ASTM D3935-21

Standard Classification System and Basis for Specification for Polycarbonate (PC) Unfilled and Reinforced Material

ABSTRACT
This specification covers unfilled and reinforced polycarbonate and polycarbonate copolymer materials suitable for injection molding, blow molding, and extrusion. Some of these compositions may also find use for compression molding or application from solution. Unfilled polycarbonate materials are classified into groups according to their composition. The groups are Group 01, Group 02, Group 03, Group 04, Group 05, and Group 06. These groups are subdivided into classes which are Class 0, Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, and Class 4 and these classes can be further be subdivided into grades which are Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7 and Grade 0. Different tests shall be conducted in order to determine the following properties of polymer materials: Izod impact strength, flexural modulus, tensile strength, and deflection temperature.
SCOPE
1.1 This classification system covers unfilled and reinforced polycarbonate and polycarbonate copolymer materials suitable for injection molding, blow molding, and extrusion. Some of these compositions may also find use for compression molding or application from solution. This classification system allows for the use of recycled materials provided that all specification requirements are met.  
1.2 The properties in this classification system are those required for identifying the compositions covered. Other requirements necessary for identifying particular characteristics important to specific applications are normally specified by using the suffixes in accordance with Section 5.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 This classification system and subsequent line callout (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 should be made by those having expertise in the plastic field only after consideration of the design and the performance required of the part, the environment to which it will be exposed, the fabrication process to be employed, the costs involved, and the inherent properties of the material other than those covered in this standard.
Note 1: This classification system and ISO 21305-1 and ISO 21305-2 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content.  
1.5 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 12, 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.  
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-Nov-2021
• ICS: 83.080.20 - Thermoplastic materials
• ICS: 83.120 - Reinforced plastics
• 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 D1238-23a - Standard Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by Extrusion Plastometer
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2023
• 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 D2584-18 - Standard Test Method for Ignition Loss of Cured Reinforced Resins
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2018
• Refers: ASTM D648-18 - Standard Test Method for Deflection Temperature of Plastics Under Flexural Load in the Edgewise Position
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-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 D790-15e1 - Standard Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015

Overview

ASTM D3935-21 is the established standard for the classification and specification of polycarbonate (PC) materials, including both unfilled (virgin) and reinforced varieties. Developed by ASTM International, this standard defines a consistent approach to categorizing polycarbonate and polycarbonate copolymer materials that are suitable for common fabrication processes such as injection molding, blow molding, and extrusion. ASTM D3935-21 offers a robust framework for clear specification, quality assurance, and purchasing of PC materials within the plastics industry.

The standard facilitates the use of recycled materials, provided all specification requirements are met, supporting sustainability in industrial practices. It is a valuable resource for manufacturers, designers, and purchasers seeking consistency, reliability, and traceability in polycarbonate materials.

Key Topics

Material Classification

• Groups, Classes, and Grades: PC materials are organized into groups (e.g., general purpose, flame-retarded, UV-stabilized), classes, and grades according to composition and performance.
• Reinforced and Unfilled Materials: Both unfilled (pure) and reinforced (glass, mineral, fiber, or lubricated) polycarbonate materials are covered.
• Copolymer Variants: Includes copolymer materials for applications demanding specific thermal or mechanical properties.

Testing and Performance Properties

• Standardized Mechanical Testing: Specifies test methods for determining Izod impact strength, flexural modulus, tensile strength, and deflection temperature under load, following referenced ASTM methods.
• Table-Based Specification: Uses property tables for both unreinforced and reinforced PC materials to determine compliance.
• Recycled Content: Allows for inclusion and clear line-callout of recycled plastics, with documentation of recycled content by weight where required.

Specification and Traceability

• Line Callout System: Defines a nomenclature for clearly identifying material group, class, grade, reinforcement type, and property requirements in purchase documents.
• Suffixes for Special Properties: Additional suffixes are used to indicate further property or processing specifications, such as FDA compliance or colorants.

