ASTM D3275-18(2023)

Standard Classification System for E-CTFE-Fluoroplastic Molding, Extrusion, and Coating Materials

ABSTRACT
This classification system covers melt processible molding, extrusion, and coating materials of ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene (E-CTFE) fluoroplastics. The resin is a copolymer of ethylene and chlorotrifluoroethylene. The classification of ECTFE materials into groups in accordance with their physical appearance, and further into classes based on melt flow rate, is provided. The test specimens shall be subjected to tests to determine their melt flow rate, melting endotherm peak, specific gravity, tensile property, dielectric constant and dissipation factor, and oxygen index.
SCOPE
1.1 This classification system covers melt processible molding, extrusion, and coating materials of ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene (E-CTFE) fluoroplastics. The resin is a copolymer of ethylene and chlorotrifluoroethylene containing approximately 80 weight % of chlorotrifluoroethylene.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units, as detailed in IEEE/ASTM SI-10, are to be regarded as standard.  
1.3 The following precautionary statement pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 11 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.
Note 1: Although this classification system and ISO 20568-1 and ISO 20568-2 differ in approach or detail, data obtained using either are technically equivalent.  
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: 30-Apr-2023
• ICS: 83.080.20 - Thermoplastic materials
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.15 - Thermoplastic Materials

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D883-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D1238-23a - Standard Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by Extrusion Plastometer
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D883-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D2863-23 - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Minimum Oxygen Concentration to Support Candle-Like Combustion of Plastics (Oxygen Index)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM D2863-95 - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Minimum Oxygen Concentration to Support Candle-like Combustion of Plastics (Oxygen Index)
• Effective Date: 29-Sep-2023
• Refers: ASTM D883-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM D2863-19 - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Minimum Oxygen Concentration to Support Candle-Like Combustion of Plastics (Oxygen Index)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19c - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-18a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM D883-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM D1708-18 - Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics by Use of Microtensile Specimens
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM D1600-18 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM D2863-17a - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Minimum Oxygen Concentration to Support Candle-Like Combustion of Plastics (Oxygen Index)
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2017

Overview

ASTM D3275-18(2023): Standard Classification System for E-CTFE-Fluoroplastic Molding, Extrusion, and Coating Materials establishes a comprehensive framework for classifying melt-processible materials of ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene (E-CTFE) fluoroplastics. E-CTFE is a high-performance copolymer comprising approximately 80% chlorotrifluoroethylene and 20% ethylene. This standard offers manufacturers, suppliers, and end users a unified method to specify, test, and certify E-CTFE materials for molding, extrusion, and coating applications. It covers the classification system, test methods, packaging, and labeling to ensure material quality and consistency.

Key Topics

• Classification

  • E-CTFE materials are grouped based on physical appearance (powder or pellet).
  • Each group is subdivided into classes by melt flow rate (low, medium, high, and ultra low), then further into grades according to specific properties.
  • A standardized callout format is defined for precise material selection.

• Testing Requirements

  • Melt flow rate, specific gravity, tensile strength, elongation, melting point, oxygen index, and dielectric properties must be measured.
  • Conditioning and preparation of test specimens are clearly described for reliable and comparable results.
  • Standardized test methods from ASTM and ISO references are integral, ensuring global applicability.

• Sampling and Certification

  • Statistically significant sampling methods are required for lot acceptance.
  • Certification processes verify that supplied materials meet classified specifications.
  • Packaging, marking, and reporting follow strict guidelines to support traceability and regulatory compliance.

Applications

This ASTM standard is vital in industries requiring high-performance fluoropolymer materials for demanding environments:

• Molding and Extrusion:
  • E-CTFE resins classified by this standard are used in injection molding and extrusion to manufacture corrosion-resistant components, pipes, valves, and linings.
• Coating and Roto-Lining:
  • Powder grades enable high-performance coatings for chemical processing equipment, tanks, and various industrial surfaces, providing excellent chemical and environmental resistance.
• Electrical and Electronic Uses:
  • Low dielectric constant and dissipation factor make E-CTFE ideal for insulating components in high-frequency electrical applications.

The classification ensures stakeholders specify the correct E-CTFE fluoroplastic for their unique requirements, maximizing material performance and lifecycle.

Related Standards

The ASTM D3275-18(2023) standard references and aligns with several key international and ASTM standards for fluoropolymer materials:

• ASTM D1238: Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by Extrusion Plastometer
• ASTM D638/D1708: Test Methods for Tensile Properties of Plastics (standard and microtensile specimens)
• ASTM D792: Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity by Displacement
• ASTM D2863: Test Method for Measuring Minimum Oxygen Concentration (Oxygen Index)
• ASTM D150: Test Methods for AC Loss Characteristics and Permittivity (Dielectric Constant)
• ASTM D4591: Test Methods for Determining Temperatures and Heats of Transitions of Fluoropolymers
• ISO 20568-1 and ISO 20568-2: Plastics - Fluoropolymer Dispersion and Moulding and Extrusion Materials - Designation, Basis for Specification, Preparation of Test Specimens, and Determination of Properties

This harmonization assures technical equivalence and facilitates global sourcing, application, and regulatory acceptance of E-CTFE fluoroplastics.

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Keywords: ASTM D3275, E-CTFE, ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene, fluoropolymer, melt processible fluoroplastic, extrusion material, molding material, powder coating, material classification, dielectric constant, oxygen index, standard testing methods.

