ASTM D638-02a

Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics

SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the tensile properties of unreinforced and reinforced plastics in the form of standard dumbbell-shaped test specimens when tested under defined conditions of pretreatment, temperature, humidity, and testing machine speed.
1.2 This test method can be used for testing materials of any thickness up to 14 mm (0.55 in.). However, for testing specimens in the form of thin sheeting, including film less than 1.0 mm (0.04 in.) in thickness, Test Methods D882 is the preferred test method. Materials with a thickness greater than 14 mm (0.55 in.) must be reduced by machining.
1.3 This test method includes the option of determining Poisson's ratio at room temperature.
Note 1—This test method and ISO 527-1 are technically equivalent.
Note 2—This test method is not intended to cover precise physical procedures. It is recognized that the constant rate of crosshead movement type of test leaves much to be desired from a theoretical standpoint, that wide differences may exist between rate of crosshead movement and rate of strain between gage marks on the specimen, and that the testing speeds specified disguise important effects characteristic of materials in the plastic state. Further, it is realized that variations in the thicknesses of test specimens, which are permitted by these procedures, produce variations in the surface-volume ratios of such specimens, and that these variations may influence the test results. Hence, where directly comparable results are desired, all samples should be of equal thickness. Special additional tests should be used where more precise physical data are needed.
Note 3—This test method may be used for testing phenolic molded resin or laminated materials. However, where these materials are used as electrical insulation, such materials should be tested in accordance with Test Methods D229 and Test Method 651.
Note 4—For tensile properties of resin-matrix composites reinforced with oriented continuous or discontinuous high modulus >20-GPa (>3.0 106-psi) fibers, tests shall be made in accordance with Test Method D3039/D3039M.
1.4 Test data obtained by this test method are relevant and appropriate for use in engineering design.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.6 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.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Nov-2002
• ICS: 83.080.01 - Plastics in general
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.10 - Mechanical Properties

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D638-02 - Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2002
• Replaced By: ASTM D638-03 - Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2003
• Referred By: ASTM D5364-14(2019) - Standard Guide for Design, Fabrication, and Erection of Fiberglass Reinforced (FRP) Plastic Chimney Liners with Coal-Fired Units
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2002
• Referred By: ASTM F3333-20 - Standard Specification for Chopped Carbon Fiber Reinforced (CFR) Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Polymers for Surgical Implant Applications
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2002
• Referred By: ASTM F3091/F3091M-14(2021) - Standard Specification for Powder Bed Fusion of Plastic Materials
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2002
• Referred By: ASTM D3368-17(2022) - Standard Specification for FEP Sheet and Film
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2002
• Referred By: ASTM D3032-21a - Standard Test Methods for Hookup Wire Insulation
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2002
• Referred By: ASTM D4066-13(2019) - Standard Classification System for Nylon Injection and Extrusion Materials (PA)
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2002
• Referred By: ASTM D3262-20 - Standard Specification for “Fiberglass” (Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Thermosetting-Resin) Sewer Pipe
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2002
• Referred By: ASTM D790-17 - Standard Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2002
• Referred By: ASTM D4801-08(2016) - Standard Specification for Polyethylene Sheeting in Thickness of 0.25 mm (0.010 in.) and Greater
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2002
• Referred By: ASTM D7275-07(2018) - Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Bituminous Geomembranes (BGMs)
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2002
• Referred By: ASTM D5977-23 - Standard Specification for High Load Rotational Spherical Bearings for Bridges and Structures
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2002
• Referred By: ASTM F648-21 - Standard Specification for Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Powder and Fabricated Form for Surgical Implants
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2002
• Referred By: ASTM D8501-23 - Standard Classification System for and Basis for Specification for Unfilled Poly(Ether Ketone Ketone) (PEKK) Materials for Molding, Extrusion, Composites, Powder Coating and Additive Manufacturing
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2002

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: D 638 – 02a
Standard Test Method for
1
Tensile Properties of Plastics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 638; 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 (e) 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* 1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the tensile
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
properties of unreinforced and reinforced plastics in the form
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
of standard dumbbell-shaped test specimens when tested under
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
defined conditions of pretreatment, temperature, humidity, and
testing machine speed.
2. Referenced Documents
1.2 This test method can be used for testing materials of any
2.1 ASTM Standards:
thickness up to 14 mm (0.55 in.). However, for testing
D 229 Test Methods for Rigid Sheet and Plate Materials
specimens in the form of thin sheeting, including film less than
2
Used for Electrical Insulation
1.0 mm (0.04 in.) in thickness, Test Methods D 882 is the
D 412 Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermo-
preferred test method. Materials with a thickness greater than
3
plastic Elastomers—Tension
14 mm (0.55 in.) must be reduced by machining.
4
D 618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
1.3 This test method includes the option of determining
D 651 Test Method for Tensile Strength of Molded Electri-
Poisson’s ratio at room temperature.
5
cal Insulating Materials
NOTE 1—This test method and ISO 527-1 are technically equivalent.
D 882 Test Methods for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic
NOTE 2—This test method is not intended to cover precise physical
4
Sheeting
procedures. It is recognized that the constant rate of crosshead movement
4
D 883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
type of test leaves much to be desired from a theoretical standpoint, that
D 1822 Test Method for Tensile-Impact Energy to Break
wide differences may exist between rate of crosshead movement and rate
4
Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials
of strain between gage marks on the specimen, and that the testing speeds
specified disguise important effects characteristic of materials in the D 3039/D 3039M Test Method for Tensile Properties of
6
plastic state. Further, it is realized that variations in the thicknesses of test
Polymer Matrix Composite Materials
specimens, which are permitted by these procedures, produce variations in
D 4000 Classification System for Specifying Plastic Mate-
the surface-volume ratios of such specimens, and that these variations may
7
rials
influence the test results. Hence, where directly comparable results are
D 4066 Classification System for Nylon Injection and Ex-
desired, all samples should be of equal thickness. Special additional tests
7
trusion Materials
should be used where more precise physical data are needed.
D 5947 Test Methods for Physical Dimensions of Solid
NOTE 3—This test method may be used for testing phenolic molded
8
resin or laminated materials. However, where these materials are used as
Plastic Specimens
9
electrical insulation, such materials should be tested in accordance with
E 4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
Test Methods D 229 and Test Method D 651.
E 83 Practice for Verification and Classification of Exten-
NOTE 4—For tensile properties of resin-matrix composites reinforced
9
someter
with oriented continuous or discontinuous high modulus >20-GPa
6 E 132 Test Method for Poisson’s Ratio at Room Tempera-
(>3.0 3 10 -psi) fibers, tests shall be made in accordance with Test
9
ture
Method D 3039/D 3039M.
E 691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
1.4 Test data obtained by this test method are relevant and
appropriate for use in engineering design.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 10.01.
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 09.01.
4
only.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.01.
5
Discontinued; see 1994 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 10.01.
6
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.03.
7
1
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.02.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics
8
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.03.
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.10 on Mechanical Properties.
9
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.01
...