ASTM D5024-23

Standard Test Method for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Properties: In Compression

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method provides a simple means of characterizing the thermomechanical behavior of plastic compositions using very small amounts of material. The data obtained can be used for quality control and/or research and development purposes. For some classes of materials, such as thermosets, it can also be used to establish optimum processing conditions.  
5.2 Dynamic mechanical testing provides a sensitive method for determining thermomechanical characteristics by measuring the elastic and loss moduli as a function of frequency, temperature, or time. Plots of moduli and tan delta of a material versus these variables provide graphical representation indicative of functional properties, effectiveness of cure (thermosetting resin system), and damping behavior under specified conditions.  
5.2.1 Observed data are specific to experimental conditions. Reporting in full (as described in this test method) the conditions under which the data was obtained is essential to assist users with interpreting the data an reconciling apparent or perceived discrepancies.  
5.3 This test method can be used to assess:  
5.3.1 Modulus as a function of temperature,  
5.3.2 Modulus as a function of frequency,  
5.3.3 The effects of processing treatment, including orientation,  
5.3.4 Relative resin behavioral properties, including cure and damping,  
5.3.5 The effects of substrate types and orientation (fabrication) on elastic modulus,  
5.3.6 The effects of formulation additives which might affect processability or performance,  
5.3.7 The effects of annealing on modulus and glass transition temperature,  
5.3.8 The effect of aspect ratio on the modulus of fiber reinforcements, and  
5.3.9 The effect of fillers, additives on modulus and glass transition temperature.  
5.4 Before proceeding with this test method, make reference to the specification of the material being tested. Any test specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions, or testing parameters, or combination...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method outlines the use of dynamic mechanical instrumentation for determining and reporting the viscoelastic properties of thermoplastic and thermosetting resins as well as composite systems in the form of cylindrical specimens molded directly or cut from sheets, plates, or molded shapes. The compression data generated is used to identify the thermomechanical properties of a plastics material or composition using a variety of dynamic mechanical instruments.  
1.2 This test method is intended to provide a means for determining the thermomechanical properties (as a function of a number of viscoelastic variables) for a wide variety of plastic materials using nonresonant, forced-vibration techniques as outlined in Practice D4065. Plots of the elastic (storage) modulus, loss (viscous) modulus, complex modulus, and tan delta as a function of frequency, time, or temperature are indicative of significant transitions in the thermomechanical performance of the polymeric material system.  
1.3 This test method is valid for a wide range of frequencies, typically from 0.01 to 100 Hz.  
1.4 Due to possible instrumentation compliance, the data generated are intended to indicate relative and not necessarily absolute property values.  
1.5 Test data obtained by this test method are relevant and appropriate for use in engineering design.  
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.7 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.  
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized pr...

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2023
• ICS: 83.080.01 - Plastics in general
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.10 - Mechanical Properties

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D5024-15 - Standard Test Method for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Properties: In Compression
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM D883-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D883-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D883-22 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2022
• Refers: ASTM E456-13a(2022)e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2022
• Refers: ASTM E456-13a(2022) - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2022
• Referred By: ASTM D4065-20 - Standard Practice for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Properties: Determination and Report of Procedures
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D6382/D6382M-99(2022) - Standard Practice for Dynamic Mechanical Analysis and Thermogravimetry of Roofing and Waterproofing Membrane Material
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023

Overview

ASTM D5024-23 is the internationally recognized standard test method for determining the dynamic mechanical properties of plastics in compression. Developed by ASTM, this test method provides a procedure to measure the viscoelastic properties of thermoplastic and thermosetting resins, as well as composite materials, using cylindrical specimens molded or cut from various forms. The data collected through this method is critical for understanding how plastics behave under stress, especially as a function of dynamic factors like frequency, temperature, and time.

Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) in compression allows for sensitive characterization of plastics' elastic (storage) and viscous (loss) moduli, complex modulus, and tan delta. These properties are key indicators of a material’s performance under mechanical stress, its cure state, and its damping behavior.

