ASTM D3307-21

Standard Specification for Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) Resin Molding and Extrusion Materials

ABSTRACT
This specification covers melt processable molding and extrusion materials of PFA-perfluoro(alkoxy alkane) fluorocarbon resin. The materials are copolymers of TFE-fluorocarbon resins containing perfluoroalkoxy side chains. This specification is intended to provide a means for calling out plastic materials used in the fabrication of end items or parts. This specification covers 13 types of PFA-fluorocarbon resins supplied in pellet form for molding and extrusion. The materials shall be of uniform composition and so prepared as to conform to the requirements specified. Conditioning, melt flow rate, melting endotherm peak temperature, specific gravity, tensile properties, and dielectric constant and dissipation factor tests shall be performed to conform with the requirements specified.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers melt processable molding and extrusion materials of Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) resin. The materials are copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoroalkoxy.  
1.2 This specification is intended to provide a means for 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 plastics field after careful consideration of the design and the performance required 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 specification.  
1.3 This specification does not cover recycled plastics.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units2 are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.5 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test methods portions, Sections 8 and 9 of this specification: 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 specification, ISO 20568-1, and ISO 20568-2 differ in approach or detail. Data obtained using either may not be technically equivalent.  
1.6 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-Aug-2021
• ICS: 83.140.99 - Other rubber and plastics products
• 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 D883-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• 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 D883-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM D3892-15 - Standard Practice for Packaging/Packing of Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM E177-14 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM D1600-14 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2014

Overview

ASTM D3307-21, "Standard Specification for Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) Resin Molding and Extrusion Materials," sets forth requirements for PFA resin materials intended for melt processable molding and extrusion. Developed by ASTM International, this standard is widely recognized and referenced for quality assurance in the manufacture of parts and end items using PFA resins - a special class of fluoropolymer plastics. These materials, consisting of copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and perfluoroalkoxy side chains, are commonly supplied in pellet form for manufacturing through molding and extrusion processes.

The standard provides a detailed framework for classifying and calling out PFA resin materials, establishing essential physical and electrical properties, and delineating guidelines for testing, quality control, and certification.

Key Topics

• Material Scope: ASTM D3307-21 addresses PFA resins that are melt-processable and suited for molding and extrusion. It explicitly excludes recycled plastics from its scope.
• Classification: The standard covers multiple types and grades of PFA resins, differentiated primarily by melting point and melt flow rate.
• Specification System: A one-line designation system is used to specify type and grade, aiding clear identification and procurement.
• Quality Requirements: PFA resins must have uniform composition and be free from foreign matter, meeting stringent commercial purity and quality levels.
• Property Testing: The standard requires rigorous testing for:
  • Melt flow rate
  • Melting endotherm peak temperature (via differential scanning calorimetry)
  • Specific gravity
  • Tensile strength and elongation
  • Dielectric constant and dissipation factor (for electrical insulation properties)
• Sample Preparation and Conditioning: Detailed methods are prescribed for molding test specimens and conditioning them prior to testing, ensuring consistent and reliable test results.
• Inspection and Certification: Procedures for lot-acceptance, periodic checks, and certification are outlined, including the necessity to provide test result reports when requested.

Applications

PFA resins specified under ASTM D3307-21 are widely used in industries where high performance and chemical resistance are critical. Key application areas include:

• Chemical processing equipment: PFA’s superior chemical and thermal resistance make it ideal for lining, tubing, pumps, valves, and fittings in harsh chemical environments.
• Semiconductor manufacturing: The purity and non-contaminating nature of PFA enable its use in components exposed to aggressive chemicals during semiconductor fabrication.
• Electrical and electronics: Due to excellent dielectric properties, PFA is used in insulation for wires, cables, and high-frequency electronic components.
• Pharmaceutical and food processing: The inertness and processability of PFA make it suitable for parts and containers that must withstand aggressive cleaning and sterilization.

By adhering to ASTM D3307-21, manufacturers and end-users can ensure consistent performance, product quality, and regulatory compliance for PFA resin-formulated parts.

