ASTM D5023-23

Standard Test Method for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Properties: In Flexure (Three-Point Bending)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method provides a simple means of characterizing the thermomechanical behavior of plastic compositions using very small amounts of material. The data obtained is used for quality control, research and development as well as the establishment of optimum processing conditions.  
5.2 Dynamic mechanical testing provides a sensitive means for determining thermomechanical characteristics by measuring the elastic and loss moduli as a function of frequency, temperature, or time. Plots of moduli and tan delta of a material versus these variables can be used to provide a graphical representation indicative of functional properties, effectiveness of cure (thermosetting resin system), and damping behavior under specified conditions.  
5.2.1 Observed data are specific to experimental conditions. Reporting in full (as described in this test method) the conditions under which the data was obtained is essential to assist users with interpreting the data an reconciling apparent or perceived discrepancies.  
5.3 This test method can be used to assess:  
5.3.1 Modulus as a function of temperature,  
5.3.2 Modulus as a function of frequency,  
5.3.3 The effects of processing treatment,  
5.3.4 Relative resin behavioral properties, including cure and damping.  
5.3.5 The effects of substrate types and orientation (fabrication) on modulus,  
5.3.6 The effects of formulation additives which might affect processability or performance,  
5.3.7 The effects of annealing on modulus and glass transition temperature,  
5.3.8 The effect of aspect ratio on the modulus of fiber reinforcements, and  
5.3.9 The effect of fillers, additives on modulus and glass transition temperature.  
5.4 Before proceeding with this test method, refer to the specification of the material being tested. Any test specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions, or testing parameters, or combination thereof, covered in the relevant ASTM materials specification shall take precedence over those m...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method outlines the use of dynamic mechanical instrumentation for determining and reporting the visco-elastic properties of thermoplastic and thermosetting resins and composite systems in the form of rectangular bars molded directly or cut from sheets, plates, or molded shapes. The data generated, using three-point bending techniques, is used to identify the thermomechanical properties of a plastic material or compositions using a variety of dynamic mechanical instruments.  
1.2 This test method is intended to provide means for determining the viscoelastic properties of a wide variety of plastics materials using nonresonant, forced-vibration techniques in accordance with Practice D4065. Plots of the elastic (storage) modulus; loss (viscous) modulus; complex modulus and tan delta as a function of frequency, time, or temperature are indicative of significant transitions in the thermomechanical performance of polymeric material systems.  
1.3 This test method is valid for a wide range of frequencies, typically from 0.01 Hz to 100 Hz.  
1.4 Due to possible instrumentation compliance, the data generated are intended to indicate relative and not necessarily absolute property values.  
1.5 Test data obtained by this test method are relevant and appropriate for use in engineering design.  
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.7 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: This test method is equivalent to ISO 6721, Part 5.  
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established ...

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2023
• ICS: 83.080.01 - Plastics in general
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.10 - Mechanical Properties

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D5023-15 - Standard Test Method for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Properties: In Flexure (Three-Point Bending)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• 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 D883-22 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2022
• Refers: ASTM E456-13a(2022)e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2022
• Refers: ASTM E456-13a(2022) - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2022
• Referred By: ASTM D4065-20 - Standard Practice for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Properties: Determination and Report of Procedures
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D6382/D6382M-99(2022) - Standard Practice for Dynamic Mechanical Analysis and Thermogravimetry of Roofing and Waterproofing Membrane Material
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023

Overview

ASTM D5023-23 is the Standard Test Method for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Properties in Flexure (Three-Point Bending). Developed by ASTM International, this standard outlines procedures for assessing the viscoelastic properties of thermoplastic and thermosetting plastics, as well as composite materials, using three-point bending dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). By measuring storage and loss moduli under varying conditions, ASTM D5023-23 provides valuable data for material characterization, quality control, and engineering design. This information is crucial for understanding the thermomechanical performance of plastics, resin systems, and composites in various industrial applications.

