cavities only and not for family molds.
bulk molding compound (BMC), n—a putty-like mixture of
any thermosetting resin containing fillers, fiber reinforce-
B-stage, n—an intermediate stage in the reaction of certain ments, catalysts and thickening agents, or thermoplastic
thermosetting resins in which the material swells when in polymers, often extruded into logs or ropes.
contact with certain liquids and softens when heated, but
DISCUSSION—BMC is suitable for molding by any one of three
may not entirely dissolve or fuse.
matched-metal-mold processes—compression molding, transfer mold-
ing, or injection molding. (1983)
DISCUSSION—The resin in an uncured thermosetting molding com-
pound is usually, in this stage, sometimes referred to as Resitol. (See
butylene plastics—plastics based on resins made by the
also A-stage and C-stage.) (1978)
polymerizationofbuteneorcopolymerizationofbutenewith
bag modeling—a method of molding or laminating which one or more unsaturated compounds, the butene being in
greatest amount by weight. (1975)
involves the application of fluid pressure, usually by means
of air, steam, water or vacuum, to a flexible barrier material C-stage, n—the final stage in the reaction of certain thermo-
setting materials in which they have become practically
which transmits the pressure to the material being molded or
bonded. insoluble and infusible.
DISCUSSION—The resin in a fully cured thermoset molding is, in this
DISCUSSION—The process is usually employed for forming shapes
stage, sometimes referred to as Resite. (See also A-stage and B-stage.)
from preformed laminates comprising a fibrous sheet impregnated with
(1986)
an A-stage or a B-stage thermosetting resin. (1986)
cast film—a film made by depositing a layer of plastic, either
binder, n—in a reinforced plastic, the continuous phase which
molten, in solution, or in a dispersion, onto a surface,
holds together the reinforcement.
solidifying and removing the film from the surface. (1982)
DISCUSSION—During fabrication, the binder, which may be either
cavity, n—in specimen preparation, the part of the hollow
thermoplastic or thermoset, usually undergoes a change in state. (1978)
space of a mold that forms one specimen.
biodegradable plastic, n—See degradable plastic. cell, n—a small cavity surrounded partially or completely by
blister, n—an imperfection, a rounded elevation of the surface walls. (1983)
D883–00
cell, closed—a cell totally enclosed by its walls and hence not compound, n—an intimate admixture of (a) polymer(s) with
interconnecting with other cells. (ISO) (See cell and cell, all the materials necessary for the finished product. (1983)
open.) (1983)
compression molding—the method of molding a material
cell, open—a cell not totally enclosed by its walls and hence alreadyinaconfinedcavitybyapplyingpressureandusually
interconnecting with other cells. (See cell and cell, closed.)
heat. (1986)
(1983)
condensation polymer—a polymer made by condensation
cellular plastic—a plastic containing numerous cells, inten-
polymerization. (1983)
tionally introduced, interconnecting or not, distributed
condensation polymerization—polymerization in which
throughout the mass. (See also syntactic cellular plastics.)
monomers are linked together with the splitting off of water
(1983)
or other simple molecules. (1983)
cellular striation, n—a condition characterized by a layer
contact pressure molding, n—a method of molding or lami-
within a cellular material that differs greatly from the
nating in which the pressure, usually less than 70 kPa (10
characteristic cell structure.
psi), is only slightly more than necessary to hold the
cellulosic plastics, n—plastics based on cellulose compounds,
materials together during the molding operation. (1985)
such as esters (cellulose acetate) and ethers (ethyl cellulose).
cooling time, n—inmolding,thetimeintervalfromthestartof
(1985)
forward screw movement until the mold starts to open.
chalking, n—(plastics) a powdery residue on the surface of a
copolymer—See polymer. (1983)
material resulting from degradation or migration of an
copolymerization—See polymerization. (1983)
ingredient, or both.
crater, n—a small, shallow surface imperfection. (1978)
DISCUSSION—Chalking may be designed-in characteristic. (1980) crazing, n—apparent fine cracks at or under the surface of a
plastic.
chemically foamed polymeric material—a cellular material
DISCUSSION—The crazed areas are composed of polymeric material
in which the cells are formed by gases generated from
of lower density than the surrounding matrix. (1978)
thermal decomposition or other chemical reaction. (1982)
chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride)—a poly(vinyl chloride)
creep, n—the time-dependent part of strain resulting from
(PVC) polymer modified by additional chlorination. (2000)
stress. (1983)
chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride) plastics—plastics based on
cross laminate—a laminate in which some of the layers of
chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride) in which the chlorinated
material are oriented approximately at right angles to the
poly(vinyl chloride) is in the greatest amount by weight.
remaining layers with respect to the grain or strongest
(1978)
direction in tension. (See also parallel laminate). (1982)
chlorofluorocarbon plastics—plastics based on polymers
crosslinking, n—theformationofathreedimensionalpolymer
made with monomers composed of chlorine, fluorine, and
by means of interchain reactions resulting in changes in
carbon only. (ISO) (1983)
physical properties. (1983)
chlorofluorohydrocarbon plastics, n—plasticsbasedonpoly-
cross section of the cavity, n—in a mold for test specimens,
mers made with monomers composed of chlorine, fluorine,
the area of a planar section perpendicular to the flow pattern
hydrogen, and carbon only. (ISO) (1982)
during filling of the mold that forms the critical portion of
circuit—infilamentwinding,thewindingproducedbyasingle
the test specimen.
revolution of mandrel or form. (1978)
cure, v—to change the properties of a polymeric system into a
closed-cell cellular plastics—cellular plastics in which almost
morestable,usableconditionbytheuseofheat,radiation,or
all the cells are noninterconnecting. (1983)
reaction with chemical additives.
cold flow—See creep. (1983)
cold molding—a special process of compression molding in
DISCUSSION—Cure may be accomplished, for example, by removal of
which the molding is formed at room temperature and solvent or by crosslinking. (ISO) (1983)
subsequently baked at elevated temperatures. (1982)
cure cycle—the schedule of time periods, at specified condi-
collapse, n—inadvertent densification of cellular material dur-
tions, to which a reacting thermosetting material is subjected
ing manufacture resulting from breakdown of cell structure.
to reach a specified property level. (1983)
(1982)
cure time—the period of time that a reacting thermosetting
composite, n—a solid product consisting of two or more
materialisexposedtospecificconditionstoreachaspecified
distinct phases, including a binding material (matrix) and a
property level. (1983)
particulate or fibrous material.
cut-layers—as app
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