ASTM D618-08

Standard Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Conditioning of specimens is typically conducted: (1) for the purpose of bringing the material into equilibrium with normal or average room conditions, (2) simply to obtain reproducible results, regardless of previous history of exposure, or (3) to subject the material to abnormal conditions of temperature or humidity in order to predict its service behavior.
The conditioning procedures prescribed in this practice are designed to obtain reproducible results and have the potential to give physical values somewhat higher or somewhat lower than values under equilibrium at normal conditions, depending upon the particular material and test. Depending on the thickness, type of material and its previous history, it is possible that it would take 20 to 100 days or more to ensure substantial equilibrium under normal conditions of humidity and temperature. Consequently, conditioning for reproducibility must of necessity be used for general purchase specifications and product control tests.
SCOPE
1.1 In general, the physical and electrical properties of plastics are influenced by temperature and relative humidity in a manner that materially affects test results. In order to make reliable comparisons between different materials and between different laboratories, it is necessary to standardize the humidity conditions, as well as the temperature, to which specimens of these materials are subjected prior to and during testing. This practice defines procedures for conditioning plastics (although not necessarily to equilibrium) prior to testing, and the conditions under which they shall be tested.
1.2 For some materials, it is possible that a material specification exists that requires the use of this practice, but with some procedural modifications. The material specification takes precedence over this practice. Refer to the material specification before using this practice. Table 1 in Classification D 4000 lists the ASTM material specifications that currently exist.
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Note 1—This standard and ISO 291 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content. ISO 291 describes only two temperature and humidity conditions for conditioning or testing, or both.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2008
• ICS: 29.035.20 - Plastics and rubber insulating materials
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.50 - Durability of Plastics

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D618-05 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Referred By: ASTM D6867-19 - Standard Specification for Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA)-Fluoropolymer Tubing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Referred By: ASTM D7292-18 - Standard Specification for Extruded, Compression-Molded, and Injection-Molded Basic Shapes of Polyamide-Imide (PAI)
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Referred By: ASTM F3390-20 - Standard Specification for 3 through 24 in. Lined Flexible Corrugated Polyethylene Pipe for Land Drainage Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Referred By: ASTM D5511-18 - Standard Test Method for Determining Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under High-Solids Anaerobic-Digestion Conditions
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Referred By: ASTM F2648/F2648M-23 - Standard Specification for 50 mm to 1500 mm [2 in. to 60 in.] Annular Corrugated Profile Wall Polyethylene (PE) Pipe and Fittings for Land Drainage Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Referred By: ASTM D790-17 - Standard Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Referred By: ASTM D3013-13(2021) - Standard Specification for Epoxy Molding Compounds
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Referred By: ASTM D2734-16 - Standard Test Methods for Void Content of Reinforced Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Referred By: ASTM F2987-12(2018) - Standard Specification for Corrugated Polyethylene Pipe and Fittings for Mine Heap Leach Aeration Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Referred By: ASTM D2148-22 - Standard Test Methods for Bondable Silicone Rubber Tapes Used for Electrical Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Referred By: ASTM D6110-18 - Standard Test Method for Determining the Charpy Impact Resistance of Notched Specimens of Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Referred By: ASTM F3506-21e1 - Standard Specification for Standard Specification for Polyethylene of Raised Temperature/Aluminum/Polyethylene of Raised Temperature (PE-RT/AL/PE-RT) Composite Pressure Pipe based on Inner Diameter (ID) for use in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Line Set Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Referred By: ASTM D2116-16(2021) - Standard Specification for FEP Resin Molding and Extrusion Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Referred By: ASTM F3253-23 - Standard Specification for Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing with Oxygen Barrier for Hot- and Cold-Water Hydronic Distribution Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008

