ASTM D6878-08e1

Standard Specification for Thermoplastic Polyolefin Based Sheet Roofing

ABSTRACT
This specification covers flexible sheet made from thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) as the principal polymer, intended for use in single-ply roofing membranes exposed to the weather. The sheet shall contain reinforcing fabrics or scrims. The sheet shall be formulated from ethylene and higher alpha-olefin polymers, copolymers, and mixtures thereof, in amounts greater than 50 %, by weight of the total polymer content suitably compounded to satisfy the physical requirements specified. The sheet shall be capable of being heat welded, fused, or adhesively bonded to itself for making watertight field splices and repairs and shall be reinforced with fabric or scrim. Different tests shall be performed in order to determine the following physical properties of thermoplastic polyolefin sheets: dimensions, sheet overall thickness, coating thickness over scrim, breaking strength, elongation at break, tearing strength, brittleness point, ozone resistance, heat aging, linear dimensional change, water absorption, factory seam strength, and weather resistance.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers flexible sheet made from thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) as the principal polymer, intended for use in single-ply roofing membranes exposed to the weather. The sheet shall contain reinforcing fabrics or scrims.
1.2 The tests and property limits used to characterize the sheet are values intended to ensure minimum quality for the intended purpose. In-place roof system design criteria, such as fire resistance, field seaming strength, material compatibility, and uplift resistance, among others, are factors which should be considered but are beyond the scope of this specification.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values stated in parentheses are for information only.
1.4 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2008
• ICS: 83.080.20 - Thermoplastic materials
• Technical Committee: D08 - Roofing and Waterproofing
• Drafting Committee: D08.18 - Nonbituminous Organic Roof Coverings

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D6878-08 - Standard Specification for Thermoplastic Polyolefin Based Sheet Roofing
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2008
• Replaced By: ASTM D6878/D6878M-11 - Standard Specification for Thermoplastic Polyolefin Based Sheet Roofing
• Effective Date: 15-May-2011

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
´1
Designation: D6878 – 08
Standard Specification for
1
Thermoplastic Polyolefin Based Sheet Roofing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6878; 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
´ NOTE—Subsection 7.13.2 was editorially corrected in January 2009.
1. Scope Nonrigid Thermoplastic Sheeting or Film at Elevated
Temperature
1.1 This specification covers flexible sheet made from
D2137 Test Methods for Rubber Property—Brittleness
thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) as the principal polymer,
Point of Flexible Polymers and Coated Fabrics
intended for use in single-ply roofing membranes exposed to
D5538 Practice for Thermoplastic Elastomers—
the weather. The sheet shall contain reinforcing fabrics or
Terminology and Abbreviations
scrims.
G151 Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials in Ac-
1.2 The tests and property limits used to characterize the
celerated Test Devices that Use Laboratory Light Sources
sheet are values intended to ensure minimum quality for the
G155 PracticeforOperatingXenonArcLightApparatusfor
intended purpose. In-place roof system design criteria, such as
Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials
fire resistance, field seaming strength, material compatibility,
andupliftresistance,amongothers,arefactorswhichshouldbe
3. Materials and Manufacture
considered but are beyond the scope of this specification.
3.1 The sheet shall be formulated from ethylene and higher
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
alpha-olefin polymers, copolymers, and mixtures thereof, in
standard. The values stated in parentheses are for information
amounts greater than 50%, by weight of the total polymer
only.
content suitably compounded to satisfy the physical require-
1.4 This standard may involve hazardous materials, opera-
ments in the specification (see Practice D5538).
tions, and equipment. This standard does not purport to
3.2 The sheet shall be capable of being heat welded, fused,
address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its
or adhesively bonded to itself for making watertight field
use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to
splices and repairs, and the supplier or fabricator shall recom-
establish appropriate safety and health practices and deter-
mend suitable methods and materials.
mine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.
3.3 Sheet shall be reinforced with fabric or scrim.
2. Referenced Documents
4. Physical Properties and Tolerances
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.1 Each sheet specimen shall meet or exceed the physical
D471 Test Method for Rubber Property—Effect of Liquids
requirements prescribed in Table 1.
D573 Test Method for Rubber—Deterioration in an Air
4.2 The tolerance for time conditions (aging, weathering,
Oven
and so forth) is 615 min or 61% of the period, whichever is
D751 Test Methods for Coated Fabrics
greater, unless otherwise specified.
D1149 Test Methods for Rubber Deterioration—Cracking
4.3 The tolerance for temperature conditions (aging, weath-
in an Ozone Controlled Environment
ering, and so forth) is 62°C (64°F) of the specified tempera-
D1204 Test Method for Linear Dimensional Changes of
ture, unless otherwise specified.
1 5. Dimensions and Permissible Variations
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D08 on
RoofingandWaterproofingandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeD08.18
5.1 The width and length of the sheet shall be agreed upon
on Nonbituminous Organic Roof Coverings.
between the purchaser and the supplier.
CurrenteditionapprovedJuly1,2008.PublishedJuly2008.Originallyapproved
5.1.1 The width and length tolerance shall be +3%, −0%.
in 2003. Last previous edition approved in 2006 as D6878–06a. DOI: 10.1520/
D6878-08E01.
5.1.2 The thickness tolerance shall be +15%, –10% of
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
thickness agreed upon by the purchaser and supplier, but in no
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
case shall it be less than the minimum in Table 1.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1