Related Standards

For broader context and complementary requirements, the following standards are related to ASTM D3307-21:

• ASTM D150 - Test Methods for AC Loss Characteristics and Permittivity of Solid Electrical Insulation
• ASTM D618 - Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
• ASTM D638 - Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
• ASTM D792 - Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity of Plastics
• ASTM D1238 - Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics
• ISO 20568-1/2 - International standards for fluoropolymer dispersions, molding, and extrusion materials

Following these standards together with ASTM D3307-21 ensures comprehensive material characterization, reliable test data, and global harmonization in plastic part manufacturing.

Keywords: PFA resin, ASTM D3307-21, extrusion, molding, fluoropolymer, plastics specification, TFE copolymer, material testing, chemical resistance, electrical insulation, quality assurance.

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: D3307 −21
Standard Specification for
Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) Resin Molding and Extrusion
Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3307; 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* mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.1 This specification covers melt processable molding and
extrusion materials of Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) resin. The mate-
2. Referenced Documents
rials are copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoro-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
alkoxy.
D150 Test Methods forAC Loss Characteristics and Permit-
1.2 This specification is intended to provide a means for
tivity (Dielectric Constant) of Solid Electrical Insulation
callingoutplasticmaterialsusedinthefabricationofenditems
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
or parts. It is not intended for the selection of materials.
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
Material selection should be made by those having expertise in
D792 Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Rela-
the plastics field after careful consideration of the design and
tive Density) of Plastics by Displacement
the performance required of the part, the environment to which
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
it will be exposed, the fabrication process to be employed, the
D1238 Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics
costs involved, and the inherent properties of the material other
by Extrusion Plastometer
than those covered by this specification.
D1600 Terminology forAbbreviatedTerms Relating to Plas-
1.3 This specification does not cover recycled plastics. tics
D1708 Test Method forTensile Properties of Plastics by Use
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
of Microtensile Specimens
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
D3892 Practice for Packaging/Packing of Plastics
only.
D4591 Test Method for Determining Temperatures and
1.5 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the
Heats of Transitions of Fluoropolymers by Differential
test methods portions, Sections 8 and 9 of this specification:
Scanning Calorimetry
This standard does not purport to address all of the safety
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
ASTM Test Methods
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety,
IEEE/ASTM SI-10 Standard for Use of the International
health, and environmental practices and determine the appli-
System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System
cability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2.2 ISO Standards:
NOTE 1—This specification, ISO 20568-1, and ISO 20568-2 differ in ISO 20568-1 Plastics—Fluoropolymer Dispersions and
approach or detail. Data obtained using either may not be technically
Moulding and Extrusion Materials—Part 1
equivalent.
ISO 20568-2 Plastics—Fluoropolymer Dispersions and
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
Moulding and Extrusion Materials—Part 2
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 3. Terminology