International Context

• Alignment with International Standards: Addresses the relationship between ASTM D3935-21 and similar ISO standards (notably ISO 21305-1 and ISO 21305-2), while acknowledging technical differences.

Applications

The classification and specification system provided by ASTM D3935-21 is widely used in the design, production, and procurement of plastic parts and products made from polycarbonate materials. Key applications include:

• Automotive: Under-the-hood components, lighting systems, dashboard panels, and safety equipment.
• Electronics: Housings, connectors, switches, and display components, which often require PC’s high impact resistance and clarity.
• Construction: Glazing, skylights, and protective barriers where durability and transparency are essential.
• Consumer Products: Medical devices, optical discs, water bottles, and food containers, including FDA-compliant formulations.
• Industrial Machinery: Gears, housings, and custom parts fabricated through machining or molding processes.

The standard supports the selection and specification of materials for environments requiring robust mechanical and thermal properties, and where product consistency and compliance documentation are critical.

Related Standards

• ASTM D638: Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
• ASTM D256: Test Methods for Determining the Izod Impact Resistance of Plastics
• ASTM D790: Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics
• ASTM D648: Test Method for Deflection Temperature Under Flexural Load
• ASTM D4000: Classification System for Specifying Plastic Materials
• ISO 21305-1 and ISO 21305-2: International equivalents for polycarbonate molding and extrusion materials

By adhering to ASTM D3935-21, stakeholders ensure a consistent and globally recognized approach to polycarbonate material specification, testing, and procurement, supporting improved product performance, regulatory compliance, and effective supply chain management.

