ASTM D5260-22

Standard Classification for Chemical Resistance of Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Homopolymer and Copolymer Compounds and Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Compounds

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Reference this chemical resistance classification for any PVC/CPVC material compound specification wherein a level of resistance to specific chemicals is required for satisfactory product performance.  
4.2 Listing of a chemical in the annex does not imply PVC/CPVC compatibility or resistance to the chemical. Some of the chemicals listed could be deleterious to a specific compound, causing radical changes in the physical properties. Resistance to these chemicals is not intended to be a practical requirement in a specification.  
4.3 For resistance to mixtures of chemicals, it is suggested that the blend be tested rather than accepting the resistance of the individual chemicals because of a possible solvency enhancement of the combined chemicals.  
4.4 The specimens tested in this classification are unstressed. When service conditions include stress or other factors, or both, test chemical resistance of the PVC/CPVC compound under actual service conditions.
SCOPE
1.1 This classification covers the method for determining and classifying the resistance of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) homopolymer and copolymer compounds, and chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride) (CPVC) compounds in chemicals by simple immersion testing of unstressed specimens.  
1.2 This classification is applicable to any PVC or CPVC compound as defined in Specifications D1784, D4216, D4396, or D4551.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.  
1.4 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of this standard.  
1.5 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: There are no ISO standards covering the subject matter of this classification.  
1.6 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: 83.080.20 - Thermoplastic materials
• 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 D1784-20 - Standard Classification System and Basis for Specification for Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Compounds and Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Compounds
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2020
• 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 D4216-13 - Standard Specification for Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) and Related PVC and Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Building Products Compounds
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2013
• 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

Overview

ASTM D5260-22 is a key standard that establishes a classification system for assessing the chemical resistance of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) homopolymer and copolymer compounds, as well as chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride) (CPVC) compounds. Developed by ASTM International, this standard guides users in specifying PVC and CPVC compounds where resistance to chemicals is essential for satisfactory product performance. The classification is applicable to any PVC or CPVC compound defined in ASTM specifications D1784, D4216, D4396, or D4551, and relies on the results from simple immersion testing of unstressed specimens.

Key Topics

• Chemical Resistance Classification
  ASTM D5260-22 provides a framework for categorizing the resistance of PVC and CPVC materials to a wide range of chemicals. This is achieved by standardizing how materials are tested and assigned resistance ratings.

• Testing Method
  The standard utilizes the immersion test method, mainly referencing ASTM D543, with a 30-day exposure period. Specimens are tested using the supplied list of chemicals and their compatibility is evaluated in terms of weight change, swelling, and hardness variation.

• Cell-type Classification Format
  Chemical resistance is expressed using a cell-type format, which documents the chemical, concentration, temperature, and resistance level observed. Example: A05231 for PVC resistance to 25% acetic acid at 23°C.

• Limitations and Practical Considerations

  • Listing a chemical in the annex does not guarantee compatibility or resistance.
  • Chemical blends may require specific testing as mixtures can alter resistance.
  • Resistance results apply to unstressed specimens; actual service conditions could impact results.

• Safety and Regulatory Compliance
  The standard emphasizes user responsibility in following appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices, particularly when using chemicals that might be hazardous or regulated.

Applications

The ASTM D5260-22 standard is widely used in industries manufacturing and specifying products involving PVC and CPVC compounds where chemical resistance is critical. Practical applications include:

• Piping and Fittings
  Essential for chemical processing, water treatment, and industrial piping systems where exposure to aggressive chemicals is common.

• Construction Materials
  Applied in the assessment and specification of building products, such as wall panels, window profiles, and other rigid PVC/CPVC-based products.

• Water-Containment Systems
  Used for specifying flexible membranes and liners in environments with chemical exposure, such as aquaculture tanks and containment facilities.

• Quality Assurance and Procurement
  Assists manufacturers and purchasers in specifying materials that meet necessary chemical resistance requirements, thus improving product durability and reliability.

The standard’s clear and systematic approach minimizes the risk of premature material failure due to chemical attack, helping to ensure product performance throughout the lifecycle.