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: D3275 − 18 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Classification System for
E-CTFE-Fluoroplastic Molding, Extrusion, and Coating
Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3275; 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 U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
D792 Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Rela-
1.1 This classification system covers melt processible
tive Density) of Plastics by Displacement
molding, extrusion, and coating materials of ethylene-
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
chlorotrifluoroethylene (E-CTFE) fluoroplastics. The resin is a
D1238 Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics
copolymer of ethylene and chlorotrifluoroethylene containing
by Extrusion Plastometer
approximately 80 weight % of chlorotrifluoroethylene.
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plas-
1.2 The values stated in SI units, as detailed in IEEE/
tics
ASTM SI-10, are to be regarded as standard.
D1708 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics by Use
1.3 The following precautionary statement pertains only to of Microtensile Specimens
the test methods portion, Section 11 of this classification
D2863 Test Method for Measuring the Minimum Oxygen
system. This standard does not purport to address all of the Concentration to Support Candle-Like Combustion of
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Plastics (Oxygen Index)
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- D3892 Practice for Packaging/Packing of Plastics
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
D4591 Test Method for Determining Temperatures and
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Heats of Transitions of Fluoropolymers by Differential
Scanning Calorimetry
NOTE 1—Although this classification system and ISO 20568-1 and
IEEE/ASTM SI-10 Use of the International System of Units
ISO 20568-2 differ in approach or detail, data obtained using either are
technically equivalent. (SI): The Modern Metric System
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
2.2 ISO Standards:
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ISO 20568-1 Plastics—Fluoropolymer Dispersion and
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Moulding and Extrusion Materials—Part 1: Designation
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
and Basis for Specification
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
ISO 20568-2 Plastics—Fluoropolymer Dispersion and
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Moulding and Extrusion Materials—Part 2: Preparation of
Test Specimens and Determination of Properties
2. Referenced Documents
3. Terminology
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D150 Test Methods for AC Loss Characteristics and Permit-
3.1 Definitions:
tivity (Dielectric Constant) of Solid Electrical Insulation
3.1.1 Definitions of terms used in this classification system
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
shall be in accordance with Terminology D883.
3.1.2 lot, n—one production run or a uniform blend of two
or more production runs.
This classification system is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on
Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.15 on Thermoplastic 3.2 Abbreviations:
Materials
3.2.1 Abbreviations are in accordance with Terminology
Current edition approved May 1, 2023. Published May 2023. Originally
D1600.
approved in 1973. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as D3275 - 18. DOI:
10.1520/D3275-18R23.
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 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
D3275 − 18 (2023)
4. Classification subdivided into grades as shown in the Table E-CTFE. An
example of a material of this classification system is given as
4.1 ECTFE materials are classified into groups in accor-
follows: ECTFE 01 1 1
dance with their physical appearance. The groups are further
divided into classes based on melt flow rate. These classes are
TABLE E–CTFE
E,
Group Class Description Grade Melt Flow Specific Tensile Elongation, Melting Oxygen Dielectric Dissipation
F
A,B C D,E G H I J
Rate, Gravity, Strength, Point, °C, Index, Constant, Factor,
6 6
min, %
g/10 min 23/23°C min, MPa min min, % max, 10 Hz max, 10 Hz
01 powder 1 Low melt 1 0.05–1.50 1.65–1.71 40 200 240 52 2.6 0.015
flow rate
2 Medium melt 1 1.51–6.0 1.65–1.71 40 200 240 52 2.6 0.015
flow rate
3 High melt 1 6.1–25 1.65–1.71 40 200 240 52 2.6 0.015
flow rate
0 Other 0
02 pellet 1 Low melt 1 0.05–1.50 1.65–1.71 40 200 240 52 2.6 0.015
flow rate
2 Medium melt 1 1.51–6.0 1.65–1.71 40 200 240 52 2.6 0.015
flow rate
3 High melt 1 6.1–25 1.65–1.71 40 200 240 52 2.6 0.015
flow rate
4 Ultra Low 1 0.8–1.3 1.65–1.71 40 200 220 52 2.6 0.015
melt flow
rate
0 Other 0
00 0 Other 0
A
See 11.2 for test method for above parameters.
B
See 11.2 for test method for group 2 class 4 grade 1 replace 2.16 kg mass with 5 kg mass.
C
See 11.4 for test method for above parameters.
D
See 11.5 for test method for above parameters.
E
At 23 ± 2°C (73.4 ± 3.6°F).
F
See 11.5 for test method for above parameters.
G
See 11.3 for test method for above parameters.
H
See 11.7 for test method for above parameters.
I
See 11.6 for test method for above parameters.
J
See 11.6 for test method for above parameters.
where: 9. Number of Tests
01 = ECTFE powder
9.1 One set of test specimens as prescribed in Section 11
1 = low melt flow
shall be considered sufficient for testing each sample. The
2 = properties in accordance with Table E-CTFE (Grade 1)
average result of the specimens tested shall conform to the
4.1.1 To facilitate incorporation of future material, the other requirements of this classification system.
category for Group (00), Class (0) and Grade (0) are shown in
10. Specimen Preparation
Table E-CTFE.
10.1 Test Specimens:
5. Ordering Information
10.1.1 Prepare test moldings 3.18 6 0.3 mm
5.1 The purchase order or inquiry for these materials shall (0.125 6 0.012 in.) thick between two 0.38 to 0.51 mm (0.015
state the classification callout. For example, D3275
to 0.020 in.) thick chromium-plated ferrotype plates. Use a
ECTFE 01 1 2. “picture frame” type compression molding chase with inner
dimensions of 178 by 178 mm (7 by 7 in.) and having a
6. General Requirements
thickness suitable to produce the required molded sheet. Use a
6.1 The material covered by this classifica
...