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1 Definitions—Definitions are in accordance with Termi-
nologies D883 and D1600.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on
Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.15 on Thermoplastic For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Materials (Section D20.15.12). contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2021. Published September 2021. Originally Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
approved in 1974. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D3307 – 16. DOI: the ASTM website.
10.1520/D3307-21. Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
As defined in IEEE/ASTM SI-10. 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
D3307 − 21
3.1.1 lot, n—one production run or a uniform blend of two prevent the foil from sticking to the sheet. Use steel molding
or more productions runs. plates at least 1.0 mm (0.040 in.) thick and of an area adequate
to cover the chase.
4. Classification
9.1.2 Lay a sheet of aluminum foil down to smoothly cover
4.1 This specification covers 18 types of PFA-fluorocarbon
one plate. Place the mold chase on top of this assembly. Place
resins supplied in pellet form classified according to their within the mold chase sufficient molding material to produce
melting points. The resins of each type are divided into two to
the required sheet in such manner that the polymer charge is a
four grades according to their melt flow rates. mound in the middle of the chase. Place a second sheet of
aluminum foil on top of the granules and add the top mold
4.2 A one-line system is used to specify materials covered
plate. Place the assembly in a compression molding press
by this specification. The system uses predefined cells to refer
having platens that have been heated to 380 6 5°C
to specific aspects of this specification, illustrated as follows:
(716 6 10°F).
Specification
9.1.3 Bring the press platens to incipient contact with the
Standard Number :Type : Grade :Class : Special
mold assembly. Hold for 2 to 4 min without pressure. Apply
Block : : : : Notes
:: : :: : :
approximately 1 MPa (145 psi) and hold for 1 to 1.5 min.Then
: :
apply 2 to 4 MPa (290 to 580 psi) and hold for 1 to 1.5 min.
–––––––––––– ––– ––– ––– –––––
Maintain the press at 380 6 5°C (716 6 10°F) during these
Example: Specification D3307 – 06, I
steps. Remove the assembly from the press and place between
In this standard, the specifications are type and grade. A
two 20 6 7-mm (0.75 6 0.25-in.) steel plates whose tempera-
comma is used as the separator between the standard number
ture is less than 40°C (104°F).
and the type, and a separator is not needed between the type
and grade. 9.1.4 When the sheet is cool enough to touch (about 50 to
60°C (122 to 140°F)), remove the aluminum foil from the
5. General Requirements
sheet. (If the sheet is allowed to cool to room temperature, the
aluminum foil cannot be pulled free.)
5.1 The materials shall be of uniform composition and so
prepared as to conform to the requirements of this specifica-
9.2 Conditioning:
tion.
9.2.1 For tests of specific gravity, tensile properties, and
5.2 Thematerialsdescribedinthisspecificationshallbefree
electrical properties, condition the molded test specimens in
of foreign matter to such a contamination at the best commer-
accordance with Procedure A of Practice D618 for a period of
cially practical level.
atleast4hpriortotest.Theothertestsrequirenoconditioning.
9.2.2 Conduct tests at the Standard Laboratory Temperature
6. Detail Requirements
of 23 6 2°C (73.4 6 3.6°F) for determination of specific
6.1 The materials covered by this specification shall con-
gravity, tensile properties, and electrical properties only. Since
form to the requirements prescribed in Table 1 and Table 2
the resin does not absorb water, the maintenance of constant
when tested by the procedures specified herein. Table 2 lists
humidity during testing is not necessary. Conduct tests for melt
those tests requiring a specimen molded as described in 9.1.
flow rate and melting endotherm under ordin
...

