ASTM D1562-22

Standard Classification System and Basis for Specification for Cellulose Acetate Propionate Molding and Extrusion Compounds (CAP)

SCOPE
1.1 This classification system covers requirements for plasticized cellulose acetate propionate thermoplastic compounds suitable for injection molding and extrusion. These compounds have a propionyl content less than 48 % and an acetyl content less than 3 % and can contain dyes and pigments. Cellulosic plastic materials, being thermoplastic, are reprocessable and recyclable. This classification system allows for the use of those cellulosic materials, provided that all specific requirements of this classification system are met.  
1.2 The properties included in this classification system are those required to identify the compositions covered. Other requirements necessary to identify particular characteristics important to specialized applications are specified by using the suffixes as given in Section 5.  
1.3 This classification system and subsequent line call out specification are intended to provide a means of calling out plastic materials used in the fabrication of end items or parts. It is not intended for the selection of materials. Material selection can be made by those having expertise in the plastic field only after careful consideration of the design and performance required of the part, environment to which it will be exposed, fabrication process to be employed, costs involved, and inherent properties of the material other than those covered by this classification system.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.  
1.5 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Section 11, of this classification system. 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 is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.  
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: 31-Aug-2022
• ICS: 83.140.99 - Other rubber and plastics products
• 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 D149-20 - Standard Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and Dielectric Strength of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials at Commercial Power Frequencies
• Effective Date: 01-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 D790-17 - Standard Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2017
• Refers: ASTM E308-17 - Standard Practice for Computing the Colors of Objects by Using the CIE System
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017
• Refers: ASTM D5740-16 - Standard Guide for Writing Material Standards in the Classification <astmref design="D4000"/> Format
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2016
• Refers: ASTM D790-15e1 - Standard Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015

Overview

ASTM D1562-22 is the internationally recognized standard classification system and basis for specification for cellulose acetate propionate (CAP) molding and extrusion compounds. Developed by ASTM, this standard covers plasticized cellulose acetate propionate thermoplastic compounds, which are suitable for injection molding and extrusion processes. CAP materials are notable for their reprocessability and recyclability, as they remain thermoplastic after processing. The standard defines composition requirements, classification by property groups and grades, and offers guidance for the specification and identification of CAP materials used in molded and extruded products.

Key Topics

• Classification System: Provides a framework to identify CAP materials, distinguishing by group (impact or tensile strength), class (plasticizer range), and grade (intended processing method - injection molding or extrusion).
• Material Requirements: Specifies composition limits, including propionyl content less than 48% and acetyl content less than 3%. Allows the inclusion of dyes and pigments as long as specified properties are met.
• Physical and Electrical Properties: Includes requirements for properties such as:
  • Specific gravity
  • Tensile stress at yield
  • Flexural modulus
  • Izod impact strength
  • Water absorption
  • Weight loss on heating
  • Volume resistivity and dielectric strength (for electrical applications)
• Test Methods: Standardizes specimen preparation and conditioning procedures, referencing established ASTM methods for property testing (e.g., D638 for tensile, D790 for flexural, D257 for resistivity).
• Suffixes and Additional Requirements: Enables the specification of additional or specialized material characteristics through an organized system of suffixes, referencing ASTM D4000 where appropriate.
• Quality Assurance: Details on sampling, inspection, and certification for supply conformity, including lot acceptance, periodic checks, and reporting requirements.

Applications

CAP molding and extrusion compounds, as classified by ASTM D1562-22, are widely used for their balanced physical and processing properties. Typical practical applications include:

• Consumer Goods: Parts requiring transparency, color control, or good impact strength, such as tool handles, brush backs, eyewear frames, and small molded items.
• Automotive Components: Decorative trims, bezels, and transparent or colored parts where durability and chemical resistance are valued.
• Electrical Components: Uses as insulating materials benefiting from defined dielectric properties, such as housings and electrical enclosures.
• Packaging: Film, sheet, and blister packaging that leverages CAP’s processability and clarity.
• Industrial Uses: Applications where reprocessability and recycling are valued, aligning with sustainable manufacturing practices.

Related Standards

ASTM D1562-22 references several related ASTM standards that support the testing, classification, and processing of plastics, including but not limited to:

• ASTM D4000 - Classification System for Specifying Plastic Materials
• ASTM D638 - Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
• ASTM D790 - Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Plastics
• ASTM D256 - Test Methods for Impact Resistance
• ASTM D257 - Test Methods for DC Resistance or Conductance of Insulating Materials
• ASTM D1003 - Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics

These standards help ensure that CAP compounds meet stringent quality and performance requirements for their intended applications.