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:D3935 −21
Standard Classification System and Basis for Specification for
Polycarbonate (PC) Unfilled and Reinforced Material
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3935; 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* 1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.1 This classification system covers unfilled and reinforced
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
polycarbonate and polycarbonate copolymer materials suitable
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
for injection molding, blow molding, and extrusion. Some of
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
these compositions may also find use for compression molding
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
or application from solution. This classification system allows
for the use of recycled materials provided that all specification
2. Referenced Documents
requirements are met.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.2 The properties in this classification system are those
D256 Test Methods for Determining the Izod Pendulum
required for identifying the compositions covered. Other re-
Impact Resistance of Plastics
quirements necessary for identifying particular characteristics
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
important to specific applications are normally specified by
D648 Test Method for Deflection Temperature of Plastics
using the suffixes in accordance with Section 5.
Under Flexural Load in the Edgewise Position
D790 Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materi-
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
als
standard.
D792 Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Rela-
1.4 This classification system and subsequent line callout
tive Density) of Plastics by Displacement
(specification) are intended to provide a means of calling out
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
plastic materials used in the fabrication of end items or parts.
D1238 Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics
It is not intended for the selection of materials. Material
by Extrusion Plastometer
selection should be made by those having expertise in the
D1600 Terminology forAbbreviatedTerms Relating to Plas-
plastic field only after consideration of the design and the
tics
performance required of the part, the environment to which it
D2584 Test Method for Ignition Loss of Cured Reinforced
will be exposed, the fabrication process to be employed, the
Resins
costsinvolved,andtheinherentpropertiesofthematerialother
D3892 Practice for Packaging/Packing of Plastics
than those covered in this standard.
D4000 Classification System for Specifying Plastic Materi-
NOTE 1—This classification system and ISO 21305-1 and ISO 21305-2
als
address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content.
D5630 Test Method for Ash Content in Plastics
1.5 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
test methods portion, Section 12, of this classification sys-
Determine Conformance with Specifications
tem. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety
E169 PracticesforGeneralTechniquesofUltraviolet-Visible
concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
Quantitative Analysis
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety,
2.2 ISO Standard:
health, and environmental practices and determine the appli-
ISO 21305-1 Plastics—Polycarbonate (PC) Moulding and
cability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Extrusion Materials—Part 1: Designation—System and
1 2
This standard is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.15 on Thermoplastic Materi- contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
als. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2021. Published December 2021. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1980. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D3935 - 15. DOI: Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
10.1520/D3935-21. 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
D3935−21
Basis for Specification 4. Classification
ISO 21305-2 Plastics—Polycarbonate (PC) Moulding and
4.1 Unfilled polycarbonate materials are classified into
Extrusion Materials—Part 2: Preparation of Test Speci-
groups according to their composition. These groups are
mens and Determination of Properties
