ASTM D7436-17(2024)

Standard Classification System for Unfilled Polyethylene Plastics Molding and Extrusion Materials with a Fractional Melt Index Using ISO Protocol and Methodology

ABSTRACT
This specification is intended to provide a callout system for polyethylene utilizing specimen preparation procedures and test methods based primarily on ISO standards. The classification system provides for the identification of unfilled polyethylene plastics molding and extrusion materials, with a melt index of <1g/10 min, in such a manner that the supplier and the user agree on the acceptability of different commercial lots or shipments. The specification also lists the requirements that would allow for the use of recycled polyethylene materials. These requirements include the colour and form of the material.
SCOPE
1.1 This classification system provides for the identification of unfilled polyethylene plastics molding and extrusion materials, with a melt index of  
1.2 This classification system allows for the use of recycled polyethylene materials provided that the requirements as stated in this classification system are met. The proportions of recycled material used, as well as the nature and amount of any contaminant, however, will not be covered in this specification.
Note 1: See Guide D7209 for information and definitions related to recycled plastics.  
1.3 The properties included in this classification system are those required to identify the compositions covered. There may be other requirements necessary to identify particular characteristics important to specialized applications. These shall be agreed upon between the user and the supplier by using the suffixes given in Section 5.  
1.4 This classification system and subsequent line callout (specifications) 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 after careful consideration of the design and the performance requirements 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 by this classification system.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are regarded as the standard.  
1.6 The following precautionary caveat pertains to the test method portion only, 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.  
1.7 For information regarding plastic pipe materials, see Specification D3350. For information regarding wire and cable materials, see Specification D1248. For information regarding classification of PE molding and extrusion materials using ASTM test methods, see Specification D4976.
Note 2: There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.  
1.8 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-Jan-2024
• ICS: 83.080.20 - Thermoplastic materials
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.15 - Thermoplastic Materials

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D7436-17 - Standard Classification System for Unfilled Polyethylene Plastics Molding and Extrusion Materials with a Fractional Melt Index Using ISO Protocol and Methodology
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• 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
• Referred By: ASTM E3152-23 - Standard Guide for Standard Test Methods and Practices Available for Determining Antifungal Activity on Natural or Synthetic Substrates Treated with Antimicrobial Agents
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024

Overview

ASTM D7436-17(2024): Standard Classification System for Unfilled Polyethylene Plastics Molding and Extrusion Materials with a Fractional Melt Index Using ISO Protocol and Methodology provides a comprehensive classification and callout system specifically for unfilled polyethylene (PE) plastics with a melt index less than 1g/10 min. Developed by ASTM International, this standard aids manufacturers and users in identifying, specifying, and agreeing on the acceptability of various lots or shipments of polyethylene molding and extrusion materials. Following ISO-based specimen preparation and testing procedures, the specification also accommodates certain requirements for recycled polyethylene materials, helping to promote sustainability in the plastics industry.

Key Topics

• Material Identification: Defines a system for classifying unfilled polyethylene materials based on molecular structure, density, melt flow rate, and mechanical properties.
• Fractional Melt Index: Focuses on materials with a melt index of less than 1g/10 min, applicable for molding and extrusion processes.
• Recycled Polyethylene: Allows the use of recycled PE materials, provided they meet the standard's requirements, particularly regarding color and form.
• ISO-Based Testing: Utilizes ISO protocols for test methods and specimen preparation, ensuring global compatibility and industry reliability.
• Cell-Based Classification: Materials are classified into groups, classes, and grades using a six-character designation that specifies key performance properties.
• Suffixes and Special Requirements: Enables custom identification of materials for specialized applications by adding suffixes for requirements such as impact strength, weatherability, or environmental stress-crack resistance.
• Supplier-User Agreement: Ensures mutual agreement on material acceptability between supplier and user for each specific shipment or lot.
• Physical Property Evaluation: Properties used for classification include density, tensile stress at yield, strain at break, tensile modulus, and environmental stress-crack resistance.

