ASTM D3748-14(2019)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Evaluating High-Density Rigid Cellular Plastics
Standard Practice for Evaluating High-Density Rigid Cellular Plastics
ABSTRACT
This practice covers the basic test procedures for the determination of the physical properties and the reporting of data for high-density rigid cellular plastics. Samples shall be prepared by either processing samples directly into proper size specimens, or by preparing samples from larger sections as specified in each individual test. Since cellular plastics are often nonuniform in density distribution, a minimum of five specimens shall, therefore, be tested per testing method to obtain representative values. The test methods covered here are to examine the following material properties: apparent density; compressive strength; tensile properties; coefficient of linear thermal expansion; apparent flexural properties; deflection temperature; dielectric breakdown voltage and dielectric strength; thermal conductivity; and water absorption rate.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the basic test procedures for determination of the physical properties and reporting of data for high-density rigid cellular plastics.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.
1.3 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: This standard and ISO 9054 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content.
1.4 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-Mar-2019
- Technical Committee
- D20 - Plastics
- Drafting Committee
- D20.22 - Cellular Materials - Plastics and Elastomers
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2019
- Effective Date
- 15-Apr-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2018
- Effective Date
- 15-Aug-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2015
Overview
ASTM D3748-14(2019) is the international standard practice for evaluating high-density rigid cellular plastics. Developed and published by ASTM International, this standard outlines core test procedures for determining the physical properties of high-density rigid foams and related cellular plastics. The standard is essential for manufacturers, quality assurance professionals, and laboratories engaged in the production and testing of rigid cellular plastic materials. By providing recognized methods and clear guidance for sample preparation, specimen conditioning, and reporting, ASTM D3748 promotes uniformity in material characterization and enhances confidence in product performance across industries.
Key Topics
ASTM D3748 covers the following critical aspects of testing high-density rigid cellular plastics:
Test Methods
The standard references established ASTM test methods for evaluating specific physical properties, ensuring reproducibility and comparability:- Apparent density
- Compressive strength
- Tensile properties
- Coefficient of linear thermal expansion
- Apparent flexural properties
- Deflection temperature
- Dielectric breakdown voltage and dielectric strength
- Thermal conductivity
- Water absorption rate
Sample Preparation
Specimens can be prepared either by processing the material into the appropriate size or by cutting from larger sections according to individual test specifications. At least five specimens per method are required, as high-density rigid cellular plastics often exhibit non-uniform density distribution. The standard emphasizes detailed reporting on sample preparation techniques to ensure transparency.Conditioning Guidelines
Condition specimens in accordance with ASTM D618, ensuring consistency in test results.Reporting Requirements
Reports must include comprehensive material identification, manufacturing process, preparation methods, specimen dimensions, density data, conditioning, and testing details, helping ensure traceability and result reproducibility.Safety and Responsibility
Users are responsible for establishing suitable safety, health, and environmental measures and for determining the applicability of regulatory constraints.
Applications
The procedures set out by ASTM D3748 are widely applicable across industries that use high-density rigid cellular plastics, including:
Building and Construction
Evaluation of insulation and structural foam components for durability, mechanical strength, and energy efficiency.Automotive and Aerospace
Quality control of high-density foams in crash protection, lightweighting, and thermal management solutions.Electrical and Electronics
Testing of electrical insulating parts for dielectric strength and breakdown voltage to meet safety requirements.Consumer Goods & Industrial Products
Product testing for thermal resistance, water absorption, and mechanical properties to ensure performance and longevity.
Well-characterized high-density rigid cellular plastics support innovation and reliable product delivery in these sectors.
Related Standards
ASTM D3748 is closely integrated with other industry standards for plastics and foams testing:
- ASTM D1622 / D1622M: Apparent Density of Rigid Cellular Plastics
- ASTM D695: Compressive Properties of Rigid Plastics
- ASTM D638: Tensile Properties of Plastics
- ASTM D790: Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics
- ASTM D648: Deflection Temperature of Plastics
- ASTM D149: Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and Dielectric Strength
- ASTM C177 & C518: Thermal Conductivity Test Methods
- ASTM D570: Water Absorption of Plastics
- ISO 9054: International equivalent for similar subject matter
Using ASTM D3748 alongside these related standards ensures robust, well-documented evaluation of high-density rigid cellular plastics, supporting global trade and compliance.
Keywords: high-density rigid cellular plastics testing, ASTM D3748-14(2019), foam material physical properties, plastics industry standards, quality assurance for cellular plastics.
Get Certified
Connect with accredited certification bodies for this standard
DIN CERTCO
DIN Group product certification.