subdivided into classes and grades as shown in Table PC
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—The terminology used in this classification
system is in accordance with Terminologies D883 and D1600.
The polycarbonate materials are to be designated PC as
specified in Terminology D1600.
TABLE 1 PC Polycarbonate Materials and Detail Requirements
NOTE 1— The values are for naturals; colors may be different.
Tensile Elongation
Deflection
Izod Flexural
Yield at
B
Specific C E Tempera-
Flow Rate,
Impact, Modulus,
D D
Stress Break
Gravity, Test
Test Method ture, Test
A Test Test
Group Description Class Description Grade Description
D1238,
Method Methods Methods Method
Test Method Test Method
g/10 min F
D256, D790,
D792
D648,
D638, D638,
J/m, min MPa, min
°C, min
MPa, min %, min
01 PC 1 general purpose 1 >24 1.19–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
2 15 to 30 1.19–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
3 12 to 20 1.19–1.22 640 55 100 2000 126
4 9 to 18 1.19–1.22 750 60 105 2100 126
5 6 to 13 1.19–1.22 750 60 110 2200 128
6 4 to 8 1.19–1.22 750 60 110 2200 128
7 <5 1.19–1.22 780 60 110 2200 130
0 other . . . . . . .
G
2 flame-retarded 1 >24 1.19–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
2 15 to 30 1.19–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
3 12 to 20 1.19–1.22 640 55 100 2000 126
4 9 to 18 1.19–1.22 640 60 100 2100 126
5 6 to 13 1.19–1.22 640 60 105 2200 128
6 4 to 8 1.19–1.22 640 60 110 2200 128
7 <5 1.19–1.22 640 60 110 2200 130
0 other . . . . . . .
H
3UV stabilized 1 >24 1.19–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
2 15 to 30 1.19–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
3 12 to 20 1.19–1.22 640 55 100 2000 124
4 9 to 18 1.19–1.22 750 60 105 2100 124
5 6 to 13 1.19–1.22 750 60 110 2100 126
6 4 to 8 1.19–1.22 750 60 110 2200 126
7 <5 1.19–1.22 750 60 110 2200 128
0 other . . . . . . .
I
4 impact-modified 1 6to15 1.18–1.22 375 50 90 1900 121
...
0 other . . . . . .
J
5 FDA compliant 1 >24 1.19–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
formulations
2 15 to 30 1.19–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
3 12 to 20 1.19–1.22 640 55 100 2000 126
4 9 to 18 1.19–1.22 750 60 105 2100 126
5 6 to 13 1.19–1.22 750 60 110 2200 128
6 4 to 8 1.19–1.22 750 60 110 2200 128
7 <5 1.19–1.22 780 60 110 2200 130
0 other . . . . . . .
0 other 0 other . . . . . . .
02 PC copolymer- 1 general purpose 1 >24 1.22–1.26 Use Table B to define these properties.
flame retarded 2 15 to 30 1.22–1.26 Use Table B to define these properties.
3 12 to 20 1.22–1.26 80 60 100 2100 128
4 9 to 18 1.22–1.26 80 60 110 2200 128
5 6 to 13 1.22–1.26 90 60 110 2200 130
6 4 to 8 1.22–1.26 90 60 110 2200 130
7 <5 1.22–1.26 90 60 110 2200 132
0 other . . . . . . .
H
2UV stabilized 1 >24 1.22–1.26 Use Table B to define these properties.
2 15 to 30 1.22–1.26 Use Table B to define these properties.
3 12 to 20 1.22–1.26 80 60 100 2100 126
4 9 to 18 1.22–1.26 80 60 110 2200 126
5 6 to 13 1.22–1.26 90 60 110 2200 128
6 4 to 8 1.22–1.26 90 60 110 2200 130
7 <5 1.22–1.26 90 60 110 2200 130
0 other . . . . . . .
0 other 0 other . . . . . . .
D3935−21
TABLE1 Continued
NOTE 1— The values are for naturals; colors may be different.
Tensile Elongation
Deflection
Izod Flexural
Yield at
B
Specific C E
Tempera-
Flow Rate,
Impact, Modulus,
D D
Stress Break
Gravity, Test
Test Method ture, Test
A Test Test
Group Description Class Description Grade Description
D1238,
Method Methods Methods
Test Method Test Method Method
g/10 min F
D256, D790,
D792
D648,
D638, D638,
J/m, min MPa, min
°C, min
MPa, min %, min
03 PC copolymer 1 general purpose 1 TBD 1.18–1.22 80 63 40 1700 150
high-heat resin 0 other . . . . . . .
H
2UV stabilized 1 TBD 1.18–1.22 80 63 40 1700 148
0 other . . . . . . .
3 impact-modified 1 TBD Use Table B to define these properties.
0 other . . . . . . .
J
4 FDA compliant 1 TBD 1.18–1.22 80 63 40 1700 150
formulation
0 other . . . . . . .
0 other 0 other . . . . . . .
04 PC copolymer 1 general purpose 1 TBD 1.18–1.22 480 65 60 1900 138
homopolymer 0 other . . . . . . .
intermediate
heat blends
H
2UV stabilized 1 TBD 1.18–1.22 480 65 60 1900 136
0 other . . . . . . .
3 impact-modified 1 TBD Use Table B to define these properties.
0 other . . . . . . .
J
4 FDA compliant 1 TBD 1.18–1.22 480 65 60 1900 138
formulation
0 other . . . . . . .
0 other 0 other . . . . . . .