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
Designation: D618 − 08
StandardPractice for
1
Conditioning Plastics for Testing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D618; 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 Department of Defense.
1. Scope* D756 Practice for Determination of Weight and Shape
ChangesofPlasticsUnderAcceleratedServiceConditions
1.1 In general, the physical and electrical properties of
3
(Withdrawn 1998)
plastics are influenced by temperature and relative humidity in
D4000 Classification System for Specifying Plastic Materi-
a manner that materially affects test results. In order to make
als
reliable comparisons between different materials and between
D5032 Practice for Maintaining Constant Relative Humidity
different laboratories, it is necessary to standardize the humid-
by Means of Aqueous Glycerin Solutions
ity conditions, as well as the temperature, to which specimens
E104 Practice for Maintaining Constant Relative Humidity
ofthesematerialsaresubjectedpriortoandduringtesting.This
by Means of Aqueous Solutions
practice defines procedures for conditioning plastics (although
2.2 ISO Standard:
not necessarily to equilibrium) prior to testing, and the condi- ISO 291 Plastics—Standard Atmospheres for Conditioning
4
tions under which they shall be tested. and Testing
1.2 For some materials, it is possible that a material speci-
3. Terminology
fication exists that requires the use of this practice, but with
3.1 Definitions:
some procedural modifications. The material specification
3.1.1 room temperature—atemperatureintherangefrom20
takes precedence over this practice. Refer to the material
to 30°C (68 to 86°F).
specification before using this practice. Table 1 in Classifica-
3.1.2 standard laboratory atmosphere—an atmosphere hav-
tion D4000 lists the ASTM material specifications that cur-
ing a temperature of 23°C (73.4°F) and a relative humidity of
rently exist.
50 % with standard tolerances as specified in Section 8 shall be
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the the standard laboratory atmosphere.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.3 standard laboratory temperature—a temperature of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
23°C (73.4°F) with standard tolerance as specified in Section 7
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
shall be the standard laboratory temperature.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4. Significance and Use
NOTE 1—This standard and ISO 291 address the same subject matter,
4.1 Conditioning of specimens is typically conducted: (1)
but differ in technical content. ISO 291 describes only two temperature
and humidity conditions for conditioning or testing, or both. for the purpose of bringing the material into equilibrium with
normal or average room conditions, (2) simply to obtain
2. Referenced Documents reproducible results, regardless of previous history of
exposure, or (3) to subject the material to abnormal conditions
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
of temperature or humidity in order to predict its service
D709 Specification for Laminated Thermosetting Materials
behavior.
4.2 The conditioning procedures prescribed in this practice
are designed to obtain reproducible results and have the
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and
potentialtogivephysicalvaluessomewhathigherorsomewhat
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.50 on Durability of Plastics.
lower than values under equilibrium at normal conditions,
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2008. Published November 2008. Originally
approved in 1941. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as D618 - 05. DOI:
10.1520/D0618-08.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM www.astm.org.
4
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
the ASTM website. 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
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D618 − 08
depending upon the particular material and test. Depending on 7.1.3.1 It is possible that the temperature and relative
the thickness,
...