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Keywords: ASTM D1562-22, cellulose acetate propionate, CAP, molding compounds, extrusion compounds, plastics classification, thermoplastic materials, injection molding, material specification, recycled plastics, plastics testing.

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:D1562 −22
Standard Classification System and Basis for Specification for
Cellulose Acetate Propionate Molding and Extrusion
Compounds (CAP)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1562; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
NOTE 1—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
1. Scope*
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
1.1 This classification system covers requirements for plas-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ticized cellulose acetate propionate thermoplastic compounds
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
suitable for injection molding and extrusion.These compounds
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
have a propionyl content less than 48 % and an acetyl content
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
less than 3 % and can contain dyes and pigments. Cellulosic
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
plastic materials, being thermoplastic, are reprocessable and
recyclable. This classification system allows for the use of
2. Referenced Documents
those cellulosic materials, provided that all specific require-
ments of this classification system are met. 2.1 ASTM Standards:
D149 Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and
1.2 The properties included in this classification system are
DielectricStrengthofSolidElectricalInsulatingMaterials
those required to identify the compositions covered. Other
at Commercial Power Frequencies
requirements necessary to identify particular characteristics
D256 Test Methods for Determining the Izod Pendulum
important to specialized applications are specified by using the
Impact Resistance of Plastics
suffixes as given in Section 5.
D257 Test Methods for DC Resistance or Conductance of
1.3 This classification system and subsequent line call out
Insulating Materials
specification are intended to provide a means of calling out
D570 Test Method for Water Absorption of Plastics
plastic materials used in the fabrication of end items or parts.
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
It is not intended for the selection of materials. Material
D635 Test Method for Rate of Burning and/or Extent and
selection can be made by those having expertise in the plastic
Time of Burning of Plastics in a Horizontal Position
field only after careful consideration of the design and perfor-
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
mance required of the part, environment to which it will be
D790 Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced
exposed, fabrication process to be employed, costs involved,
and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materi-
andinherentpropertiesofthematerialotherthanthosecovered
als
by this classification system.
D792 Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Rela-
tive Density) of Plastics by Displacement
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D1003 Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance
1.5 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the
of Transparent Plastics
test method portion, Section 11, of this classification system.
D1600 Terminology forAbbreviatedTerms Relating to Plas-
This standard does not purport to address all of the safety
tics
concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
D1729 Practice for Visual Appraisal of Colors and Color
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety,
Differences of Diffusely-Illuminated Opaque Materials
health, and environmental practices and determine the appli-
D3641 Practice for Injection Molding Test Specimens of
cability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Thermoplastic Molding and Extrusion Materials
ThisclassificationsystemisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD20on
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 Sept. 1, 2022. Published September 2022. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1958. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D1562 - 15. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D1562-22. 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