05 PC copolymer 1 general purpose 1 >50 1.18–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
low-heat stan- 2 nominal 45 1.18–1.22 570 50 100 2070 104
dard flow 3 nominal 29 1.18–1.22 620 50 100 2070 106
4 nominal 18 1.18–1.22 770 50 100 2160 107
5 nominal 10 1.18–1.22 810 50 100 2200 108
0 other . . . . . . .
H
2UV stabilized 1 >50 1.18–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
2 nominal 45 1.18–1.22 570 50 100 2070 102
3 nominal 29 1.18–1.22 620 50 100 2070 104
4 nominal 18 1.18–1.22 770 50 100 2160 105
5 nominal 10 1.18–1.22 810 50 100 2200 106
0 other . . . . . . .
3 impact-modified 0 other . . . . . . .
J
4 FDA compliant 1 >50 1.18–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
formulations
2 nominal 45 1.18–1.22 570 50 100 2070 104
3 nominal 29 1.18–1.22 620 50 100 2070 106
4 nominal 18 1.18–1.22 770 50 100 2160 107
5 nominal 10 1.18–1.22 810 50 100 2200 108
0 other . . . . . . .
G
5 flame-retarded 1 TBD 1.18–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
0 other . . . . . . .
0 other 0 other . . . . . . .
06 PC copolymer 1 general purpose 1 TBD 1.18–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
low-heat easy 0 other . . . . . . .
H
flow 2 UV stabilized 1 TBD 1.18–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
0 other . . . . . . .
3 impact-modified 1 TBD 1.17–1.22 See above
0 other . . . . .
J
4 FDA compliant 1 TBD 1.18–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
formulations
0 other . . . . . . .
G
5 flame-retarded 1 TBD 1.18–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
0 other . . . . . . .
0 other 0 other . . . . . . .
I
99 PC other 0 other 0 other . . . . . . .
A
All grades are listed by performance requirements.
B
Use condition 300/1.2 for Groups 01, 02, and 05. Define the conditions for other groups in the suffixes as needed.
C
Test specimens are 3.2 mm thick, with a notch radius of 0.25 mm, tested by Method A.
D
Test specimens are Type I tensile bars, 3.2 mm thick, tested at a crosshead speed of 50 mm/min.
E
Test specimens are 3.2 by 12.7 mm, tested by Method I, Procedure A (Tangent), at a crosshead speed of 1.3 mm/min and a span-to-depth ratio of 16 to 1.
F
Test specimens are 3.2 mm thick, tested at 1820 kPa, and are not annealed before testing.
G
Use suffix letter F, with the appropriate letters and digits specified in Classification D4000, to define specific requirements.
H
Refer to Practices E169 for testing procedure. Specific requirements shall be stated in the purchase order or contract.
I
Test specimens for Group 1, Class 4, Grade 1 are 6.4 mm thick with a notch radius of 0.25 mm and are tested by Method A.
J
Manufactured in compliance with Food Additive Regulation 21CFR177.1580 governing polycarbonate resins for food-contact applications.
D3935−21
NOTE 2—An example of this classification system is as follows: the
4.3 Table B has been incorporated into this classification
designation PC0214 indicates:
system to facilitate the classification of special materials where
PC = polycarbonate as found in Terminology D1600,
Table PC or Table A do not reflect the required properties.
02 = polycarbonate copolymer-flame retarded (group),
Table B shall be used in the same manner as Table A.
1 = general purpose (class), and
4 = requirements given in Table PC.
NOTE 5—The mechanical properties of polycarbonates can be affected
4.1.1 To facilitate the specification of new, special, or by the amounts and types of additives and colorants used. The most often
observed effect is a change in the ductility of the material as evidenced in
recycled materials, the “other” category (0) for class or grade,
reductions of up to 90 % in Izod impact strength and 25 % or more in
or both, is used as indicated in Table PC. The properties of
tensile elongation. A classification using Table PC and Table B should be
these materials are specified using Tables A, B, or R as they
used if properties of pigmented or specially formulated polycarbonates
apply.
need to be specified.
NOTE 6—An example of the use of this classification system for a
4.2 Reinforced,pigmented,filled,andlubricatedversionsof
special polycarbonate material is as follows: the designation
polycarbonate materials are classified in accordance with
PC0110B34720 indicates:
Tables PC and A, B, or R. Table PC is used to specify basic
PC0110 = general-purpose polycarbonate from Table PC,
materials. Table A or B is used to specify the property
B = Table B property requirements,
...

