ASTM D3144-23

Standard Specification for Crosslinked Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride) and Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride) Copolymer Heat-Shrinkable Tubing for Electrical Insulation

ABSTRACT
This specification covers semirigid, flame-retardant, crosslinked poly(vinylidene fluoride) heat-shrinkable tubing for electrical insulation purposes. It is supplied in an expanded form and will shrink to its extruded diameter when heated. The tubing shall be extruded, crosslinked, and then expanded to the required dimensions. The material shall conform to the chemical property requirements specified. Every lot of material manufactured shall be tested for restricted shrinkage, heat shock, tensile strength, and elongation to conform to the mechanical, thermal, electrical requirements.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers semirigid, flame-retardant, crosslinked poly(vinylidene fluoride) heat-shrinkable tubing for electrical insulation purposes. It is supplied in an expanded form and will shrink to its extruded diameter when heated.
Note 1: This standard is similar but not identical to IEC 60684–3–228.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard, except temperature which shall be stated in degrees Celsius. Values in parentheses are for information only.  
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.  
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: 29.035.20 - Plastics and rubber insulating materials
• ICS: 83.140.10 - Films and sheets
• Technical Committee: D09 - Electrical and Electronic Insulating Materials
• Drafting Committee: D09.07 - Electrical Insulating Materials

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D910-24 - Standard Specification for Leaded Aviation Gasolines
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM D1711-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM E176-24 - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM D910-19 - Standard Specification for Leaded Aviation Gasolines
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM D3636-19 - Standard Practice for Sampling and Judging Quality of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM E176-18a - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM D3222-18 - Standard Specification for Unmodified Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride) (PVDF) Molding Extrusion and Coating Materials
• Effective Date: 01-May-2018
• Refers: ASTM E176-18 - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM D910-17a - Standard Specification for Leaded Aviation Gasolines
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM D910-17 - Standard Specification for Leaded Aviation Gasolines
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017
• Refers: ASTM D910-16a - Standard Specification for Leaded Aviation Gasolines
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2016
• Refers: ASTM D910-16 - Standard Specification for Leaded Aviation Gasolines
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Refers: ASTM D1711-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM E176-15ae1 - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2015
• Refers: ASTM E176-15a - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2015

Overview

ASTM D3144-23: Standard Specification for Crosslinked Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride) and Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride) Copolymer Heat-Shrinkable Tubing for Electrical Insulation defines performance and quality requirements for heat-shrinkable tubing made from poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and PVDF copolymers. Designed to provide reliable electrical insulation, this tubing is supplied in an expanded form and shrinks to fit tightly when heated, offering semirigid, flame-retardant protection for electrical components. This ASTM standard aids manufacturers and purchasers in ensuring materials meet rigorous chemical, mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties for safety-sensitive environments.

Key Topics

• Material Composition: Specifies flame-retardant, crosslinked PVDF or copolymer compounds, ensuring high performance in demanding electrical insulation applications.
• Manufacturing Requirements: Tubing must be extruded, crosslinked, and expanded to meet dimensional criteria. Both material grades-PVDF and its copolymers-are addressed.
• Physical & Chemical Properties: Each production lot must be tested for:
  • Restricted shrinkage
  • Heat shock resistance
  • Tensile strength and elongation
  • Flammability
  • Water absorption
  • Dielectric strength and volume resistivity
• Dimensional Tolerances: Includes strict requirements for inside diameter, wall thickness, eccentrity, and length before and after heat-shrinking.
• Quality Assurance: All lots are subject to sampling and conformance procedures. Non-standard dimensions may be supplied if requirements are met and agreed upon.

Applications

ASTM D3144-23 heat-shrinkable tubing is widely used in areas where robust electrical insulation and flame resistance are essential. Typical applications include:

• Wire and Cable Insulation: Provides protective sealing and insulation in both commercial and military wiring systems.
• Harnessing and Splicing: Used for bundling, reinforcing, and repairing cable harnesses, particularly in aerospace, automotive, and industrial sectors.
• Environmental Protection: Shields sensitive electrical components from moisture, chemicals, and mechanical abrasion in harsh environments.
• Identification and Color Coding: Tubing can be supplied in various colors as specified, aiding in wire identification and safety marking.