Key Topics

ASTM D5023-23 covers several core aspects vital for plastics testing:

• Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA): Utilizes nonresonant, forced-vibration techniques to measure viscoelastic properties.
• Test Specimen Preparation: Specifies methods for molding or machining specimens, ensuring they are representative of the material.
• Measurement Parameters: Involves assessing modulus as a function of temperature and frequency, with typical frequencies ranging from 0.01 Hz to 100 Hz.
• Critical Properties Reported: Includes storage modulus (elastic response), loss modulus (viscous response), complex modulus, and tan delta.
• Test Environment: Details on conditioning specimens and controlling temperature and humidity during testing.
• Significance of Results: Data are used to plot modulus and tan delta versus temperature or frequency, revealing transitions like glass transition and evaluating damping properties.
• Quality and Consistency: Emphasizes full reporting of test conditions to ensure data reliability and facilitate comparison.

Applications

The methods and data provided by ASTM D5023-23 are widely applicable across industries dealing with plastic materials:

• Quality Control: Ensures batch-to-batch consistency of plastics and composites by monitoring thermomechanical properties.
• Research & Development: Supports the development of new polymer materials by comparing viscoelastic behavior under various conditions.
• Optimization of Processing Conditions: Guides manufacturers in refining molding, curing, and fabrication processes for optimal material performance.
• Assessment of Fillers and Additives: Evaluates the influence of additives, treatments, and fillers on modulus and glass transition temperature.
• Engineering Design: Provides essential material data for designers and engineers to predict behavior under mechanical stress and varying temperatures.
• Comparative Analysis: Enables benchmarking of different resin systems, substrates, and fabrication methods in terms of cure effectiveness and damping abilities.
• Standardization: Facilitates comparison across organizations and laboratories by providing a uniform method for testing dynamic mechanical properties in flexure.

Related Standards

For a comprehensive approach to plastics dynamic mechanical testing and terminology, the following ASTM and ISO standards are closely related:

• ASTM D4065: Practice for Plastics-Dynamic Mechanical Properties-Determination and Report of Procedures
• ASTM D618: Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
• ASTM D4092: Terminology for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Properties
• ASTM D883: Terminology Relating to Plastics
• ASTM D4000: Classification System for Specifying Plastic Materials
• ISO 6721, Part 5: Plastics-Determination of Dynamic Mechanical Properties-Flexural Vibration-Non-Resonance Method

These standards provide additional context and procedures for plastics testing, ensuring alignment with international best practices and terminology.

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Keywords: ASTM D5023-23, dynamic mechanical properties, three-point bending, plastics testing, viscoelasticity, DMA, storage modulus, loss modulus, tan delta, thermomechanical analysis, composite materials, quality control, material characterization, polymer testing, flexural properties.