Applications

ASTM D7436-17(2024) is essential for:

• Plastics Manufacturing: Facilitates quality assurance and specification of polyethylene raw materials in manufacturing environments for molding and extrusion.
• Product Development: Ensures designers and engineers can call out material requirements confidently when developing new PE-based components.
• Recycling Initiatives: Supports circular economy goals by providing guidelines for incorporating recycled polyethylene in manufacturing, as long as it meets the specified criteria for color and form.
• Procurement and Supply Chain: Provides a standardized language and callout for purchasing and accepting shipments of polyethylene materials, reducing disputes and improving traceability.
• Quality Control: Assists labs and QC departments in setting up appropriate testing regimes based on ISO and ASTM test methods detailed in the standard.
• International Trade: The ISO methodology foundation helps facilitate cross-border trade and compliance with internationally recognized classification practices.

This standard is especially relevant to producers, suppliers, and users of polyethylene resins, converters in the plastics industry, and organizations implementing material recycling strategies.

Related Standards

• ASTM D3350: Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Pipe and Fittings Materials
• ASTM D1248: Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Extrusion Materials for Wire and Cable
• ASTM D4976: Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Molding and Extrusion Materials (using ASTM methods)
• ASTM D7209: Guide for Waste Reduction, Resource Recovery, and Use of Recycled Polymeric Materials and Products
• ISO 1133: Plastics - Determination of Melt Mass-Flow Rate (MFR) and Melt Volume-Flow Rate (MVR)
• ISO 527-1/2: Plastics - Determination of Tensile Properties - General principles and test conditions
• ISO 1183-2: Plastics - Methods for Determining the Density and Relative Density of Non-Cellular Plastics

Practical Value

By implementing ASTM D7436-17(2024), organizations can ensure consistent classification of unfilled polyethylene materials using globally accepted ISO testing methodologies. This facilitates reliable sourcing, improved quality control, effective communication between suppliers and users, and responsible integration of recycled content. The standard ultimately drives efficiency, product performance, and sustainability throughout the plastics value chain.