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: D3307 − 16 D3307 − 21
Standard Specification for
Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) Resin Molding and Extrusion
Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3307; 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*
1.1 This specification covers melt processable molding and extrusion materials of Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) resin. The materials are
copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoroalkoxy.
1.2 This specification is intended to provide a means for 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 plastics field
after careful consideration of the design and the performance required 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 specification.
1.3 This specification does not cover recycled plastics.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.5 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test methods portions, Sections 8 and 9 of this specification: 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the applicability
of regulatory limitations prior to use.
NOTE 1—This specification, ISO 12086–1(2006),20568-1, and ISO 12086–2(2006)20568-2 differ in approach or detail. Data obtained using either may
not be technically equivalent.
1.6 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.15 on Thermoplastic Materials
(Section D20.15.12).
Current edition approved April 1, 2016Sept. 1, 2021. Published April 2016September 2021. Originally approved in 1974. Last previous edition approved in 20102016 as
D3307 - 10.D3307 – 16. DOI: 10.1520/D3307-16.10.1520/D3307-21.
As defined in IEEE/ASTM SI-10.
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.
*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
D3307 − 21
D150 Test Methods for AC Loss Characteristics and Permittivity (Dielectric Constant) of Solid Electrical Insulation
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
D792 Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Relative Density) of Plastics by Displacement
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D1238 Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by Extrusion Plastometer
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
D1708 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics by Use of Microtensile Specimens
D3892 Practice for Packaging/Packing of Plastics
D4591 Test Method for Determining Temperatures and Heats of Transitions of Fluoropolymers by Differential Scanning
Calorimetry
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
IEEE/ASTM SI-10 Standard for Use of the International System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System
2.2 ISO Standards:
ISO 12086–120568-1 Plastics–FluoropolymerPlastics—Fluoropolymer Dispersions and Moulding and Extrusion
Materials–PartMaterials—Part 1
ISO 12086–220568-2 Plastics–FluoropolymerPlastics—Fluoropolymer Dispersions and Moulding and Extrusion
Materials–PartMaterials—Part 2
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Definitions are in accordance with Terminologies D883 and D1600.
3.1.1 lot, n—one production run or a uniform blend of two or more productions runs.
4. Classification
4.1 This specification covers 18 types of PFA-fluorocarbon resins supplied in pellet form classified according to their melting
points. The resins of each type are divided into two to four grades according to their melt flow rates.
4.2 A one-line system is used to specify materials covered by this specification. The system uses predefined cells to refer to specific
aspects of this specification, illustrated as follows:
Specification
Standard Number : Type : Grade : Class : Special
Block : : : : Notes
: : : : : : :
: :
–––––––––––– ––– ––– ––– –––––
Example: Specification D3307 – 06, I
In this standard, the specifications are type and grade. A comma is used as the separator between the standard number and the
type, and a separator is not needed between the type and grade.
5. General Requirements
5.1 The materials shall be of uniform composition and so prepared as to conform to the requirements of this specification.
5.2 The materials described in this specification shall be free of foreign matter to such a contamination at the best commercially
practical level.
6. Detail Requirements
6.1 The materials covered by this specification shall conform to the requirements prescribed in Table 1 and Table 2 when tested
by the procedures specified herein. Table 2 lists those tests requiring a specimen molded as described in 9.1.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
See ASTM Form and Style Manual.
D3307 − 21
TABLE 1 Detail Requirements for Test on Molding and Extrusion Materials
Type Type Type Type Type Type Type Type Type Type Type Type Type Type Type Type Type Type
I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII XIII XIV XV XVI XVII XVIII
A
Melt flow, g/10min:
min >7 1 >3 >10 1 >3 10 2 >24 1 $4 $8 $18 $63 1 >2.5 >5 >9
max 19 3 7 30 3 10 17 5 #50 4 8 18 40 81 2.5 5 9 13
Melting endotherm peak
B
300 300 300 285 285 285 280 280 300 265 265 265 265 290 311 311 311 311
temperature,
min, °C
A
See 9.3 of this specification.
B
See 9.4 of this specification.
D3307 − 21
TABLE 2 Detailed Requirements for Molded Specimens
Type Type Type Type Type Type Type Type Type Type Type Type Type Type Type Type Type Type
I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII XIII XIV XV XVI XVII XVIII
Tensile strength, min, 23°C
A
(73.4°F):
MPa 20.68 25.00 20.68 22.75 25.51 22.75 20.68 26.20 20.68 20.68 20.68 20.68 17.24 20.00 25.00 25.00 20.00 20.00
psi 3000 3625 3000 3300 3700 3300 3000 3800 3000 3000 3000 3000 2500 2900 3625 3625 2900 2900
Elongation, 23°C (73.4°F),
275 300 275 275 260 275 275 300 275 275 275 275 275 230 300 300 200 200
A
min, %
Note: The following properties are the same for all types except as noted.
Specific gravity, 23°C
All 2.12-2.17
B
(73.4°F):
C 2 6
Dielectric constant, max: All 2.2 at 10 Hz and 10 Hz
C
Dissipation factor, max:
10 All 0.0003
10 All 0.0005 except Type 7, which is 0.0003
A
See 9.6 of this specification.
B
See 9.5 of this specification.
C
See 9.7 of this specification.
D3307 − 21
7. Sampling
7.1 Sampling shall be statistically adequate to satisfy the requirements of 10.4.
8. Number of Tests
8.1 One set of test specimens as prescribed in Section 9 shall be considered sufficient for testing each sample. The average result
of the specimens tested shall conform to the requirements of this specification.
9. Test Methods
9.1 Test Specimens:
9.1.1 Prepare a molded sheet 1.50 6 0.25-mm (0.0606 0.010-in.) 1.50 6 0.25-mm (0.060 6 0.010-in
...