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: D5023 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Properties: In Flexure (Three-
Point Bending)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5023; 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* 1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.1 This test method outlines the use of dynamic mechanical
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
instrumentation for determining and reporting the visco-elastic
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
properties of thermoplastic and thermosetting resins and com-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
posite systems in the form of rectangular bars molded directly
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
or cut from sheets, plates, or molded shapes. The data
generated, using three-point bending techniques, is used to
2. Referenced Documents
identify the thermomechanical properties of a plastic material
2.1 ASTM Standards:
or compositions using a variety of dynamic mechanical instru-
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
ments.
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
1.2 This test method is intended to provide means for
D4000 Classification System for Specifying Plastic Materi-
determining the viscoelastic properties of a wide variety of
als
plastics materials using nonresonant, forced-vibration tech-
D4065 Practice for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Proper-
niques in accordance with Practice D4065. Plots of the elastic
ties: Determination and Report of Procedures
(storage) modulus; loss (viscous) modulus; complex modulus
D4092 Terminology for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical
and tan delta as a function of frequency, time, or temperature
Properties
are indicative of significant transitions in the thermomechani-
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
cal performance of polymeric material systems.
2.2 ISO Standard:
1.3 This test method is valid for a wide range of frequencies,
ISO 6721, Part 5 Plastics—Determination of Dynamic Me-
typically from 0.01 Hz to 100 Hz.
chanical Properties Part 5: Flexural Vibration—Non-
Resonance Method
1.4 Due to possible instrumentation compliance, the data
generated are intended to indicate relative and not necessarily
3. Terminology
absolute property values.
3.1 Definitions—Terms used in this standard are defined in
1.5 Test data obtained by this test method are relevant and
accordance Terminology D4092 and Terminology D883 unless
appropriate for use in engineering design.
otherwise specified. For terms relating to precision and bias
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
and other associated statistical issues, the terms used in this
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
standard are defined in accordance with Terminology E456.
only.
4. Summary of Test Method
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.1 A specimen of rectangular cross section is tested in
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
flexure as a beam. The bar rests on two supports and is loaded
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
by means of a loading nose midway between the supports.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Using three-point bending, the test specimen is placed in
mechanical linear displacement at fixed frequencies with linear
NOTE 1—This test method is equivalent to ISO 6721, Part 5.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.10 on Mechanical Properties. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2023. Published November 2023. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D5023 - 15. DOI: Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
10.1520/D5023-23. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
*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
D5023 − 23
temperature variation or variable frequencies at isothermal material acts as the elastic and dissipative element in a
conditions. The elastic moduli or loss moduli, or both, of the mechanically driven linear displacement system. Dynamic
polymeric material system are measured. mechanical instruments described in this test method generally
operate in a forced, constant amplitude mode at a fixed
NOTE 2—The particular method for measurement of the elastic and loss
frequency.
moduli and tan delta depends upon the individual instrument’s operating
principles.
7.2 The apparatus shall consist of the following:
7.2.1 Loading Nose and Supports—The loading nose and
5. Significance and Use
supports shall have cylindrical surfaces having a sufficient
5.1 This test method provides a simple means of character-
radius to avoid excessive indentation or failure due to stress
izing the thermomechanical behavior of plastic compositions
concentration directly under the loading nose.
using very small amounts of material. The data obtained is used
7.2.2 Linear Deformation (strain)—A device for applying a
for quality control, research and development as well as the
continuous linear deformation (strain) to the specimen. In the
establishment of optimum processing conditions.
force-displacement device the deformation (strain) is applied
5.2 Dynamic mechanical testing provides a sensitive means and then released (see Table 1 of Practice
D4065).
for determining thermomechanical characteristics by measur-
7.2.3 Detectors—A device or devices for determining de-
ing the elastic and loss moduli as a function of frequency, pendent and independent experimental parameters such as
temperature, or time. Plots of moduli and tan delta of a material
force (stress), deflection (strain), frequency, and temperature.
versus these variables can be used to provide a graphical Measure temperature with a precision of 61°C, frequency to
representation indicative of functional properties, effectiveness
61 %, strain to 61 %, and force to 61 %.
of cure (thermosetting resin system), and damping behavior 7.2.4 Temperature Controller and Oven—A device for con-
under specified conditions.
trolling the temperature, either by heating (in steps or ramps),
5.2.1 Observed data are specific to experimental conditions. cooling (in steps or ramps), or maintaining a constant specimen
Reporting in full (as described in this test method) the
environment, or a combination thereof. Use a temperature
conditions under which the data was obtained is essential to controller that is sufficiently stable to permit measurement of
assist users with interpreting the data an reconciling apparent
environmental-chamber temperature to within 1°C.
or perceived discrepancies.
7.3 Nitrogen, or other inert gas supply, for purging purposes
5.3 This test method can be used to assess:
if appropriate.
5.3.1 Modulus as a function of temperature,
5.3.2 Modulus as a function of frequency, 8. Test Specimens
5.3.3 The effects of processing treatment,
8.1 Prepare test specimens by molding to the desired fin-
5.3.
...