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: D7436 − 17 (Reapproved 2024)
Standard Classification System for
Unfilled Polyethylene Plastics Molding and Extrusion
Materials with a Fractional Melt Index Using ISO Protocol
and Methodology
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7436; 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.
INTRODUCTION
This material specification is intended to provide a callout system for polyethylene utilizing
specimen preparation procedures and test methods based primarily on ISO standards.
1. Scope plastic field after careful consideration of the design and the
performance requirements of the part, the environment to
1.1 This classification system provides for the identification
which it will be exposed, the fabrication process to be
of unfilled polyethylene plastics molding and extrusion
employed, the costs involved, and the inherent properties of the
materials, with a melt index of <1g/10 min, in such a manner
material other than those covered by this classification system.
that the supplier and the user agree on the acceptability of
different commercial lots or shipments. The tests involved in 1.5 The values stated in SI units are regarded as the
this specification are intended to provide information for standard.
identifying materials in accordance with the groups, classes,
1.6 The following precautionary caveat pertains to the test
and grades covered. It is not the function of this classification
method portion only, Section 12 of this classification system.
system to provide specific engineering data for design pur-
This standard does not purport to address all of the safety
poses.
concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety,
1.2 This classification system allows for the use of recycled
health, and environmental practices and determine the appli-
polyethylene materials provided that the requirements as stated
cability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
in this classification system are met. The proportions of
1.7 For information regarding plastic pipe materials, see
recycled material used, as well as the nature and amount of any
Specification D3350. For information regarding wire and cable
contaminant, however, will not be covered in this specification.
NOTE 1—See Guide D7209 for information and definitions related to materials, see Specification D1248. For information regarding
recycled plastics.
classification of PE molding and extrusion materials using
ASTM test methods, see Specification D4976.
1.3 The properties included in this classification system are
NOTE 2—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
those required to identify the compositions covered. There may
be other requirements necessary to identify particular charac- 1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
teristics important to specialized applications. These shall be dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
agreed upon between the user and the supplier by using the ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
suffixes given in Section 5. Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.4 This classification system and subsequent line callout
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
(specifications) are intended to provide a means of calling out
plastic materials used in the fabrication of end items or parts.
2. Referenced Documents
It is not intended for the selection of materials. Material
selection should be made by those having expertise in the 2.1 ASTM Standards:
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
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. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2024. Published February 2024. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2012. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as D7436 - 17. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI:10.1520/D7436-17R24. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7436 − 17 (2024)
D1248 Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Extrusion SAE J2527 Performance Based Standard for Accelerated
Materials for Wire and Cable Exposure of Automotive Exterior Materials Using a Con-
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plas- trolled Irradiance Xenon-Arc Apparatus
tics (Withdrawn 2024)
3. Terminology
D1693 Test Method for Environmental Stress-Cracking of
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of technical terms pertain-
Ethylene Plastics
ing to plastics used in this specification, see Terminology D883
D2565 Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposure of Plastics In-
and Terminology D1600.
tended for Outdoor Applications
D3350 Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Pipe and Fit-
4. Classification
tings Materials
4.1 Unfilled polyethylene plastic materials are classified
D3763 Test Method for High Speed Puncture Properties of
into groups in accordance with molecular structure. These
Plastics Using Load and Displacement Sensors
groups are subdivided into classes and grades as shown in
D3892 Practice for Packaging/Packing of Plastics
Table PE (Basic Property Table). Material classification call-
D4000 Classification System for Specifying Plastic Materi-
outs used in this system and in Specification D4976 look
als
similar but decode into dramatically different materials. In
D4329 Practice for Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Lamp Ap-
order to differentiate materials classified under this system
paratus Exposure of Plastics
from those classified under other systems, materials classified
D4703 Practice for Compression Molding Thermoplastic
herein are preceded with the classification system D7436.
Materials into Test Specimens, Plaques, or Sheets
D4976 Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Molding and NOTE 3—An example of this classification system is as follows: The
designation D7436 PE 232 would indicate PE, polyethylene as found in
Extrusion Materials
Terminology D1600, 2 (group) linear, 3 (class) high density, 2 (grade) >7
D6436 Guide for Reporting Properties for Plastics and
to ≤ 11 melt flow rate (190°C/21.6Kg).