D1562−22
D3892 Practice for Packaging/Packing of Plastics
01 = Group 1—High impact strength
D4000 Classification System for Specifying Plastic Materi-
2 = Class 2—Plasticizer range from 8 to 20 % (see
als
Table CAP, Footnote 1)
D5740 Guide for Writing Material Standards in the Classi- 2 = Grade 2—Extrusion application
fication Format FA053 = Flammability requirement from Classification Sys-
tem D4000—Burn rate maximum of 50 mm/min
E308 PracticeforComputingtheColorsofObjectsbyUsing
the CIE System with 3 mm minimum thickness, when tested in
accordance with Test Method D635
NOTE 2—CAP0122 corresponds to the following physical property
3. Terminology
requirements in Table CAP:
3.1 Definitions—The terminology used in this classification
Specific gravity: 1.19-1.20.
system is in accordance with Terminologies D883 and D1600.
Tensile stress at yield: 19 MPa min.
Flexural modulus: 1 000 MPa min.
Izod impact strength: 200 J/m min.
4. Classification
Water absorption: 2.0 % max.
4.1 This classification system covers the following groups. Weight loss on heating: 2.0 % max.
classes, and grades (see Table CAP):
6. Materials and Manufacture
4.1.1 Group 01—High impact strength.
6.1 Materials supplied shall be as uniform in composition
4.1.2 Group 02—High tensile strength.
4.1.3 Class—Accordingtoplasticizercontentandproperties and size, and as free of contamination, as can be achieved by
good manufacturing practice.
specified in Table CAP.
4.1.4 Grade 1—For injection molding (general purpose).
6.2 If these materials contain colorants in the nominal
4.1.5 Grade 2—For extrusion.
amounts ordinarily employed, such additives shall not alter the
ability of the materials to meet the specified properties.
5. Suffixes
6.3 The color of material supplied shall be comparable,
5.1 When requirements are needed that are not covered in
within commercial match tolerances, to the color of standard
Table CAP, they shall be indicated through the use of suffixes.
samples prepared by the manufacturer.
5.2 A list of suffixes can be found in Classification System
7. Physical Requirements
D4000(Table3)andcanbeusedforadditionalrequirementsas
appropriate. Additional suffixes will be added to that classifi- 7.1 Test specimens of the material shall conform to the
requirements prescribed in Table CAP.
cation system as test methods and requirements are developed
and requested.
7.2 Molded specimens, for those tests requiring them, shall
5.3 Color and opacity shall be within the limits defined in be prepared in accordance with Section 10.
6.3
7.3 Conformance to the requirements of this classification
5.4 Some of the more commonly used suffixes for cellulose system shall be determined in accordance with Section 11.
acetate propionate are shown as follows:
8. Sampling
E=electricalrequirements(seeTable1)asdesignatedbythe
following digits: 8.1 Sampling shall be statistically adequate to satisfy the
First Digit
requirements of 12.4
1 = volume resistivity—Test Methods D257.
8.2 Abatch or lot shall be constituted as a unit of manufac-
dielectric strength—Test Method D149 (short-
ture as prepared for shipment and can consist of a blend of two
time/ step-by-step).
or more “production runs.”
Second Digit
1 = volume resistivity and dielectric strength meet 9. Number of Tests
property requirements as shown in Table 1.
9.1 Routine testing of each batch or lot shall be limited to
T = transmittance requirements as designed designated by
properties designated in Table CAP of this classification
the following digits:
system.
First Digit
9.2 One set of samples for those tests that are designated
1 = total luminous transmittance Procedure A of Test
(Section 12) shall be considered sufficient for testing the batch
Method D1003.
or lot. The average results from those samples shall comply
Second Digit
with the requirements prescribed in this classification system.
1 = total luminous transmittance, 80 % min.
5.5 An example of this classification system for a high-
10. Specimen Preparation
impact cellulose acetate propionate formulation would be as
10.1 PhysicalpropertyrequirementsinTableCAParebased
follows:
on injection molded specimens 3.2 mm thick. Specimens
CAP0122FA053 (1)
machined from compression
...