The tubing specified by this standard is suitable for applications exposed to fluids such as fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and deicing fluids-making it a preferred choice in aviation, transportation, and high-reliability electronics.

Related Standards

ASTM D3144-23 references and aligns with several other standards to ensure compatibility and comprehensive testing, including:

• ASTM D2671: Test Methods for Heat-Shrinkable Tubing for Electrical Use
• ASTM D1711: Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation
• ASTM D3222: Specification for Unmodified Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride) Materials
• ASTM D3636: Practice for Sampling and Judging Quality of Insulating Materials
• ASTM D5575: Classification System for Copolymers of Vinylidene Fluoride
• ASTM D8355: Test Methods for Flammability of Electrical Insulating Materials
• IEC 60684-3-228: International specification for flexible insulating sleeving, providing a global context for performance and testing
• Numerous Federal and Military specifications: Including those for hydraulic fluids, turbine fuels, lubricants, and aviation gasoline to ensure cross-industry compatibility

Practical Value

By complying with ASTM D3144-23, manufacturers and end-users can ensure that their heat-shrinkable tubing products provide consistent, high-quality electrical insulation with verified flame resistance and mechanical integrity. This contributes to improved safety, reliability, and longevity of electrical assemblies in critical sectors such as aerospace, automotive, industrial automation, and defense.

Keywords: ASTM D3144-23, crosslinked poly(vinylidene fluoride), PVDF, heat-shrinkable tubing, electrical insulation, flame-retardant tubing, mechanical testing, quality assurance, electrical safety, standard specification