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: D5023 − 15 D5023 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Properties: In Flexure (Three-
Point Bending)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5023; 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*
1.1 This test method outlines the use of dynamic mechanical instrumentation for determining and reporting the visco-elastic
properties of thermoplastic and thermosetting resins and composite systems in the form of rectangular bars molded directly or cut
from sheets, plates, or molded shapes. The data generated, using three-point bending techniques, may be is used to identify the
thermomechanical properties of a plastic material or compositions using a variety of dynamic mechanical instruments.
1.2 This test method is intended to provide means for determining the viscoelastic properties of a wide variety of plastics materials
using nonresonant, forced-vibration techniques in accordance with Practice D4065. Plots of the elastic (storage) modulus; loss
(viscous) modulus; complex modulus and tan delta as a function of frequency, time, or temperature are indicative of significant
transitions in the thermomechanical performance of polymeric material systems.
1.3 This test method is valid for a wide range of frequencies, typically from 0.010.01 Hz to 100 Hz.
1.4 Apparent discrepancies may arise in results obtained under differing experimental conditions. These apparent differences from
results observed in another study can usually be reconciled, without changing the observed data, by reporting in full (as described
in this test method) the conditions under which the data were obtained.
1.4 Due to possible instrumentation compliance, the data generated are intended to indicate relative and not necessarily absolute
property values.
1.5 Test data obtained by this test method are relevant and appropriate for use in engineering design.
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.7 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 healthsafety, health, and environmental practices and determine
the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
NOTE 1—This test method is equivalent to ISO 6721, Part 5.
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.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.10 on Mechanical Properties.
Current edition approved July 1, 2015Oct. 1, 2023. Published July 2015November 2023. Originally approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 20072015 as
D5023 - 07.D5023 - 15. DOI: 10.1520/D5023-15.10.1520/D5023-23.
*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
D5023 − 23
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D4000 Classification System for Specifying Plastic Materials
D4065 Practice for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Properties: Determination and Report of Procedures
D4092 Terminology for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Properties
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
2.2 ISO Standard:
ISO 6721, Part 5 Plastics—Determination of Dynamic Mechanical Properties Part 5: Flexural Vibration—Non-Resonance
Method
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions applicable to this test method refer to Terms used in this standard are defined in accordance
Terminology D4092 and Terminology D883 unless otherwise specified. For terms relating to precision and bias and other
associated statistical issues, the terms used in this standard are defined in accordance with Terminology E456.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A specimen of rectangular cross section is tested in flexure as a beam. The bar rests on two supports and is loaded by means
of a loading nose midway between the supports. Using three-point bending, the test specimen is placed in mechanical linear
displacement at fixed frequencies with linear temperature variation or variable frequencies at isothermal conditions. The elastic
moduli or loss moduli, or both, of the polymeric material system are measured.
NOTE 2—The particular method for measurement of the elastic and loss moduli and tan delta depends upon the individual instrument’s operating
principles.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method provides a simple means of characterizing the thermomechanical behavior of plastic compositions using very
small amounts of material. The data obtained may be is used for quality control, research and development as well as the
establishment of optimum processing conditions.
5.2 Dynamic mechanical testing provides a sensitive means for determining thermomechanical characteristics by measuring the
elastic and loss moduli as a function of frequency, temperature, or time. Plots of moduli and tan delta of a material versus these
variables can be used to provide a graphical representation indicative of functional properties, effectiveness of cure (thermosetting
resin system), and damping behavior under specified conditions.
5.2.1 Observed data are specific to experimental conditions. Reporting in full (as described in this test method) the conditions
under which the data was obtained is essential to assist users with interpreting the data an reconciling apparent or perceived
discrepancies.
5.3 This test method can be used to assess:
5.3.1 Modulus as a function of temperature,
5.3.2 Modulus as a function of frequency,
5.3.3 The effects of processing treatment,
5.3.4 Relative resin behavioral properties, including cure and damping.
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.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
D5023 − 23
5.3.5 The effects of substrate types and orientation (fabrication) on modulus,
5.3.6 The effects of formulation additives which might affect processability or performance,
5.3.7 The effects of annealing on modulus and glass transition temperature,
5.3.8 The effect of aspect ratio on the modulus of fiber reinforcements, and
5.3.9 The effect of fillers, additives on modulus and glass transition temperature.
5.4 Before proceeding with this test method, refer to the specification of the material being tested. Any test specimen preparation,
conditioning, dimensions, or testing parameters, or combination thereof, covered in the relevant ASTM materials specification shall
take precedence over those mentioned in this test method. If there are no relevant ASTM material specifications, then the default
conditions apply.
6. Interferences
6.1 Since small test specimen geometries are used, it is essential that the specimens be representative of the polymeric material
being tested.
7. Apparatus
7.1 The function of the apparatus is to hold a rectangular test specimen of a polymeric material system so that the material acts
as the elastic and dissipative element in a mechanically driven linear displacement system. Dynamic mechanical instruments
described in this test method generally operate in a forced, constant amplitude mode at a fixed fr
...