Related Standards

• ASTM D1784 - Classification System for Rigid PVC and CPVC Compounds
• ASTM D4216 - Specification for Rigid PVC and CPVC Building Product Compounds
• ASTM D4396 - Specification for Rigid PVC and CPVC Compounds for Nonpressure Applications
• ASTM D4551 - Specification for PVC Flexible Concealed Water-Containment Membrane
• ASTM D543 - Practices for Evaluating the Resistance of Plastics to Chemical Reagents
• ASTM D883 & D1600 - Terminology for Plastics

Summary

ASTM D5260-22 stands as a critical standard for the classification and specification of chemical resistance in PVC and CPVC compounds. By providing a structured testing method and classification system, the standard enables consistent and reliable evaluation of materials, supporting industries where chemical exposure is part of everyday operation. For optimal results, it is recommended to consult the latest version of this standard and consider the specific service conditions and chemical exposures relevant to each application.

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:D5260 −22
Standard Classification for
Chemical Resistance of Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC)
Homopolymer and Copolymer Compounds and Chlorinated
Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Compounds
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5260; 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* 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This classification covers the method for determining
D543 Practices for Evaluating the Resistance of Plastics to
and classifying the resistance of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)
Chemical Reagents
homopolymer and copolymer compounds, and chlorinated
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
poly(vinyl chloride) (CPVC) compounds in chemicals by
D1600 Terminology forAbbreviatedTerms Relating to Plas-
simple immersion testing of unstressed specimens.
tics
1.2 This classification is applicable to any PVC or CPVC
D1784 Classification System and Basis for Specification for
compound as defined in Specifications D1784, D4216, D4396,
Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Compounds and Chlo-
or D4551.
rinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Compounds
D4216 Specification for Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC)
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
and Related PVC and Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride)
standard.
(CPVC) Building Products Compounds
1.4 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
D4396 Specification for Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC)
which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
and Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Com-
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered
pounds for Plastic Pipe and Fittings Used in Nonpressure
as requirements of this standard.
Applications
D4551 Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Flexible Concealed Water-Containment Membrane
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3. Terminology
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.1 Definitions and Abbreviations:
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.1 For definitions of terms pertaining to plastics used in
this test method, refer to Terminology D883. For abbreviations
NOTE 1—There are no ISO standards covering the subject matter of this
classification. used in this test method, refer to Terminology D1600, unless
otherwise indicated.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4. Significance and Use
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.1 Reference this chemical resistance classification for any
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
PVC/CPVC material compound specification wherein a level
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
of resistance to specific chemicals is required for satisfactory
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
product performance.
4.2 Listing of a chemical in the annex does not imply
PVC/CPVC compatibility or resistance to the chemical. Some
This classification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on
Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.15 on Thermoplastic