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D6878 – 08
TABLE 1 Physical Requirements for TPO Sheet
by 300 mm (12 in.) long sample across the lap seam. Place in
Thickness, min, mm (in.) jaws approximately 50 mm (2.0 in.) from edges of the overlap
Sheet-overall 1.0 (0.039)
area and test at a jaw separation rate of 5 cm/min (2 in./m
...

This document is not anASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of anASTM 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.
´1
Designation:D6878–06a Designation: D 6878 – 08
Standard Specification for
1
Thermoplastic Polyolefin Based Sheet Roofing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6878; 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
´ NOTE—Subsection 7.13.2 was editorially corrected in January 2009.
1. Scope
1.1 Thisspecificationcoversflexiblesheetmadefromthermoplasticpolyolefin(TPO)astheprincipalpolymer,intendedforuse
in single-ply roofing membranes exposed to the weather. The sheet shall contain reinforcing fabrics or scrims.
1.2 The tests and property limits used to characterize the sheet are values intended to ensure minimum quality for the intended
purpose. In-place roof system design criteria, such as fire resistance, field seaming strength, material compatibility, and uplift
resistance, among others, are factors which should be considered but are beyond the scope of this specification.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values stated in parentheses are for information only.
1.4 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all
of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate
safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D471 Test Method for Rubber PropertyEffect of Liquids
D573 Test Method for RubberDeterioration in an Air Oven
D751 Test Methods for Coated Fabrics
D1149 Test Methods for Rubber DeteriorationCracking in an Ozone Controlled Environment
D1204 Test Method for Linear Dimensional Changes of Nonrigid Thermoplastic Sheeting or Film at Elevated Temperature
D2137 Test Methods for Rubber PropertyBrittleness Point of Flexible Polymers and Coated Fabrics
D5538 Practice for Thermoplastic ElastomersTerminology and Abbreviations
G151 Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials in Accelerated Test Devices that Use Laboratory Light Sources
G155 Practice for Operating Xenon Arc Light Apparatus for Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials
3. Materials and Manufacture
3.1 The sheet shall be formulated from ethylene and higher alpha-olefin polymers, copolymers, and mixtures thereof, in
amounts greater than 50%, by weight of the total polymer content suitably compounded to satisfy the physical requirements in
the specification (see Practice D5538).
3.2 The sheet shall be capable of being heat welded, fused, or adhesively bonded to itself for making watertight field splices
and repairs, and the supplier or fabricator shall recommend suitable methods and materials.
3.3 Sheet shall be reinforced with fabric or scrim.
4. Physical Properties and Tolerances
4.1 Each sheet specimen shall meet or exceed the physical requirements prescribed in Table 1.
4.2 Thetolerancefortimeconditions(aging,weathering,andsoforth)is 615minor 61%oftheperiod,whicheverisgreater,
unless otherwise specified.
4.3 The tolerance for temperature conditions (aging, weathering, and so forth) is 62°C (64°F) of the specified temperature,
unless otherwise specified.
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D08 on Roofing and Waterproofing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D08.18 on
Nonbituminous Organic Roof Coverings.
Current edition approved Sept.July 1, 2006.2008. Published September 2006.July 2008. Originally approved in 2003. Last previous edition approved in 2006 as
D6878–06a.
2
ForreferencedASTMstandards,visittheASTMwebsite,www.astm.org,[e-mail]ards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
´1
D6878–08
TABLE 1 Physical Requirements for TPO Sheet
Thickness, min, mm (in.)
Sheet-overall 1.0 (0.039)
Coating over fabric or scrim, weathering side only 0.305 (0.012)
Breaking strength, min, N (lbf) 976 (220)
Elongation at reinforcement break, min, % 15
Tearing strength, min, N (lbf) 245 (55)
Brittleness point, max, °C (°F) -40 (-40)
Ozone resistance, no cracks Pass
Properties after hea
...