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: D3144 − 23
Standard Specification for
Crosslinked Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride) and Poly(Vinylidene
Fluoride) Copolymer Heat-Shrinkable Tubing for Electrical
Insulation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3144; 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.
1. Scope Electrical Insulating Materials
D5575 Classification System for Copolymers of Vinylidene
1.1 This specification covers semirigid, flame-retardant,
Fluoride (VDF) with Other Fluorinated Monomers
crosslinked poly(vinylidene fluoride) heat-shrinkable tubing
D8355 Test Methods for Flammability of Electrical Insulat-
for electrical insulation purposes. It is supplied in an expanded
ing Materials Used for Sleeving or Tubing
form and will shrink to its extruded diameter when heated.
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
NOTE 1—This standard is similar but not identical to IEC 60684–3–228.
2.2 Federal Standards:
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
SS-S-550 Sodium Chloride, Technical, for Water-Softening
as the standard, except temperature which shall be stated in
Units
degrees Celsius. Values in parentheses are for information only.
2.3 IEC Standards:
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
IEC 60684-3-228 Flexible insulating sleeving, Part 3, Sheet
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
228: Heat-shrinkable, semi-rigid, polyvinylidene fluoride
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
sleeving, flame retarded, fluid resistant, shrink ratio 2:1
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
2.4 Military Standards:
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
MIL-PRF-5606 Hydraulic Fluid, Petroleum Base, Aircraft,
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
Missile and Ordinance
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
MIL-PRF-5624 Turbine Fuel, Aviation, Grades JP-4 and
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
JP-5
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
MIL-PRF-7808 Lubrication Oil, Aircraft, Turbine Engine,
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Synthetic Base
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
MIL-PRF-23699 Lubrication Oil, Aircraft, Turbine Engines,
Synthetic Base
2. Referenced Documents
2.5 SAE Standards:
2.1 ASTM Standards:
SAE-AMS-1424 Anti-Icing and Deicing—Defrosting Fluid
D910 Specification for Leaded Aviation Gasolines
D1711 Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation
3. Terminology
D2671 Test Methods for Heat-Shrinkable Tubing for Elec-
trical Use
3.1 Definitions:
D3222 Specification for Unmodified Poly(Vinylidene Fluo-
3.1.1 For definitions pertaining to electrical insulation, refer
ride) (PVDF) Molding Extrusion and Coating Materials
to Terminology D1711.
D3636 Practice for Sampling and Judging Quality of Solid
3.1.2 For definitions pertaining to fire standards, refer to
Terminology E176.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D09 on
Electrical and Electronic Insulating Materials and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D09.07 on Electrical Insulating Materials. Available from U. S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), 441 G St., NW,
Current edition approved May 1, 2023. Published June 2023. Originally Washington, DC 20548, http://www.gao.gov.
approved in 1973. Last previous edition approved in 2021 as D3144 – 21. DOI: Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
10.1520/D3144-23. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
2 5
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from DLA Document Services, Building 4/D, 700 Robbins Ave.,
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, http://quicksearch.dla.mil.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from SAE International (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Dr., Warrendale,
the ASTM website. PA 15096, http://www.sae.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3144 − 23
4. Ordering Information 8.2 Tubing with non-standard dimensions shall be permitted
to be supplied when agreed upon between purchaser and seller.
4.1 When tubings are ordered to this specification, it is up to
Tubing with non-standard dimensions shall be considered to
the purchaser to define the size and color of the required
comply with this specification if the requirements of Table 1
tubing.
and Table 2 are satisfied and the minimum recovered wall
5. Materials and Manufacture thickness equals or exceeds that of the identical or next largest
nominal size. The wall for sizes greater than 1 in. shall be at
5.1 The compound used in the manufacture of heat-
least as thick as that of the 1 in. size.
shrinkable tubing shall be modified poly(vinylidene fluoride),
and the finished compound shall be free of all foreign matter
9. Workmanship
other than intended formulation additives as appropriate.
9.1 The tubing shall be homogeneous and essentially free of
5.1.1 Poly(vinylidene fluoride) shall be as described in
flaws, defects, pinholes, bubbles, seams, cracks, or inclusions.
Specification D3222.
5.1.2 Poly(vinylidene fluoride) copolymers shall be as de-
9.2 Clear tubing shall be transparent to translucent light tan
scribed in Classification D5575.
or in a color as agreed between purchaser and seller.
5.2 The tubing shall be extruded, crosslinked, and then
10. Sampling
expanded to the required dimensions.
10.1 A lot shall consist of all material which is processed at
5.3 Poly(vinylidene fluoride) will be subsequently referred
the same time and under the same conditions and submitted for
to as Grade 1, and poly(vinylidene fluoride) copolymers will be
inspection at one time.
subsequently referred to as Grade 2. If no grade is specified,
then Grade 1 shall become the default grade.
10.2 Properties shall be permitted to be tested at any stage in
processing when they are unaffected by subsequent processing.
6. Chemical Property Requirements
10.3 Select a quantity of the product at random from each
6.1 The material shall conform to the chemical property
lot in accordance with Practice D3636 and Table 5.
requirements specified in Table 1.
10.4 Statistical process control measurements shall be per-
6.2 Every lot of material manufactured shall be tested for
mitted to be used to demonstrate conformance in lieu of the
flammability (when applicable). Other chemical requirements
sampling plan noted herein when the demonstrated process
shall be permitted to be tested less frequently or at a frequency
capability is greater than the specified AQL.
agreed upon between the purchaser and the seller.
11. Number of Tests and Retests
7. Physical Property Requirements
11.1 The methods of test define the number of specimens
7.1 The material shall conform to the mechanical, thermal,
and length required for each test.
and electrical requirements of Table 2.
11.2 If the results of any test, except for attributes listed in
7.2 Every lot of material manufactured shall be test
...

