ASTM D7471-19(2024)

Standard Specification for CPT-Fluoropolymer Molding and Extrusion Materials

ABSTRACT
This specification addresses the physical properties of copolymers of chlorotrifluoroethylene, perfluoroalkoxy, and tetrafluoroethylene that are suitable for extrusion, compression, and injection molding. It does not cover blended and recycled materials. Covered here is one type of fluoropolymer that is supplied in pellet form and classified according to their melting points, while the resins of each type are divided into four grades according to their melt flow rates. The materials shall be sampled in accordance with an adequate statistical sampling procedure and shall conform to specific gravity, melting point, flow rate, elongation, and tensile strength requirements when tested by the procedures itemized herein.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers copolymers of chlorotrifluoroethylene, perfluoroalkoxy, and tetrafluoroethylene and are suitable for extrusion, compression, and injection molding.  
1.2 This specification does not cover blended materials and does not cover recycled materials.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units as detailed in IEEE/ASTM SI-10 are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Section 11, of this specification. 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 1: Although this classification system and ISO 20568-1 and ISO 20568-2 differ in approach or detail, data obtained using either are technically equivalent.  
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: 31-Mar-2024
• ICS: 83.080.20 - Thermoplastic materials
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.15 - Thermoplastic Materials

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D7471-19 - Standard Specification for CPT-Fluoropolymer Molding and Extrusion Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024

Overview

ASTM D7471-19(2024) sets forth specifications for CPT-fluoropolymer molding and extrusion materials, focusing on copolymers of chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), and tetrafluoroethylene (TFE). This standard provides guidelines for the physical and processing properties of fluoropolymer resins intended for use in high-performance extrusion, compression, and injection molding applications. Materials covered by this specification are supplied in pellet form and are classified by melting point and further subdivided into grades based on melt flow rates. Blended and recycled materials are not included within the scope of this document.

Key Topics

• Material Classification: CPT-fluoropolymer resins are categorized by melting point and categorized into four grades according to melt flow rates.
• Physical Properties: The specification outlines requirements for specific gravity, melting point, flow rate, elongation, and tensile strength to ensure material suitability for demanding applications.
• Quality Control Measures: Materials must be sampled using statistical procedures and tested to confirm compliance with the standard’s requirements.
• Conditioning and Testing Procedures: Guidance is provided for specimen preparation, conditioning, and test methods such as those detailed in ASTM D638 for tensile properties and D1238 for melt flow rates.
• Packaging and Identification: The standard covers packaging requirements to maintain material integrity during transport, and specifies labeling protocols for material identification and traceability.

Applications

The practical focus of ASTM D7471-19(2024) is on industries and processes that require high-performance, chemically resistant fluoropolymer components. Typical applications include:

• Extrusion and Molding: Suitable for fabricating wire and cable insulation, seals, gaskets, tubing, and other components exposed to aggressive environments.
• Chemical Processing Equipment: Used for parts demanding resistance to corrosive chemicals, ensuring reliability and long-term performance.
• Electrical and Electronics: Ideal for electrical insulation and components that must retain properties under thermal and mechanical stress.
• Aerospace and Automotive: The material’s robust thermal and mechanical properties enable use in demanding aerospace and automotive applications.
• Medical Devices: Applicable where high purity and chemical resistance are essential, provided the material meets additional regulatory requirements.

By ensuring precise material classification and property consistency, this standard supports manufacturers in selecting and verifying CPT-fluoropolymer resins for critical molded and extruded parts.

Related Standards

Users of ASTM D7471-19(2024) may also reference the following related documents for complete quality assurance and to align with international best practices:

• ASTM D792 – Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity of Plastics
• ASTM D1238 – Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by Extrusion Plastometer
• ASTM D638 – Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
• ASTM D3418 – Test Method for Transition Temperatures and Enthalpies of Polymers by Differential Scanning Calorimetry
• ASTM D3892 – Practice for Packaging/Packing of Plastics
• ISO 20568-1 and ISO 20568-2 – International standards for fluoropolymer dispersion, molding, and extrusion materials
• IEEE/ASTM SI-10 – Guide for use of the International System of Units (SI)

These standards, along with ASTM D7471, form a foundation for quality assurance, material selection, and regulatory compliance in the use of CPT-fluoropolymer molding and extrusion materials.

By adhering to this specification, manufacturers and users can ensure consistent performance and regulatory compliance in high-value applications that demand chemical resistance and material integrity.