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: D1562 − 15 D1562 − 22
Standard Classification System and Basis for Specification for
Cellulose Acetate Propionate Molding and Extrusion
Compounds (CAP)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1562; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1 This classification system covers requirements for plasticized cellulose acetate propionate thermoplastic compounds suitable
for injection molding and extrusion. These compounds have a propionyl content less than 48 % and an acetyl content less than 3 %
and can contain dyes and pigments. Cellulosic plastic materials, being thermoplastic, are reprocessable and recyclable. This
classification system allows for the use of those cellulosic materials, provided that all specific requirements of this classification
system are met.
1.2 The properties included in this classification system are those required to identify the compositions covered. Other
requirements necessary to identify particular characteristics important to specialized applications are specified by using the suffixes
as given in Section 5.
1.3 This classification system and subsequent line call out specification are intended to provide a means of calling out plastic
materials used in the fabrication of end items or parts. It is not intended for the selection of materials. Material selection can be
made by those having expertise in the plastic field only after careful consideration of the design and performance required of the
part, environment to which it will be exposed, fabrication process to be employed, costs involved, and inherent properties of the
material other than those covered by this classification system.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.
1.5 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Section 11, of this classification system. 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 is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
NOTE 1—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
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.
This classification system 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, 2015Sept. 1, 2022. Published June 2015September 2022. Originally approved in 1958. Last previous edition approved in 20092015 as
D1562 - 09.D1562 - 15. DOI: 10.1520/D1562-15.10.1520/D1562-22.
*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
D1562 − 22
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D149 Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and Dielectric Strength of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials at
Commercial Power Frequencies
D256 Test Methods for Determining the Izod Pendulum Impact Resistance of Plastics
D257 Test Methods for DC Resistance or Conductance of Insulating Materials
D570 Test Method for Water Absorption of Plastics
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
D635 Test Method for Rate of Burning and/or Extent and Time of Burning of Plastics in a Horizontal Position
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
D790 Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials
D792 Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Relative Density) of Plastics by Displacement
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D1003 Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
D1729 Practice for Visual Appraisal of Colors and Color Differences of Diffusely-Illuminated Opaque Materials
D3641 Practice for Injection Molding Test Specimens of Thermoplastic Molding and Extrusion Materials
D3892 Practice for Packaging/Packing of Plastics
D4000 Classification System for Specifying Plastic Materials
D5740 Guide for Writing Material Standards in the Classification Format
D7209 Guide for Waste Reduction, Resource Recovery, and Use of Recycled Polymeric Materials and Products (Withdrawn
2015)
E308 Practice for Computing the Colors of Objects by Using the CIE System
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—The terminology used in this classification system is in accordance with Terminologies D883 and D1600.
4. Classification
4.1 This classification system covers the following groups. classes, and grades (see Table CAP):
4.1.1 Group 01—High impact strength.
4.1.2 Group 02—High tensile strength.
4.1.3 Class—According to plasticizer content and properties specified in Table CAP.
4.1.4 Grade 1—For injection molding (general purpose).
4.1.5 Grade 2—For extrusion.
5. Suffixes
5.1 When requirements are needed that are not covered in Table CAP, they shall be indicated through the use of suffixes.
5.2 A list of suffixes can be found in Classification System D4000 (Table 3) and can be used for additional requirements as
appropriate. Additional suffixes will be added to that classification system as test methods and requirements are developed and
requested.
5.3 Color and opacity shall be within the limits defined in 6.3
5.4 Some of the more commonly used suffixes for cellulose acetate propionate are shown as follows:
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.
D1562 − 22
E = electrical requirements (see Table 1) as designated by the following digits:
First Digit
1 = volume resistivity—Test Methods D257.
dielectric strength—Test Method D149 (short-
time/ step-by-step).
Second Digit
1 = volume resistivity and dielectric strength meet
property requirements as shown in Table 1.
T = transmittance requirements as designed designated by the following digits:
First Digit
1 = total luminous transmittance Procedure A of Test
Method D1003.
Second Digit
1 = total luminous transmittance, 80 % min.
5.5 An example of this classification system for a high-impact cellulose acetate propionate formulation would be as follows:
CAP0122FA053 (1)
CAP = Table CAP property requirements
01 = Group 1—High impact strength
2 = Class 2—Plasticizer range from 8 to 20 % (see Table CAP, Footnote 1)
2 = Grade 2—Extrusion application
FA053 = Flammability requirement from Classification System D4000—Burn rate maximum of 50 mm/min with 3 mm
minimum thickness, when tested in accordance with Test Method D635
NOTE 2—CAP0122 corresponds to the following physical property requirements in Table CAP:
Specific gravity: 1.19-1.20.
Tensile stress at yield: 19 MPa min.
Flexural modulus: 1 000 MPa min.
Izod impact strength: 200 J/m min.
Water absorption: 2.0 % max.
Weight loss on heating: 2.0 % max.
6. Materials and Manufacture
6.1 Materials supplied shall be as uniform in composition and size, and as free of contamination, as can be achieved by good
manufacturing practice.
6.2 If these materials contain colorants in the nominal amounts ordinarily employed, such additives shall not alter the ability of
the materials to meet the specified properties.
6.3 The color of material supplied shall be comparable, within commercial match tolerances, to the color of standard samples
prepared by the manufacturer.
7. Physical Requirements
7.1 Test specimens of the material shall conform to the requirements prescribed in Table CAP.
7.2 Molded specimens, for those tests requiring them, shall be prepared in accordance with Section 10.
7.3 Conformance to the requirements of this classification system shall be determined in accordance with Section 11.
8. Sampling
8.1 Sampling shall be statistically adequate to satisfy the requirements of 12.4
D1562 − 22
8.2 A batch or lot shall be constituted as a unit of manufacture as prepared for shipment and can consist of a blend of two or more
“production runs.”
9. Number of Tests
9.1 Routine testing of each batch or lot shall be limited to properties designated in Table CAP of this classification system.
9.2 One set of samples for those tests that are designated (Section 12) shall be considered sufficient for testing the batch or lot.
The average results from those samples shall comply with the requirements prescribed in this classification
...