Key Topics

• Test Method Scope: Covers thermoplastics, thermosets, and composites, analyzing cylindrical test specimens under nonresonant, forced vibrational techniques.
• Measured Properties:
  • Storage modulus (elastic response)
  • Loss modulus (viscous response)
  • Complex modulus
  • Tan delta (damping properties)
• Testing Variables:
  • Frequency (typically 0.01 to 100 Hz)
  • Temperature
  • Time
  • Amplitude of displacement
• Applications of Results:
  • Quality control in manufacturing
  • Research and development for new plastic formulations
  • Comparison of processing treatments, including orientation and annealing
  • Evaluation of the effect of composition, fillers, additives, substrate types, and aspect ratios
  • Determination of optimum processing conditions, especially for thermosets

Applications

ASTM D5024-23 is widely used across the plastics industry for both quality control and material development. Typical applications include:

• Material Characterization: Assess thermomechanical properties during the development phase to select or modify materials for specific applications.
• Quality Assurance: Routinely test production batches to ensure consistent mechanical performance.
• Process Optimization: Determine effects of processing parameters such as curing, annealing, and orientation on the mechanical properties of plastics.
• Component Design: Integrate compressive dynamic mechanical data into engineering models for accurate material selection in end-use products.
• Comparative Studies: Evaluate how formulation additives, fillers, or fiber reinforcements influence modulus and glass transition temperature.
• Troubleshooting: Identify potential causes of performance discrepancies by understanding material behavior under different dynamic mechanical stresses.

This standard is particularly valuable to sectors like automotive, aerospace, packaging, consumer goods, and electronics, where precise material performance under varying load and temperature conditions is essential.

Related Standards

ASTM D5024-23 is supported and complemented by several related ASTM standards, including:

• ASTM D4065: Practice for Plastics – Procedures for Dynamic Mechanical Property Measurement
• ASTM D618: Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
• ASTM D883: Terminology Relating to Plastics
• ASTM D4000: Classification System for Specifying Plastic Materials
• ASTM D4092: Terminology for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Properties
• ASTM E456: Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics

Note: There is currently no ISO equivalent to ASTM D5024-23, making this standard especially significant for international stakeholders seeking a consensus approach.

Summary

By adopting ASTM D5024-23, organizations can reliably determine the dynamic mechanical properties of plastics in compression, enabling informed decisions in engineering design, production quality, and materials research. This standard fosters consistent practices and reporting, facilitating clearer communication and comparability across the plastics industry.