Smithers Quality Assessments
US management systems and product certification.
Sponsored listings
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D3748-14(2019) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Evaluating High-Density Rigid Cellular Plastics". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This practice covers the basic test procedures for the determination of the physical properties and the reporting of data for high-density rigid cellular plastics. Samples shall be prepared by either processing samples directly into proper size specimens, or by preparing samples from larger sections as specified in each individual test. Since cellular plastics are often nonuniform in density distribution, a minimum of five specimens shall, therefore, be tested per testing method to obtain representative values. The test methods covered here are to examine the following material properties: apparent density; compressive strength; tensile properties; coefficient of linear thermal expansion; apparent flexural properties; deflection temperature; dielectric breakdown voltage and dielectric strength; thermal conductivity; and water absorption rate. SCOPE 1.1 This practice covers the basic test procedures for determination of the physical properties and reporting of data for high-density rigid cellular plastics. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. 1.3 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: This standard and ISO 9054 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content. 1.4 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.
ABSTRACT This practice covers the basic test procedures for the determination of the physical properties and the reporting of data for high-density rigid cellular plastics. Samples shall be prepared by either processing samples directly into proper size specimens, or by preparing samples from larger sections as specified in each individual test. Since cellular plastics are often nonuniform in density distribution, a minimum of five specimens shall, therefore, be tested per testing method to obtain representative values. The test methods covered here are to examine the following material properties: apparent density; compressive strength; tensile properties; coefficient of linear thermal expansion; apparent flexural properties; deflection temperature; dielectric breakdown voltage and dielectric strength; thermal conductivity; and water absorption rate. SCOPE 1.1 This practice covers the basic test procedures for determination of the physical properties and reporting of data for high-density rigid cellular plastics. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. 1.3 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: This standard and ISO 9054 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content. 1.4 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.
ASTM D3748-14(2019) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 83.080.20 - Thermoplastic materials. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D3748-14(2019) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D3748-14, ASTM D883-24, ASTM D883-23, ASTM D883-20, ASTM D149-20, ASTM D883-19c, ASTM D883-19a, ASTM D883-19, ASTM D883-18a, ASTM D883-18, ASTM D648-18, ASTM D883-17, ASTM D790-17, ASTM D696-16, ASTM D790-15e1. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D3748-14(2019) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
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: D3748 − 14 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Practice for
Evaluating High-Density Rigid Cellular Plastics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3748; 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. Scope* D648Test Method for Deflection Temperature of Plastics
Under Flexural Load in the Edgewise Position
1.1 This practice covers the basic test procedures for deter-
D695Test Method for Compressive Properties of Rigid
mination of the physical properties and reporting of data for
Plastics
high-density rigid cellular plastics.
D696TestMethodforCoefficientofLinearThermalExpan-
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
sion of Plastics Between −30°C and 30°C with a Vitreous
standard.
Silica Dilatometer
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the D790Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materi-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- als
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
D883Terminology Relating to Plastics
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. D1622/D1622MTest Method forApparent Density of Rigid
Cellular Plastics
NOTE 1—This standard and ISO9054 address the same subject matter,
but differ in technical content.
3. Terminology
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 3.1 Definitions:
3 3
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1.1 high density—greater than 320 kg/m (0.32 g/cm)or
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
20 lb/ft apparent density.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1.2 For definitions of other terms used in this practice,
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
refer to Terminology D883.
2. Referenced Documents
4. Significance and Use
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.1 This practice provides appropriate testing methods, and
C177Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measure-
a specific data reporting procedure for high-density rigid
ments and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of
cellular plastics.
the Guarded-Hot-Plate Apparatus
C518Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission
5. Sample Preparation
Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus
D149Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and
5.1 Prepare samples in one of two ways:
DielectricStrengthofSolidElectricalInsulatingMaterials
(a)process samples directly into proper size specimens, or
at Commercial Power Frequencies
(b)prepare samples from larger sections as specified in
D570Test Method for Water Absorption of Plastics
each individual test.
D618Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
5.2 Report the precise manner of sample preparation.
D638Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
6. Conditioning
ThispracticeisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD20onPlasticsand
6.1 Condition specimens prior to testing in accordance with
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.22 on Cellular Materials - Plastics
and Elastomers. Procedure A of Practice D618.
Current edition approved April 1, 2019. Published May 2019. Originally
approved in 1978. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D3748–14. DOI:
7. Number of Test Specimens
10.1520/D3748-14R19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM Web Site, www.astm.org, or
7.1 Cellular plastics ar
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.
Loading comments...