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: D3935 − 15 D3935 − 21
Standard Classification System and Basis for Specification for
Polycarbonate (PC) Unfilled and Reinforced Material
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3935; 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 unfilled and reinforced polycarbonate and polycarbonate copolymer materials suitable for
injection molding, blow molding, and extrusion. Some of these compositions may also find use for compression molding or
application from solution. This classification system allows for the use of recycled materials provided that all specification
requirements are met.
1.2 The properties in this classification system are those required for identifying the compositions covered. Other requirements
necessary for identifying particular characteristics important to specific applications are normally specified by using the suffixes
in accordance with Section 5.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.4 This classification system and subsequent line callout (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 should
be made by those having expertise in the plastic field only after consideration of the design and the performance required of the
part, the environment to which it will be exposed, the fabrication process to be employed, the costs involved, and the inherent
properties of the material other than those covered in this standard.
NOTE 1—This classification system and ISO 7391-1ISO 21305-1 and ISO 7391-2ISO 21305-2 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical
content.
1.5 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 12, of this classification system. This
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 orof regulatory limitations prior to use.
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:
D256 Test Methods for Determining the Izod Pendulum Impact Resistance of Plastics
This standard 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 15, 2015Dec. 1, 2021. Published June 2015December 2021. Originally approved in 1980. Last previous edition approved in 20092015 as
D3935 - 09.D3935 - 15. DOI: 10.1520/D3935-15.10.1520/D3935-21.
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
D3935 − 21
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
D648 Test Method for Deflection Temperature of Plastics Under Flexural Load in the Edgewise Position
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
D1238 Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by Extrusion Plastometer
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
D2584 Test Method for Ignition Loss of Cured Reinforced Resins
D3892 Practice for Packaging/Packing of Plastics
D4000 Classification System for Specifying Plastic Materials
D5630 Test Method for Ash Content in Plastics
D7209 Guide for Waste Reduction, Resource Recovery, and Use of Recycled Polymeric Materials and Products (Withdrawn
2015)
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
E169 Practices for General Techniques of Ultraviolet-Visible Quantitative Analysis
2.2 ISO Standard:
ISO 7391-1ISO 21305-1 Plastics—Polycarbonate Molding (PC) Moulding and Extrusion Materials (Part 1: Designation—
2006)Materials—Part 1: Designation—System and Basis for Specification
ISO 7391-2ISO 21305-2 Plastics—Polycarbonate Molding (PC) Moulding and Extrusion Materials (Part Materials—Part 2:
Preparation of Test Specimens and Determination of Properties)Properties
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—The terminology used in this classification system is in accordance with Terminologies D883 and D1600. The
polycarbonate materials are to be designated PC as specified in Terminology D1600.
4. Classification
4.1 Unfilled polycarbonate materials are classified into groups according to their composition. These groups are subdivided into
classes and grades as shown in Table PC
TABLE 1 PC Polycarbonate Materials and Detail Requirements
NOTE 1— The values are for naturals; colors may be different.
Tensile Elongation
Deflection
Izod Flexural
Yield at
B
Specific C E Tempera-
Flow Rate,
Impact, Modulus,
D D
Stress Break
Gravity, Test
Test Method ture, Test
A Test Test
Group Description Class Description Grade Description
D1238,
Method Methods Methods Method
Test Method Test Method
g/10 min F
D256, D790,
D792
D648,
D638, D638,
J/m, min MPa, min
°C, min
MPa, min %, min