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:D618–05 Designation:D618–08
Standard Practice for
1
Conditioning Plastics for Testing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 618; 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 Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1 In general, the physical and electrical properties of plastics are influenced by temperature and relative humidity in a manner
that materially affects test results. In order that to make reliable comparisons may be made of between different materials and
between different laboratories, it is necessary to standardize the humidity conditions, as well as the temperature, to which
specimens of these materials are subjected prior to and during testing. This practice defines procedures for conditioning plastics
(although not necessarily to equilibrium) prior to testing, and the conditions under which they shall be tested.
1.2 For some materials, there may be it is possible that a material specification exists that requires the use of this practice, but
with some procedural modifications. The material specification takes precedence over this practice. Refer to the material
specification before using this practice.Table 1 in Classification D 4000 lists theASTM material specifications that currently exist.
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
NOTE1—ISO 291 is related to this practice; however, ISO 291 1—This standard and ISO 291 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical
content. ISO 291 describes only two temperature and humidity conditions for conditioning or testing, or both.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 709 Specification for Laminated Thermosetting Materials
3
D 756 Practice for Determination of Weight and Shape Changes of Plastics Under Accelerated Service Conditions
D 4000 Classification System for Specifying Plastic Materials
D 5032 Practice for Maintaining Constant Relative Humidity by Means of Aqueous Glycerin Solutions
E 104 Practice for Maintaining Constant Relative Humidity by Means of Aqueous Solutions
2.2 ISO Standard:
4
ISO 291 Plastics—Standard Atmospheres for Conditioning and Testing
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 room temperature—a temperature in the range from 20 to 30°C [68(68 to 85°F]. 86°F).
3.1.2 standard laboratory atmosphere—an atmosphere having a temperature of 23°C [73.4°F](73.4°F) and a relative humidity
of 50 % with standard tolerances as specified in Section 3.28 shall be the standard laboratory atmosphere.
3.1.3 standard laboratory temperature—a temperature of 23°C [73.4°F](73.4°F) with standard tolerance as specified in Section
3.27 shall be the standard laboratory temperature.
3.2Tolerances:
3.3relative humidity—standard tolerance shall be 65%.
3.3.1Discussion—Where the closer tolerance 62% is required, it may be specified and the tolerance used reported.
3.4standard test temperatures other than standard laboratory temperature —when data are to be obtained for comparison
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.50 on Permanence Properties Durability
of Plastics .
Current edition approved NovemberNov. 1, 2005.2008. Published November 2005.2008. Originally approved in 1941. Last previous edition approved in 20002005 as
D 618 - 005.
2
For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM 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.
3
Withdrawn.
4
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 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.
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D618–08
purposes at a specific temperature either above or below the standard laboratory temperature, the
...

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:D 618–05 Designation:D618–08
Standard Practice for
1
Conditioning Plastics for Testing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D618; 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 Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1 In general, the physical and electrical properties of plastics are influenced by temperature and relative humidity in a manner
that materially affects test results. In order that to make reliable comparisons may be made of between different materials and
between different laboratories, it is necessary to standardize the humidity conditions, as well as the temperature, to which
specimens of these materials are subjected prior to and during testing. This practice defines procedures for conditioning plastics
(although not necessarily to equilibrium) prior to testing, and the conditions under which they shall be tested.
1.2 For some materials, there may be it is possible that a material specification exists that requires the use of this practice, but
with some procedural modifications. The material specification takes precedence over this practice. Refer to the material
specificationbeforeusingthispractice.Table 1inClassificationDD40004000liststheASTMmaterialspecificationsthatcurrently
exist.
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
NOTE1—ISO 291 is related to this practice; however, ISO 291 1—This standard and ISO 291 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical
content. ISO 291 describes only two temperature and humidity conditions for conditioning or testing, or both.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D709 Specification for Laminated Thermosetting Materials
3
D756 Practice for Determination of Weight and Shape Changes of Plastics Under Accelerated Service Conditions
D4000 Classification System for Specifying Plastic Materials
D5032 Practice for Maintaining Constant Relative Humidity by Means of Aqueous Glycerin Solutions
E104 Practice for Maintaining Constant Relative Humidity by Means of Aqueous Solutions
2.2 ISO Standard:
4
ISO 291 Plastics—Standard Atmospheres for Conditioning and Testing
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 room temperature—a temperature in the range from 20 to 30°C [68(68 to 85°F]. 86°F).
3.1.2 standard laboratory atmosphere—an atmosphere having a temperature of 23°C [73.4°F](73.4°F) and a relative humidity
of 50 % with standard tolerances as specified in Section 3.28 shall be the standard laboratory atmosphere.
3.1.3 standard laboratory temperature—a temperature of 23°C [73.4°F](73.4°F) with standard tolerance as specified in Section
3.27 shall be the standard laboratory temperature.
3.2Tolerances:
3.3relative humidity—standard tolerance shall be 65%.
3.3.1Discussion—Where the closer tolerance 62% is required, it may be specified and the tolerance used reported.
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.50 on Permanence Properties .
Current edition approved November 1, 2005. Published November 2005. Originally approved in 1941. Last previous edition approved in 2000 as D 618-00.on Durability
of Plastics.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2008. Published November 2008. Originally approved in 1941. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as D618 - 05. DOI:
10.1520/D0618-08.
2
For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM 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.
3
Withdrawn. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
4
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 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.
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
...