This document is not anASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of anASTM 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.
´1
Designation:D6878–08 Designation: D 6878 – 08
Standard Specification for
1
Thermoplastic Polyolefin Based Sheet Roofing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6878; 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
´ NOTE—Subsection 7.13.2 was editorially corrected in January 2009.
1. Scope
1.1 Thisspecificationcoversflexiblesheetmadefromthermoplasticpolyolefin(TPO)astheprincipalpolymer,intendedforuse
in single-ply roofing membranes exposed to the weather. The sheet shall contain reinforcing fabrics or scrims.
1.2 The tests and property limits used to characterize the sheet are values intended to ensure minimum quality for the intended
purpose. In-place roof system design criteria, such as fire resistance, field seaming strength, material compatibility, and uplift
resistance, among others, are factors which should be considered but are beyond the scope of this specification.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values stated in parentheses are for information only.
1.4 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all
of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate
safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D471 Test Method for Rubber PropertyEffect of Liquids
D573 Test Method for RubberDeterioration in an Air Oven
D751 Test Methods for Coated Fabrics
D1149 Test Methods for Rubber DeteriorationCracking in an Ozone Controlled Environment
D1204 Test Method for Linear Dimensional Changes of Nonrigid Thermoplastic Sheeting or Film at Elevated Temperature
D2137 Test Methods for Rubber PropertyBrittleness Point of Flexible Polymers and Coated Fabrics
D5538 Practice for Thermoplastic ElastomersTerminology and Abbreviations
G151 Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials in Accelerated Test Devices that Use Laboratory Light Sources
G155 Practice for Operating Xenon Arc Light Apparatus for Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials
3. Materials and Manufacture
3.1 The sheet shall be formulated from ethylene and higher alpha-olefin polymers, copolymers, and mixtures thereof, in
amounts greater than 50%, by weight of the total polymer content suitably compounded to satisfy the physical requirements in
the specification (see Practice D5538).
3.2 The sheet shall be capable of being heat welded, fused, or adhesively bonded to itself for making watertight field splices
and repairs, and the supplier or fabricator shall recommend suitable methods and materials.
3.3 Sheet shall be reinforced with fabric or scrim.
4. Physical Properties and Tolerances
4.1 Each sheet specimen shall meet or exceed the physical requirements prescribed in Table 1.
4.2 Thetolerancefortimeconditions(aging,weathering,andsoforth)is 615minor 61%oftheperiod,whicheverisgreater,
unless otherwise specified.
4.3 The tolerance for temperature conditions (aging, weathering, and so forth) is 62°C (64°F) of the specified temperature,
unless otherwise specified.
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D08 on Roofing and Waterproofing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D08.18 on
Nonbituminous Organic Roof Coverings.
Current edition approved July 1, 2008. Published July 2008. Originally approved in 2003. Last previous edition approved in 2006 as D6878–06a.
2
ForreferencedASTMstandards,visittheASTMwebsite,www.astm.org,[e-mail]ards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
´1
D6878–08
TABLE 1 Physical Requirements for TPO Sheet
Thickness, min, mm (in.)
Sheet-overall 1.0 (0.039)
Coating over fabric or scrim, weathering side only 0.305 (0.012)
Breaking strength, min, N (lbf) 976 (220)
Elongation at reinforcement break, min, % 15
Tearing strength, min, N (lbf) 245 (55)
Brittleness point, max, °C (°F) -40 (-40)
Ozone resistance, no cracks Pass
Properties after heat aging: (retained values)
...