01 PC 1 general purpose 1 >24 1.19–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
2 15 to 30 1.19–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
3 12 to 20 1.19–1.22 640 55 100 2000 126
4 9 to 18 1.19–1.22 750 60 105 2100 126
5 6 to 13 1.19–1.22 750 60 110 2200 128
6 4 to 8 1.19–1.22 750 60 110 2200 128
7 <5 1.19–1.22 780 60 110 2200 130
0 other . . . . . . .
G
2 flame-retarded 1 >24 1.19–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
2 15 to 30 1.19–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
3 12 to 20 1.19–1.22 640 55 100 2000 126
4 9 to 18 1.19–1.22 640 60 100 2100 126
5 6 to 13 1.19–1.22 640 60 105 2200 128
6 4 to 8 1.19–1.22 640 60 110 2200 128
7 <5 1.19–1.22 640 60 110 2200 130
0 other . . . . . . .
H
3 UV stabilized 1 >24 1.19–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
2 15 to 30 1.19–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
3 12 to 20 1.19–1.22 640 55 100 2000 124
4 9 to 18 1.19–1.22 750 60 105 2100 124
5 6 to 13 1.19–1.22 750 60 110 2100 126
6 4 to 8 1.19–1.22 750 60 110 2200 126
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
D3935 − 21
TABLE 1 Continued
NOTE 1— The values are for naturals; colors may be different.
Tensile Elongation
Deflection
Izod Flexural
Yield at
B Specific C E
Tempera-
Flow Rate,
Impact, Modulus,
D D
Stress Break
Test Method Gravity, Test ture, Test
A Test Test
Group Description Class Description Grade Description
D1238,
Method Methods Methods
Method
Test Method Test Method
g/10 min
D256, D790, F
D792 D648,
D638, D638,
J/m, min MPa, min
°C, min
MPa, min %, min
7 <5 1.19–1.22 750 60 110 2200 128
0 other . . . . . . .
I
4 impact-modified 1 6 to 15 1.18–1.22 375 50 90 1900 121
...
0 other . . . . . .
J
5 FDA compliant 1 >24 1.19–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
formulations
2 15 to 30 1.19–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
3 12 to 20 1.19–1.22 640 55 100 2000 126
4 9 to 18 1.19–1.22 750 60 105 2100 126
5 6 to 13 1.19–1.22 750 60 110 2200 128
6 4 to 8 1.19–1.22 750 60 110 2200 128
7 <5 1.19–1.22 780 60 110 2200 130
0 other . . . . . . .
0 other 0 other . . . . . . .
02 PC copolymer- 1 general purpose 1 >24 1.22–1.26 Use Table B to define these properties.
flame retarded 2 15 to 30 1.22–1.26 Use Table B to define these properties.
3 12 to 20 1.22–1.26 80 60 100 2100 128
4 9 to 18 1.22–1.26 80 60 110 2200 128
5 6 to 13 1.22–1.26 90 60 110 2200 130
6 4 to 8 1.22–1.26 90 60 110 2200 130
7 <5 1.22–1.26 90 60 110 2200 132
0 other . . . . . . .
H
2 UV stabilized 1 >24 1.22–1.26 Use Table B to define these properties.
2 15 to 30 1.22–1.26 Use Table B to define these properties.
3 12 to 20 1.22–1.26 80 60 100 2100 126
4 9 to 18 1.22–1.26 80 60 110 2200 126
5 6 to 13 1.22–1.26 90 60 110 2200 128
6 4 to 8 1.22–1.26 90 60 110 2200 130
7 <5 1.22–1.26 90 60 110 2200 130
0 other . . . . . . .
0 other 0 other . . . . . . .
03 PC copolymer 1 general purpose 1 TBD 1.18–1.22 80 63 40 1700 150
high-heat resin 0 other . . . . . . .
H
2 UV stabilized 1 TBD 1.18–1.22 80 63 40 1700 148
0 other . . . . . . .
3 impact-modified 1 TBD Use Table B to define these properties.
0 other . . . . . . .
J
4 FDA compliant 1 TBD 1.18–1.22 80 63 40 1700 150
formulation
0 other . . . . . . .
0 other 0 other . . . . . . .
04 PC copolymer 1 general purpose 1 TBD 1.18–1.22 480 65 60 1900 138
homopolymer 0 other . . . . . . .
intermediate
heat blends
H
2 UV stabilized 1 TBD 1.18–1.22 480 65 60 1900 136
0 other . . . . . . .
3 impact-modified 1 TBD Use Table B to define these properties.
0 other . . . . . . .
J
4 FDA compliant 1 TBD 1.18–1.22 480 65 60 1900 138
formulation
0 other . . . . . . .
0 other 0 other . . . . . . .
05 PC copolymer 1 general purpose 1 >50 1.18–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
low-heat stan- 2 nominal 45 1.18–1.22 570 50 100 2070 104
dard flow
3 nominal 29 1.18–1.22 620 50 100 2070 106
4 nominal 18 1.18–1.22 770 50 100 2160 107
5 nominal 10 1.18–1.22 810 50 100 2200 108
0 other . . . . . . .
H
2 UV stabilized 1 >50 1.18–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
2 nominal 45 1.18–1.22 570 50 100 2070 102
3 nominal 29 1.18–1.22 620 50 100 2070 104
4 nominal 18 1.18–1.22 770 50 100 2160 105
5 nominal 10 1.18–1.22 810 50 100 2200 106
0 other . . . . . . .
3 impact-modified 0 other . . . . . . .
J
4 FDA compliant 1 >50 1.18–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
formulations
2 nominal 45 1.18–1.22 570 50 100 2070 104