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: D5024 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Properties: In Compression
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5024; 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.
1. Scope* ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.1 This test method outlines the use of dynamic mechanical
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
instrumentation for determining and reporting the viscoelastic
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
properties of thermoplastic and thermosetting resins as well as
composite systems in the form of cylindrical specimens
2. Referenced Documents
molded directly or cut from sheets, plates, or molded shapes.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
The compression data generated is used to identify the ther-
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
momechanical properties of a plastics material or composition
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
using a variety of dynamic mechanical instruments.
D4000 Classification System for Specifying Plastic Materi-
1.2 This test method is intended to provide a means for
als
determining the thermomechanical properties (as a function of
D4065 Practice for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Proper-
a number of viscoelastic variables) for a wide variety of plastic
ties: Determination and Report of Procedures
materials using nonresonant, forced-vibration techniques as
D4092 Terminology for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical
outlined in Practice D4065. Plots of the elastic (storage)
Properties
modulus, loss (viscous) modulus, complex modulus, and tan
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
delta as a function of frequency, time, or temperature are
indicative of significant transitions in the thermomechanical
3. Terminology
performance of the polymeric material system.
3.1 Definitions—Terms used in this standard are defined in
1.3 This test method is valid for a wide range of frequencies,
accordance with Terminology D4092 and Terminology D883
typically from 0.01 to 100 Hz.
unless otherwise specified. For terms relating to precision and
1.4 Due to possible instrumentation compliance, the data bias and other associated statistical issues, the terms used in
generated are intended to indicate relative and not necessarily this standard are defined in accordance with Terminology
absolute property values.
E456.
1.5 Test data obtained by this test method are relevant and
4. Summary of Test Method
appropriate for use in engineering design.
4.1 This test method covers the determination of the com-
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
pressive modulus of both solid and cellular plastics using
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
dynamic mechanical techniques. A test specimen of cylindrical
only.
cross section is tested in dynamic compression. The specimen
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
is secured using appropriate grip fixtures or simply positioned
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
between two parallel, flat plates or disks. The specimen of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
known geometry is placed in mechanical, linear displacement
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
at fixed frequencies with a linear temperature variation or at
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
variable frequencies at isothermal conditions. The elastic
moduli or loss moduli, or both, of the polymeric material
NOTE 1—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
system are measured in compression.
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
NOTE 2—The particular method for measurement of the elastic and loss
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.10 on Mechanical Properties. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2023. Published November 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D5024 - 15. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D5024-23. 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
D5024 − 23
moduli and tan delta depends upon the individual instrument’s operating
namic mechanical instruments generally operate in a forced,
principles.
constant strain amplitude testing mode at a fixed frequency.
5. Significance and Use
7.2 The apparatus shall consist of the following:
5.1 This test method provides a simple means of character- 7.2.1 Fixed Member—A fixed or essentially stationary
izing the thermomechanical behavior of plastic compositions member carrying one flat plate, disc, or clamp.
using very small amounts of material. The data obtained can be
7.2.2 Movable Member—A movable member carrying a
used for quality control and/or research and development
second flat plate, disc, or clamp.
purposes. For some classes of materials, such as thermosets, it
7.2.3 Flat Plate or Parallel Discs and Clamps—The fixtures
can also be used to establish optimum processing conditions.
are used to hold, support, and compress the test specimen
between the fixed member and the movable member. These
5.2 Dynamic mechanical testing provides a sensitive
method for determining thermomechanical characteristics by fixtures shall be mechanically aligned, that is, they shall be
attached to the fixed and movable member, respectively, in
measuring the elastic and loss moduli as a function of
frequency, temperature, or time. Plots of moduli and tan delta such a manner that they will move freely into alignment as
of a material versus these variables provide graphical repre- soon as any load is applied, so that the minor axis of the test
sentation indicative of functional properties, effectiveness of specimen will coincide with the direction of the applied load
cure (thermosetting resin system), and damping behavior under through the center line of the fixture assembly.
specified conditions.
7.2.3.1 The test specimen shall be held in such a way that
5.2.1 Observed data are specific to experimental conditions.
slippage relative to the flat plates is prevented as much as
Reporting in full (as described in this test method) the
possible.
conditions under which the data was obtained is essential to
7.2.4 Linear Deformation (strain)—A device for applying a
assist users with interpreting the data an reconciling apparent
continuous linear deformation (strain) to the specimen. In the
or perceived discrepancies.
force-displacement device the deformation (strain) is applied
and then released (See Table I of Practice D4065).
5.3 This test method can be used to assess:
5.3.1 Modulus as a function of temperature,
7.2.5 Detectors—A device or devices for determining de-
5.3.2 Modulus as a function of frequency,
pendent and independent experimental parameters, such as
5.3.3 The effects of processing treatment, including
force (stress), deformation (strain), frequency, and temperature.
orientation,
Measure temperature with a precision of 61°C, frequency to
5.3.4 Relative resin behav
...