Thermoplastic Elastomers
NOTE 4—It is recognized that some high-density polyethylene plastics
D7209 Guide for Waste Reduction, Resource Recovery, and
of very high molecular weight may have densities slightly less than 0.960,
yet in all other respects they are characteristic of Class 4 materials.
Use of Recycled Polymeric Materials and Products (With-
Similarly, there are other polyethylene plastics of very high molecular
drawn 2015)
weight having densities less than 0.941 that, in all other aspects, are more
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
characteristic of Class 2 than of Class 3 materials.
Determine Conformance with Specifications
NOTE 5—Use the following terms in describing polyethylene plastics:
2.2 ISO Standards:
Class 1 (0.910 to 0.925) = low density
ISO 293 Plastics—Compression Molding of Test Speci-
Class 2 (>0.925 to 0.940) = medium density
Class 3 (>0.940 to 0.960) = high density-low range
mens of Thermoplastic Materials
Class 4 (>0.960) = high density-high range
ISO 527-1 Plastics—Determination of Tensile Properties—
4.1.1 Specific requirements for variations of polyethylene
Part 1: General Principles
materials shall be indicated by a six-character designator. The
ISO 527-2 Plastics—Determination of Tensile Properties—
designation will consist of the letter “A” and the five digits
Part 2: Test Conditions for Moulding and Extrusion
comprising the cell numbers for the property requirements in
Plastics
the order as they appear in Table A.
ISO 1133 Plastics—Determination of the Melt Mass-Flow
4.1.2 Although the values listed are necessary to include the
Rate (MFR) and Melt Volume-Flow Rate (MVR) of
range of properties available in the existing materials, users
Thermoplastics
shall not assume that every combination of properties are
ISO 1183-2 Plastics—Methods for Determining the Density
attainable or exist.
and Relative Density of Non-Cellular Plastics—Density
4.1.3 When the cell designation is not known or is not
Gradient Column Method
required, the use of a “0” designation shall be used (see Note
ISO 1872-2 Plastics—Polyethylene (PE) Moulding and Ex-
6).
trusion Materials—Part2: Preparation of Test Specimens
and Determination of Properties
NOTE 6—An example of a high density polyethylene material of this
classification system is as follows. The designation D7436 PE230A34350
ISO 2818 Preparation of Test Specimens by Machining
would indicate the following material requirements from Table A:
ISO 3167 Dimensions of Test Specimens
PE230 = High Density Polyethylene, from Table PE of this standard,
2.3 SAE Standards:
A = Table A for property requirements,
SAE J2412 Accelerated Exposure of Automotive Interior
3 = tensile strength, 12 MPa, min,
Trim Components Using a Controlled Irradiance Xenon- 4 = tensile break elongation, 400 %, min,
3 = tensile modulus, 200 MPa, min,
Arc Apparatus
5 = environmental stress-crack resistance, 336 F hours, min
0 = unspecified
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on If no properties are specified, the designation would be D7436
www.astm.org. PE230A00000.
D7436 − 17 (2024)
TABLE PE Basic Requirement of Polyethylene Plastics
Group Description Class Description Grade Melt Melt Tensile Nominal Tensile
D
Flow Flow Stress at Strain at Modulus,
A B C C
MPa,
Rate Rate Yield, Break,
min
MPa, %, min
min
1 Branched 1 Low 1 #7 .
Density
0.910 # 2 >7 #11 {
0.925
3 >11 {
4 0.1 # 0.4 9.5 400
5 0.4 # 1 9.5 300
2 Medium 1 #7 {
Density
>0.925 2 >7 #11 {
#0.940
3 >11 {
4 0.1 # 0.4 11 400
5 0.4 # 1 11 200
0 other 0
2 Linear 1 Low 1 #7 {
Density
0.910 # 2 >7 #11 {
0.925
3 >11 {
4 0.1 # 0.4 11 500
5 0.4 # 1 11 400 200
2 Medium 1 #7 {
Density
>0.925 # 2 >7 # 11 {
0.940
3 >11 {
4 0.1 # 0.4 16 400 600
5 0.4 # 1 16 200 500
3 High 1 #7 { 19 550 700
Density
>0.940 2 >7 # 11 { 21 250 900
#0.960
3 >11 { 23 900
4 0.1 # 0.4 24 600 1000
5 0.4 # 1 25 400 1100
4 High 1 #7 {
Density
>0.960 2 >7 # 11 {
3 >11 {
4 0.1 # 0.4 28 400
5 0.4 # 1 28 300 1200
0 other 0
00 Other 0 other 0
A
ISO 1133 melt flow rate = g/10 min at 190°C/21.6 Kg.
B
ISO 1133 melt flow rate = g/10 min at 190°C/2.16 Kg.
C
ISO 3167, Type 1B tensile bars, HDPE and MDPE tested at 50 mm/min. For densities # 0.925 test at 500 mm/min.
D
ISO 527-1 and ISO 527-2 at 1 mm/min strain rate, chord modulus between 0.05 % and 0.25 % strain.
D7436 − 17 (2024)
A
TABLE A Detail Requirements for Polyethylene Plastics
Designation or Property 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Order No.
B C
1 Tensile stress at yield, unspecified 4 8 12 16 21 30 35 { specify value
MPa ISO 527-1 and ISO 527-2, min
B C
2 Nominal strain at break, %, unspecified 25 50 200 400 600 800 1000 { specify value
ISO 527-1 and ISO 527-2, min
D C
3 Tensile Modulus, unspecified 50 100 200 400 600 800 1000 { specify value
MPa, ISO 527-1 and ISO 527-2, min
F C
4 Environmental stress-crack resistance, unspecified 24 48 96 168 336 672 1008 { specify value
E
hrs, min F , Test Method D1693
C
5 To be determined unspecified specify value
A
It is recognized that detailed test values may not predict nor even correlate with performance of parts molded of these materials.
B
ISO 3167, Type 1B tensile bars, HDPE and MDPE tested at 50 mm/min. For densities <0.925 test at 500 mm/min.
C
If a specific value is required, it must appear on the drawing or contract, or both.
D
ISO 527-1 and ISO 527-2 at 1 mm/min strain rate, chord modulus between 0.05 % and 0.25 % strain.
E
F is the time required for failure of 50 % of the samples tested in accordance with Test Method D1693 using undiluted Igepal CO-630. Mold samples in accordance
with Procedure C of Practice D4703, Annex A1.
F
There are environmental concerns regarding the disposal of Polyoxyethylated Nonylphenol (Nonylphenoxy poly(ethyleneoxy) ethanol (CAS 68412-54-4) e.g. Igepal
CO-630). Users are advised to consult their supplier or local environmental office and follow the guidelines provided for the proper disposal of this chemical.
5. Suffixes
2 = Instrumented impact test in accordance to Practice D3763, 100
mm diameter (or 100 mm by 100 mm plaque) by 3.2 mm thick. Test
5.1 When additional requirements are needed that are not speed
...