3 nominal 29 1.18–1.22 620 50 100 2070 106
4 nominal 18 1.18–1.22 770 50 100 2160 107
5 nominal 10 1.18–1.22 810 50 100 2200 108
D3935 − 21
TABLE 1 Continued
NOTE 1— The values are for naturals; colors may be different.
Tensile Elongation
Deflection
Izod Flexural
Yield at
B Specific C E
Tempera-
Flow Rate,
Impact, Modulus,
D D
Stress Break
Test Method Gravity, Test ture, Test
A Test Test
Group Description Class Description Grade Description
D1238,
Method Methods Methods
Method
Test Method Test Method
g/10 min
D256, D790, F
D792 D648,
D638, D638,
J/m, min MPa, min
°C, min
MPa, min %, min
0 other . . . . . . .
G
5 flame-retarded 1 TBD 1.18–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
0 other . . . . . . .
0 other 0 other . . . . . . .
06 PC copolymer 1 general purpose 1 TBD 1.18–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
low-heat easy 0 other . . . . . . .
H
flow 2 UV stabilized 1 TBD 1.18–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
0 other . . . . . . .
3 impact-modified 1 TBD 1.17–1.22 See above
0 other . . . . .
J
4 FDA compliant 1 TBD 1.18–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
formulations
0 other . . . . . . .
G
5 flame-retarded 1 TBD 1.18–1.22 Use Table B to define these properties.
0 other . . . . . . .
0 other 0 other . . . . . . .
I
99 PC other 0 other 0 other . . . . . . .
A
All grades are listed by performance requirements.
B
Use condition 300/1.2 for Groups 01, 02, and 05. Define the conditions for other groups in the suffixes as needed.
C
Test specimens are 3.2 mm thick, with a notch radius of 0.25 mm, tested by Method A.
D
Test specimens are Type I tensile bars, 3.2 mm thick, tested at a crosshead speed of 50 mm/min.
E
Test specimens are 3.2 by 12.7 mm, tested by Method I, Procedure A (Tangent), at a crosshead speed of 1.3 mm/min and a span-to-depth ratio of 16 to 1.
F
Test specimens are 3.2 mm thick, tested at 1820 kPa, and are not annealed before testing.
G
Use suffix letter F, with the appropriate letters and digits specified in Classification D4000, to define specific requirements.
H
Refer to Practices E169 for testing procedure. Specific requirements shall be stated in the purchase order or contract.
I
Test specimens for Group 1, Class 4, Grade 1 are 6.4 mm thick with a notch radius of 0.25 mm and are tested by Method A.
J
Manufactured in compliance with Food Additive Regulation 21CFR177.1580 governing polycarbonate resins for food-contact applications.
D3935 − 21
NOTE 2—An example of this classification system is as follows: the designation PC0214 indicates:
PC = polycarbonate as found in Terminology D1600,
02 = polycarbonate copolymer-flame retarded (group),
1 = general purpose (class), and
4 = requirements given in Table PC.
4.1.1 To facilitate the specification of new, special, or recycled materials, the “other” category (0) for class or grade, or both, is
used as indicated in Table PC. The properties of these materials are specified using Tables A, B, or R as they apply.
4.2 Reinforced, pigmented, filled, and lubricated versions of polycarbonate materials are classified in accordance with Tables PC
and A, B, or R. Table PC is used to specify basic materials. Table A or B is used to specify the property requirements after the
addition of reinforcement, pigments, fillers, or lubricants at the nominal level indicated (see 4.2.1). Table R is used for recycled
materials.
4.2.1 A single letter is used to indicate the major category of the reinforcement, along with two numbers indicating the nominal
percentage of additive(s) by mass, with the tolerances as tabulated as follows:
Tolerance
Category Material
(Based on the Total Mass)
C carbon and graphite fiber- ±2 percentage points
reinforced
G glass-reinforced
<15 % glass content ±2 percentage points
>15 % glass content ±3 percentage points
L lubricants (such as PTFE, depends on material and
graphite, silicone, and process—to be specified
molybdenum disulfide)
M mineral-reinforced ±2 percentage points
R combination/mixtures of ±3 percentage points based on
reinforcements or other fillers/ total reinforcement
reinforcements
NOTE 3—If necessary, additional requirements are specified using suffixes, in accordance with Section 5. The ash content of filled or reinforced materials
is determined using Test Method D2584 where applicable.
4.2.2 Specific requirements for reinforced, filled, or lubricated polycarb
...