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: D7471 − 19 (Reapproved 2024)
Standard Specification for
CPT-Fluoropolymer Molding and Extrusion Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7471; 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 D792 Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Rela-
tive Density) of Plastics by Displacement
1.1 This specification covers copolymers of
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
chlorotrifluoroethylene, perfluoroalkoxy, and tetrafluoroethyl-
D1238 Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics
ene and are suitable for extrusion, compression, and injection
by Extrusion Plastometer
molding.
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plas-
1.2 This specification does not cover blended materials and 3
tics (Withdrawn 2024)
does not cover recycled materials.
D3418 Test Method for Transition Temperatures and Enthal-
1.3 The values stated in SI units as detailed in IEEE/ASTM pies of Fusion and Crystallization of Polymers by Differ-
ential Scanning Calorimetry
SI-10 are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in
parentheses are for information only. D3892 Practice for Packaging/Packing of Plastics
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the
ASTM Test Methods
test method portion, Section 11, of this specification. This
IEEE/ASTM SI-10 Use of the International System of Units
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
(SI): The Modem Metric System
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
2.2 ISO Standards:
of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and
ISO 20568-1 Plastics—Fluoropolymer Dispersion and
environmental practices and determine the applicability of
Moulding and Extrusion Materials—Part 1: Designation
regulatory limitations prior to use.
and Basis for Specification
NOTE 1—Although this classification system and ISO 20568-1 and
ISO 20568-2 Plastics—Fluoropolymer Dispersion and
ISO 20568-2 differ in approach or detail, data obtained using either are
Moulding and Extrusion Materials—Part 2: Preparation of
technically equivalent.
Test Specimens and Determination of Properties
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3. Terminology
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1 General—The terminology given in Terminology D883
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
is applicable to this specification.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.2 Definitions:
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.2.1 lot, n—one production run or a uniform blend of two
2. Referenced Documents or more production runs.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.3 General—The abbreviated terms given in Terminology
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing D1600 are applicable to this specification.
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
4. Classification
4.1 This specification covers one type of fluoropolymer
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on
supplied in pellet form classified according to their melting
Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.15 on Thermoplastic
point. The resins of each type are divided into four grades
Materials.
Current edition approved April 1, 2024. Published April 2024. Originally
according to their melt flow rate.
approved in 2009. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as D7471 – 19. DOI:
10.1520/D7471-19R24.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM www.astm.org.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
the ASTM website. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7471 − 19 (2024)
4.2 An one-line system shall be used to specify materials 8. Specimen Preparation
covered by this specification. The system uses predefined cells
8.1 Prepare a molded sheet 1.5 6 0.3 mm (0.06 6 0.01 in.)
to refer to specific aspects of this specification, as illustrated as
thick. Use a picture-frame-type chase having a suitable
follows:
blanked-out section and thickness to produce the desired sheet.
Specification ___________________________
Use clean aluminum foil, 0.13 to 0.18 mm (0.005 to 0.007 in.)
Standard Number : Type : Grade : Special
thick, in contact with the resin. Spraying a high-temperature
Block : : : Notes
mold release agent on the aluminum foil will help prevent the
: : : ,:
Example: Specification D7471 - 09, I2
foil from sticking to the sheet. Use steel molding plates at least
For this example, the line callout shall be, Specification
1.0 mm (0.040 in.) thick and have an area adequate to cover the
D7471 – 09, I2 and shall specify a fluoropolymer that has all of chase.
the properties listed for that type and grade in the appropriate
8.2 Lay down and smoothly cover one plate with a sheet of
specified properties, or tables, or both, in the specification
aluminum foil. Place the mold chase on top of this assembly.
identified. A comma is used as the separator between the
Place within the mold chase sufficient molding material to
standard number and the type. Separators are not needed
produce the required sheet in such manner that the polymer
between the group and grade.
charge is a mound in the middle of the chase. Place a second
sheet of aluminum foil on top of the granules and add the top
5. General Requirements
mold plate. Place the assembly in a compression molding press
5.1 The material shall be of uniform composition and so
having platens that have been heated to 320 6 5°C (608 6
prepared as to conform to the requirements of this specifica-
9°F).
tion.
8.3 Bring the press platens to incipient contact with the
5.2 The material described in this specification shall be free
mold assembly. Hold for 2 to 4 min without pressure. Apply
of foreign matter to such a contamination level as shall be
approximately 1 MPa (145 psi) and hold for 1 to 1.5 min. Then
agreed upon between the purchaser and the seller.
apply 2 to 4 MPa (290 to 580 psi) and hold for 1 to 1.5 min.
Maintain the press at 320 6 5°C (608 6 9°F) during these
6. Performance Requirements
steps. Remove the assembly from the press and place between
6.1 The average test result of the lot shall conform to the
two 20 6 7-mm (0.75 6 0.25-in.) steel plates whose tempera-
requirements prescribed in Table 1 when tested by the proce-
ture is less than 40°C (104°F).
dures specified herein. Table 1 lists those tests of specific
8.4 When the sheet is cool enough to touch about 50 to 60°C
gravity and tensile properties requiring a specimen molded as
(122 to 140°F)), remove aluminum foil from the sheet. (If the
described in Section 8.
sheet is allowed to cool to room temperature, the aluminum foil
cannot be pulled free.)
7. Sampling
9. Conditioning
7.1 The materials shall be sam
...