ASTM D8160-20

Standard Test Method for Un-notched Cantilever Beam Impact Resistance (Izod Impact) Testing of Thermoplastic Pavement Marking Materials

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The significance of this test is to determine the thermoplastic pavement marking material’s resistance to impact, under laboratory conditions. The method provides a numerical result for impact failure which can be used to assess quality and determine relative performance between materials.  
5.2 When the pendulum-impact test is performed on thermoplastic pavement marking materials, the results can indicate the strength and brittleness properties helpful in researching and improving their field durability. Anyone attempting to perform this test should initially review Test Methods D256 and Test Method D4812; especially the equipment setup.  
5.3 The following sample preparation and testing setup method is important so inconsistencies in sample preparation do not cause more inconsistency in the results that are inherent when testing thermoplastic pavement marking materials.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the sample preparation for cantilever beams and test methodology of thermoplastic pavement marking materials, similar to the “Izod Impact” method listed in Test Method D4812.  
1.1.1 Some methods call for results in inch pound-force (in.·lbf) as opposed to the common foot pound-force/inch (ft·lbf/in.) or Joule/meter (J/m) (energy absorbed per unit of specimen of similar cross-section). This method does not purport to cover all the issues involved with the pendulum impact of cantilever beams and suggests that Test Method D4812 and Test Methods D256 be reviewed before this methodology is attempted.  
1.1.2 Thermoplastic pavement marking materials are a highly filled polymer matrix. Depending on the formula the resulting matrix may be brittle, therefore possibly resulting in inconsistent test results.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 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-May-2020
• ICS: 83.140.99 - Other rubber and plastics products
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.44 - Traffic Coatings

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 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 D883-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM E177-14 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM E284-13b - Standard Terminology of Appearance
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM E284-13a - Standard Terminology of Appearance
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM E177-13 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E691-13 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E284-13 - Standard Terminology of Appearance
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2013

Overview

ASTM D8160-20 is the internationally recognized standard test method for evaluating the un-notched cantilever beam impact resistance (Izod Impact) of thermoplastic pavement marking materials. Developed by ASTM International, this standard provides a uniform approach for preparing and testing thermoplastic samples, enabling determination of material resistance to impact under controlled laboratory conditions. The measurement results offer valuable insights into the quality, strength, brittleness, and anticipated durability of these highly filled, solid pavement marking materials.

Key Topics

• Purpose and Scope
  ASTM D8160-20 covers the sample preparation and test methodology for thermoplastic pavement marking materials, specifically using an Izod pendulum impact tester. It does not address all issues related to pendulum impact testing of cantilever beams but references ASTM D256 and D4812 for guidance on setup and execution.

• Sample Preparation
  Thermoplastic materials are melted to the recommended temperature and poured into silicone molds to create test specimens with specific dimensions. Proper sample preparation is critical to minimize variability and obtain consistent, comparable results.

• Testing Procedure
  Cooled samples are subjected to impact using a pendulum device, where the energy required to break the sample is recorded. The calculation normalizes the resistance to impact in inch-pounds, based on the specimen’s cross-sectional dimensions.

• Significance and Use
  Results from this standard method aid in:

  • Comparing impact resistance between materials
  • Assessing product quality and suitability for field conditions
  • Providing numerical criteria to improve material formulations for enhanced field durability

• Limitations
  The inherent brittleness of thermoplastic pavement marking materials can result in variability. Results are specific to the prepared samples and equipment configuration used in the test. Safety, health, and regulatory requirements must be followed during testing.

Applications

• Quality Assurance
  Manufacturers and suppliers of thermoplastic pavement markings use ASTM D8160-20 to validate product consistency and compliance with performance requirements.

• Material Selection and Development
  Researchers and engineers utilize this standard to compare the relative impact resistance of different formulations, leading to innovations for more durable, less brittle pavement marking materials.

• Specification in Procurement
  Road authorities and contractors reference this standard in procurement documents to ensure the pavement markings supplied possess verified impact resistance and field longevity.

• Performance Benchmarking
  Data derived from this test method enables benchmarking of materials against industry standards, facilitating continuous improvement and regulatory compliance.