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: D5024 − 15 D5024 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Properties: In Compression
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5024; 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.
1. Scope*
1.1 This test method outlines the use of dynamic mechanical instrumentation for determining and reporting the viscoelastic
properties of thermoplastic and thermosetting resins as well as composite systems in the form of cylindrical specimens molded
directly or cut from sheets, plates, or molded shapes. The compression data generated may be is used to identify the
thermomechanical properties of a plastics material or composition using a variety of dynamic mechanical instruments.
1.2 This test method is intended to provide a means for determining the thermomechanical properties (as a function of a number
of viscoelastic variables) for a wide variety of plastic materials using nonresonant, forced-vibration techniques as outlined in
Practice D4065. Plots of the elastic (storage) modulus, loss (viscous) modulus, complex modulus, and tan delta as a function of
frequency, time, or temperature are indicative of significant transitions in the thermomechanical performance of the polymeric
material system.
1.3 This test method is valid for a wide range of frequencies, typically from 0.01 to 100 Hz.
1.4 Apparent discrepancies may arise in results obtained under differing experimental conditions. These apparent differences from
results observed in another study can usually be reconciled, without changing the observed data, by reporting in full (as described
in this test method) the conditions under which the data were obtained.
1.4 Due to possible instrumentation compliance, the data generated are intended to indicate relative and not necessarily absolute
property values.
1.5 Test data obtained by this test method are relevant and appropriate for use in engineering design.
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.7 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 healthsafety, 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.
1.8 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.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.10 on Mechanical Properties.
Current edition approved July 1, 2015Oct. 1, 2023. Published July 2015November 2023. Originally approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 20072015 as
D5024 - 07.D5024 - 15. DOI: 10.1520/D5024-15.10.1520/D5024-23.
*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
D5024 − 23
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D4000 Classification System for Specifying Plastic Materials
D4065 Practice for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Properties: Determination and Report of Procedures
D4092 Terminology for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Properties
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions applicable to this test method refer to Terminology StandardTerms used in this standard are
defined in accordance with Terminology D4092 D4092. and Terminology D883 unless otherwise specified. For terms relating to
precision and bias and other associated statistical issues, the terms used in this standard are defined in accordance with Terminology
E456.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This test method covers the determination of the compressive modulus of both solid and cellular plastics using dynamic
mechanical techniques. A test specimen of cylindrical cross section is tested in dynamic compression. The specimen may be is
secured using appropriate grip fixtures or simply positioned between two parallel, flat plates or disks. The specimen of known
geometry is placed in mechanical, linear displacement at fixed frequencies with a linear temperature variation or at variable
frequencies at isothermal conditions. The elastic moduli or loss moduli, or both, of the polymeric material system are measured
in compression.
NOTE 2—The particular method for measurement of the elastic and loss moduli and tan delta depends upon the individual instrument’s operating
principles.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method provides a simple means of characterizing the thermomechanical behavior of plastic compositions using very
small amounts of material. The data obtained can be used for quality control and/or research and development purposes. For some
classes of materials, such as thermosets, it can also be used to establish optimum processing conditions.
5.2 Dynamic mechanical testing provides a sensitive method for determining thermomechanical characteristics by measuring the
elastic and loss moduli as a function of frequency, temperature, or time. Plots of moduli and tan delta of a material versus these
variables provide graphical representation indicative of functional properties, effectiveness of cure (thermosetting resin system),
and damping behavior under specified conditions.
5.2.1 Observed data are specific to experimental conditions. Reporting in full (as described in this test method) the conditions
under which the data was obtained is essential to assist users with interpreting the data an reconciling apparent or perceived
discrepancies.
5.3 This test method can be used to assess:
5.3.1 Modulus as a function of temperature,
5.3.2 Modulus as a function of frequency,
5.3.3 The effects of processing treatment, including orientation,
5.3.4 Relative resin behavioral properties, including cure and damping,
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.
D5024 − 23
5.3.5 The effects of substrate types and orientation (fabrication) on elastic modulus,
5.3.6 The effects of formulation additives which might affect processability or performance,
5.3.7 The effects of annealing on modulus and glass transition temperature,
5.3.8 The effect of aspect ratio on the modulus of fiber reinforcements, and
5.3.9 The effect of fillers, additives on modulus and glass transition temperature.
5.4 Before proceeding with this test method, reference should be made make reference to the specification of the material being
tested. Any test specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions, or testing parameters, or combination thereof, covered in the
relevant ASTM materials specification shall take precedence over those mentioned in this test method. If there are no relevant
ASTM material specifications, then the default conditions apply.
6. Interferences
6.1 Since small test specimen geometries are used, it is essential that the specimens be representative of the material being tested.
7. Apparatus
7.1 The function of the apparatus is to maintain a cylindrical test specimen of a polymeric material system so that the material
acts as the elastic and dissipative element in a mechanically driven linear-displacement system. These dynamic mechanical
instruments generally operate in a forced, constant strain amplitude testing mode at a fixed frequency.
7.2 The apparatus shall consist of the following:
7.2.1 Fixed Memb
...