Materials. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved May 1, 2022. Published May 2022. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D5260 - 16. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D5260-22. 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
D5260−22
of the chemicals listed could be deleterious to a specific 7.2 Sample using a statistically acceptable procedure.
compound, causing radical changes in the physical properties.
Resistance to these chemicals is not intended to be a practical
8. Test Methods
requirement in a specification.
8.1 Determine the chemical resistance of a compound fol-
4.3 For resistance to mixtures of chemicals, it is suggested
lowing the procedure of Test Method D543 except the expo-
that the blend be tested rather than accepting the resistance of
sure period shall be for 30 days. Note the chemical,
the individual chemicals because of a possible solvency
concentration, test temperature, and resistance in accordance
enhancement of the combined chemicals.
with 8.1.1 – 8.1.4. This data is compiled in Table 1 and
4.4 The specimens tested in this classification are un-
comprises the six digits of the chemical resistance cell.
stressed. When service conditions include stress or other
8.1.1 The test chemical is designated from the alphanumeri-
factors, or both, test chemical resistance of the PVC/CPVC
cal list of chemicals in the annex. This alphanumeric designa-
compound under actual service conditions.
tion is the first three digits of the chemical resistance cell.
5. Basis of Classification 8.1.2 The concentration of the chemical from row two of
Table 1 is designated as the fourth digit of the chemical
5.1 The chemical resistance of a PVC or CPVC compound
resistance cell.
is composed of the cell classifications specified from Table 1.
8.1.3 The test temperature from row three of Table 1 is
For example, the resistance of PVC to 25 % acetic acid at
designated as the fifth number of the chemical resistance cell.
ambient temperature would be written as a cell classification of
A05231:
8.1.4 The resistance of a compound from row four of Table
Class
1 is designated as the sixth number of the chemical resistance
Chemical (acetic acid from annex) A05
cell. Grade a compound for its resistance to the testing of 8.1.1
Concentration of 25 % 2
– 8.1.3 as follows:
Temperature of 23°C 3
Resistance 1
Resistant Marginally Non-
Resistant Resistant
NOTE 2—The cell-type format provides the means of classifying
Linear Swelling 0 % <5 % >5 %
chemical resistance. This type of format is subject to possible misappli-
Change in Weight <1 % <10 % >10 %
cation in classifying a chemical resistance that is unobtainable with
Change in Shore Hardness no change <5 units >5 units
commercially available materials. Consult the manufacturer regarding this
classification.
9. Rejection
6. Performance Requirements
9.1 Product that fails to conform to the requirements of this
6.1 The chemical resistance shall be for a compound that
classification shall not be certified as meeting the requirements
meets the physical property and processing requirements of the
of this classification.
application.
10. Keywords
7. Sampling
7.1 Abatch or lot shall be considered as a unit of manufac- 10.1 chemical resistance; chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride)
ture and is permitted to consist of a blend of two or more polymers; poly(vinyl chloride) copolymers; poly(vinyl chlo-
production runs of material. ride) polymers
TABLE 1 Chemical Resistance of a Compound
Cell Limits
Designation
Property and Unit
Order Number
0 1 2345 6 7
1 to 3 chemical unspecified use number of chemical from annex
4 concentration, % unspecified 0 to 19 20 to 39 40 to 59 60 to 79 80 to 99 100
5 temperature,° C unspecified <0 0 to 19 20 to 39 40 to 59 60 to 79 80 to 100 >100
6 resistance unspecified R MR NR
D5260−22
ANNEX
(Mandatory Information)
A1. ALPHANUMERICAL LIST OF CHEMICALS
Acetaldehyde A01 Ammonia Biflouride A19
Acetamide A02 Ammonium Carbonate A20
Acetate Solvent A03 Ammonium Casenite A21
Acetic Acid, Glacial A04 Ammonium Chloride A22
Acetic Acid A05 Ammonium Hydroxide A23
Acetic Anhydride A06 Ammonium Nitrate A24
Acetone A07 Ammonium Oxalate A25
Acetylene A08 Ammonium Persulfate A26
Acrylonitrile A09 Ammonium Phosphate, Dibasic A27
Aluminum C
...