Related Standards

Professionals using ASTM D8160-20 often reference the following related test methods and practices:

• ASTM D256 – Test Methods for Determining the Izod Pendulum Impact Resistance of Plastics
• ASTM D4812 – Test Method for Unnotched Cantilever Beam Impact Resistance of Plastics
• ASTM D883 – Terminology Relating to Plastics
• ASTM D7307 – Practice for Sampling of Thermoplastic Traffic Marking Materials
• ASTM D7308 – Practice for Sample Preparation of Thermoplastic Pavement Marking Materials
• ISO 180 – Plastics - Determination of Izod impact strength

Practical Value

Implementing ASTM D8160-20 ensures a repeatable, science-based approach to measuring the impact resistance of thermoplastic pavement markings. The standard supports the development and selection of high-performance road marking materials, enhancing road safety and cost-effectiveness through improved product quality and durability. By adhering to ASTM D8160-20, organizations demonstrate commitment to international best practices in material testing and infrastructure quality.

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: D8160 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Un-notched Cantilever Beam Impact Resistance (Izod
Impact) Testing of Thermoplastic Pavement Marking
Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D8160; 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.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This test method covers the sample preparation for
D256Test Methods for Determining the Izod Pendulum
cantilever beams and test methodology of thermoplastic pave-
Impact Resistance of Plastics
ment marking materials, similar to the “Izod Impact” method
D883Terminology Relating to Plastics
listed in Test Method D4812.
D4812Test Method for Unnotched Cantilever Beam Impact
1.1.1 Some methods call for results in inch pound-force
Resistance of Plastics
(in.·lbf) as opposed to the common foot pound-force/inch
D7307PracticeforSamplingofThermoplasticTrafficMark-
(ft·lbf/in.) or Joule/meter (J/m) (energy absorbed per unit of
ing Materials
specimen of similar cross-section). This method does not
D7308Practice for Sample Preparation of Thermoplastic
purport to cover all the issues involved with the pendulum
Pavement Marking Materials
impact of cantilever beams and suggests that Test Method
E177Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
D4812 and Test Methods D256 be reviewed before this
ASTM Test Methods
methodology is attempted.
E284Terminology of Appearance
1.1.2 Thermoplastic pavement marking materials are a
E691Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
highly filled polymer matrix. Depending on the formula the Determine the Precision of a Test Method
resulting matrix may be brittle, therefore possibly resulting in
2.2 ISO Standard:
inconsistent test results. ISO 180:2019Plastics — Determination of Izod impact
strength
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3. Terminology
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
3.1 The terms and definitions in Terminology D883 and
and are not considered standard.
Terminology E284 apply to this method.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.2.1 impact tester, n—“standardized” (see Test Methods
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
D256) pendulum-type hammers, mounted in “standardized”
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
machines, in breaking standard specimens with one pendulum
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
swing.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.2.2 thermoplastic pavement marking (materials), n—a
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
highly filled 100% total solids pavement marking system that
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
when heated to the manufacturer’s recommended temperature
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
under agitation can be applied onto a pavement surface and
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
when cooled forms a solid durable delineator or marking.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
and Related Coatings, Materials, andApplications and is the direct responsibility of the ASTM website.
Subcommittee D01.44 on Traffic Coatings. Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
Current edition approved June 1, 2020. Published June 2020. DOI: 10.1520/ Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier,
D8160-20. Geneva, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D8160 − 20
4. Summary of Test Method 5.3 The following sample preparation and testing setup
method is important so inconsistencies in sample preparation
4.1 This test method is similar to Test Method D4812, but
do not cause more inconsistency in the results that are inherent
insteadcoversthesamplepreparationandtestingmethodology
when testing thermoplastic pavement marking materials.
specific to the impact testing of the unique material which is
thermoplastic pavement marking. Since thermoplastic pave-
6. Interferences
ment marking materials are not designed to be injection
molded and need to be poured into molds for testing, sample 6.1 Thermoplastic pavement marking materials can be
preparation is different. Also, since the normally accepted brittle in nature and therefore impact testing results can be
pendulumimpactresultnotationsarenotbeingusedintheroad inconsistent. Reproducibility of results may be difficult to
markingindustry,analternatecalculationwillbecovered.This achieve.
method is not intended for any type of material other than
6.2 The North American standard for unnotched Izod Im-
thermoplastic pavement marking materials.
pact testing of plastics is Test Method D4812. The results are
4.1.1 Thethermoplasticpavementmarkingmaterialsimpact
expressed in energy lost per unit of thickness (such as ft-lb/in.
test specimen is prepared by first melting a sample to its
or J/cm) at the break point, or be reported as energy lost per
application temperature under continuous agitation. The mol- 2 2
unit cross-sectional area at the break point (J/m or ft-lb/in. ).
tenthermoplasticisthenpouredintosiliconemoldscontaining
In Europe, ISO 180 methods are used and results are based
sample cavities with dimensions of 0.75 in. by 0.75 in. and 2.5 2
only on the cross-sectional area at the notch (J/m ). The
in. long. The specimens are removed from the mold after
dimensions of a standard specimen forTest Method D4812 are
allowing them to cool to 75°F 6 2°F. The cross-sectional area
63.5mm × 12.7mm × 3.2 mm (2.5 in. × 0.5 in. × 0.125 in.)
of the middle section is measured and tabulated. Each sample
thick. The most common Test Method D4812 specimen thick-
barisbrokenwitha1-lbhammeronapendulum(fromaheight
ness is 3.2 mm (0.125 in.), but the width can vary between
of 2 ft) impact tester and the resistance in foot-pounds (ft-lbs)
3.0mm and 12.7 mm (0.118 in. and 0.500 in.).
is measured. Using the cross-sectional area, the impact is
6.3 Test Methods D256 allows for up to a 0.5-in. × 0.5-in.
calculated in inch-pounds (in.-lbs). The machine shall be
cross-sectional area for bars that are notched. A 0.75-in. ×
provided with a basic pendulum capable of delivering an
0.75-in. bar can be broken on a “standard D256-type device”
energy of 2.7J 6 0.14 J (2.00 ft·lbf 6 0.10 ft·lbf).
with a milling of the clamp back ⁄4 in.
5. Significance and Use
6.4 For the impact testing, to convert the measured impact
5.1 The significance of this test is to determine the thermo- inft-lbsofacross-sectionalareaofa0.75-in.×0.75-in.sample
plastic pavement marking material’s resistance to impact, (0.5625 in. ), a value of 0.5625 is used to normalize the result,
under laboratory conditions. The method provides a numerical but the in. notation is not used (as in Test Method D4812,
resultforimpactfailurewhichcanbeusedtoassessqualityand where the width is normalized and therefore not used in the
determine relative performance between materials. calculation).
5.2 When the pendulum-impact test is performed on ther-
7. Apparatus
moplasticpavementmarkingmaterials,theresultscanindicate
the strength and brittleness properties helpful in researching 7.1 Theinstrumentshallconsistofaheavybaseonwhichis
and improving their field durability. Anyone attempting to mounted a vise for holding the specimen, and to which is
perform this test should initially review Test Methods D256 connected, through a rigid frame and bearings, a pendulum-
and Test Method D4812; especially the equipment setup. typehammer.(SeeTestMethodsD256orTestMethodD4812.)
FIG. 1 Thermoplastic Pavement Marking Sample in Impact Device
D8160 − 20
FIG. 2 Measurement Specifications of Sample
The instrument shall also have a mechanism for holding and 8.4 The samples shall be allowed to cool to 75°F 6 2°F
releasing the pendulum, as well as a mechanism for indicating before testing.
the breaking energy of the specimen.
8.5 Once cooled, label each bar with a sample number
before testing.
8. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units
8.1 Sample the thermoplastic pavement marking by follow- 9. Preparation of Apparatus
ing Practice D7307.
9.1 Theinstrumentusedshallmeettherequirements,andbe
8.2 Perform initial melting of the thermoplastic pavement setup,accordingtoTestMethodD4812.Theexceptionforthis
marking by following Practice D7308. method is the vise adjustment for holding a 0.75-in. × 0.75-in.
cross-sectional.
8.3 Themoltensampleshallthenbepouredintothesilicone
mold cavities one at a time (Fig. 4). Each cavity shall be 0.75 9.2 Because the standard pendulum impact testers are de-
in. deep, 0.75 in. wide, and 2.5 in. long. signedforamaximum0.5-in.thicksamplethemovablesideof
FIG. 3 Pendulum Hammer
D8160 − 20
FIG. 4 Silicone Mold with Cooled Samples
the vise will need to be milled by 0.25 in. to accommodate the 12.1.1 The pours should be to the to the top level of the
test sample to be impacted when the hammer is completely
mold. A small amount of vibration may be needed in order to
vertical.
smooth the su
...