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: D5260 − 16 D5260 − 22
Standard Classification for
Chemical Resistance of Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC)
Homopolymer and Copolymer Compounds and Chlorinated
Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Compounds
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5260; 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 classification covers the method for determining and classifying the resistance of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)
homopolymer and copolymer compounds, and chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride) (CPVC) compounds in chemicals by simple
immersion testing of unstressed specimens.
1.2 This classification is applicable to any PVC or CPVC compound as defined in Specifications D1784, D4216, D4396, or D4551.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.
1.4 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of this standard.
1.5 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 1—There are no ISO standards covering the subject matter of this classification.
1.6 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:
D543 Practices for Evaluating the Resistance of Plastics to Chemical Reagents
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
D1784 Classification System and Basis for Specification for Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Compounds and Chlorinated
Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Compounds
D4216 Specification for Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) and Related PVC and Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC)
Building Products Compounds
This classification 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 May 1, 2016May 1, 2022. Published May 2016May 2022. Originally approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 20102016 as
D5260 - 04D5260 - 16.(2010). DOI: 10.1520/D5260-16.10.1520/D5260-22.
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
D5260 − 22
D4396 Specification for Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) and Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Compounds for
Plastic Pipe and Fittings Used in Nonpressure Applications
D4551 Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Flexible Concealed Water-Containment Membrane
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions and Abbreviations:
3.1.1 Definitions are in accordance with For definitions of terms pertaining to plastics used in this test method, refer to
Terminology D883 and abbreviations with . For abbreviations used in this test method, refer to Terminology D1600, unless
otherwise indicated.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Reference this chemical resistance classification for any PVC/CPVC material compound specification wherein a level of
resistance to specific chemicals is required for satisfactory product performance.
4.2 Listing of a chemical in the annex does not imply PVC/CPVC compatibility or resistance to the chemical. Some of the
chemicals listed could be deleterious to a specific compound, causing radical changes in the physical properties. Resistance to these
chemicals is not intended to be a practical requirement in a specification.
4.3 For resistance to mixtures of chemicals, it is suggested that the blend be tested rather than accepting the resistance of the
individual chemicals because of a possible solvency enhancement of the combined chemicals.
4.4 The specimens tested in this classification are unstressed. When service conditions include stress or other factors, or both, test
chemical resistance of the PVC/CPVC compound under actual service conditions.
5. Basis of Classification
5.1 The chemical resistance of a PVC or CPVC compound is composed of the cell classifications specified from Table 1. For
example, the resistance of PVC to 25 % acetic acid at ambient temperature would be written as a cell classification of A05231:
Class
Chemical (acetic acid from annex) A05
Concentration of 25 % 2
Temperature of 23°C 3
Resistance 1
NOTE 2—The cell-type format provides the means of classifying chemical resistance. This type of format is subject to possible misapplication in
classifying a chemical resistance that is unobtainable with commercially available materials. Consult the manufacturer regarding this classification.
6. Performance Requirements
6.1 The chemical resistance shall be for a compound that meets the physical property and processing requirements of the
application.
7. Sampling
7.1 A batch or lot shall be considered as a unit of manufacture and is permitted to consist of a blend of two or more production
runs of material.
7.2 Sample using a statistically acceptable procedure.
8. Test Methods
8.1 Determine the chemical resistance of a compound following the procedure of Test Method D543 except the exposure period
shall be for 30 days. Note the chemical, concentration, test temperature, and resistance in accordance with 8.1.1 – 8.1.4. This data
is compiled in Table 1 and comprises the six digits of the chemical resistance cell.
D5260 − 22
8.1.1 The test chemical is designated from the alphanumerical list of chemicals in the annex. This alphanumeric designation is the
first three digits of the chemical resistance cell.
8.1.2 The concentration of the chemical from row two of Table 1 is designated as the fourth digit of the chemical resistance cell.
8.1.3 The test temperature from row three of Table 1 is designated as the fifth number of the chemical resistance cell.
8.1.4 The resistance of a compound from row four of Table 1 is designated as the sixth number of the chemical resistance cell.
Grade a compound for its resistance to the testing of 8.1.1 – 8.1.3 as follows:
Resistant Marginally Non-
Resistant Resistant
Linear Swelling 0 % <5 % >5 %
Change in Weight <1 % <10 % >10 %
Change in Shore Hardness no change <5 units >5 units
9. Inspection
9.1 Inspection of the product shall be agreed upon between the purchaser and the supplier as part of the purchase contract.
9. Rejection and Rehearing
9.1 Product that fails to conform to the requirements of this classification shall not be certified as meeting the requirements of this
classification. Report rejection to the producer or supplier promptly and in writing. In case of dissatisfaction with the results of
the test, the producer or supplier is permitted to make claim for a rehearing.
10. Keywords
10.1 chemical resistance; chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride) polymers; poly(vinyl chloride) copolymers; poly(vinyl chloride)
polymers
TABLE 1 Chemical Resistance of a Compound
Cell Limits
Designation
Property and Unit
Order Number
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 to 3 chemical unspecified use number of chemical from annex
4 concentration, % unspecified 0 to 19 20 to 39 40 to 59 60 to 79 80 to 99 100
5 temperature,° C unspecified <0 0 to 19 20 to 39 40 to 59 60 to 79 80 to 100 >100
6 resistance unspecified R MR NR
ANNEX
(Mandatory Information)
A1. ALPHANUMERICAL LIST OF CHEMICALS
Acetaldehyde A01 Ammonia Biflouride A19
Acetamide A02 Ammonium Carbonate A20
Acetate Solvent A03 Ammonium Casenite A21
Acetic Acid, Glacial A04 Ammonium Chloride A22
Acetic
...