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: D3144 − 21 D3144 − 23
Standard Specification for
Crosslinked Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride) and Poly(Vinylidene
Fluoride) Copolymer Heat-Shrinkable Tubing for Electrical
Insulation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3144; 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.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers semirigid, flame-retardant, crosslinked poly(vinylidene fluoride) heat-shrinkable tubing for electrical
insulation purposes. It is supplied in an expanded form and will shrink to its extruded diameter when heated.
NOTE 1—This standard is similar but not identical to IEC 60684–3–228.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard, except temperature which shall be stated in degrees
Celsius. Values in parentheses are for information only.
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.
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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D910 Specification for Leaded Aviation Gasolines
D1711 Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation
D2671 Test Methods for Heat-Shrinkable Tubing for Electrical Use
D3222 Specification for Unmodified Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride) (PVDF) Molding Extrusion and Coating Materials
D3636 Practice for Sampling and Judging Quality of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials
D5575 Classification System for Copolymers of Vinylidene Fluoride (VDF) with Other Fluorinated Monomers
D8355 Test Methods for Flammability of Electrical Insulating Materials Used for Sleeving or Tubing
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
2.2 Federal Standards:
SS-S-550 Sodium Chloride, Technical, for Water-Softening Units
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D09 on Electrical and Electronic Insulating Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
D09.07 on Electrical Insulating Materials.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2021May 1, 2023. Published February 2021June 2023. Originally approved in 1973. Last previous edition approved in 20132021 as
ε1
D3144 – 00 (2013)D3144 – 21. . DOI: 10.1520/D3144-21.10.1520/D3144-23.
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.
Available from U. S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), 441 G St., NW, Washington, DC 20548, http://www.gao.gov.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3144 − 23
2.3 IEC Standards:
IEC 60684-3-228 Flexible insulating sleeving, Part 3, Sheet 228: Heat-shrinkable, semi-rigid, polyvinylidene fluoride sleeving,
flame retarded, fluid resistant, shrink ratio 2:1
2.4 Military Standards:
MIL-H-5606MIL-PRF-5606 Hydraulic Fluid, Petroleum Base, Aircraft, Missile and Ordinance
MIL-T-5624MIL-PRF-5624 Turbine Fuel, Aviation, Grades JP-4 and JP-5
MIL-L-7808MIL-PRF-7808 Lubrication Oil, Aircraft, Turbine Engine, Synthetic Base
MIL-L-23699MIL-PRF-23699 Lubrication Oil, Aircraft, Turbine Engines, Synthetic Base
MIL-A-8243 Anti-Icing and Deicing—Defrosting Fluid
2.5 FederalSAE Standards:
SS-S-550SAE-AMS-1424 Sodium Chloride, Technical, for Water-Softening UnitsAnti-Icing and Deicing—Defrosting Fluid
2.4 IEC Standard:
IEC 60684-3-228 Flexible insulating sleeving, Part 3, Sheet 228: Heat-shrinkable, semi-rigid, polyvinylidene fluoride sleeving,
flame retarded, fluid resistant, shrink ratio 2:1
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions pertaining to electrical insulation, refer to Terminology D1711.
3.1.2 For definitions pertaining to fire standards, refer to Terminology E176.
4. Ordering Information
4.1 When tubings are ordered to this specification, it is up to the purchaser to define the size and color of the required tubing.
5. Materials and Manufacture
5.1 The compound used in the manufacture of heat-shrinkable tubing shall be modified poly(vinylidene fluoride), and the finished
compound shall be free of all foreign matter other than intended formulation additives as appropriate.
5.1.1 Poly(vinylidene fluoride) shall be as described in Specification D3222.
5.1.2 Poly(vinylidene fluoride) copolymers shall be as described in Classification D5575.
5.2 The tubing shall be extruded, crosslinked, and then expanded to the required dimensions.
5.3 Poly(vinylidene fluoride) will be subsequently referred to as Grade 1, and poly(vinylidene fluoride) copolymers will be
subsequently referred to as Grade 2. If no grade is specified, then Grade 1 shall become the default grade.
6. Chemical Property Requirements
6.1 The material shall conform to the chemical property requirements specified in Table 1.
6.2 Every lot of material manufactured shall be tested for flammability (when applicable). Other chemical requirements shall be
permitted to be tested less frequently or at a frequency agreed upon between the purchaser and the seller.
7. Physical Property Requirements
7.1 The material shall conform to the mechanical, thermal, and electrical requirements of Table 2.
7.2 Every lot of material manufactured shall be tested for restricted shrinkage, heat shock, tensile strength, and elongation. Other
physical requirements shall be permitted to be tested less frequently or at a frequency agreed upon between the purchaser and seller.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Available from DLA Document Services, Building 4/D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, http://quicksearch.dla.mil.
Available from SAE International (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Dr., Warrendale, PA 15096, http://www.sae.org.
D3144 − 23
TABLE 1 Chemical Property Requirements
RequirementGrade 1 Grade 2
Property
Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Copolymers
Fluid resistance, 24 h at 23 ± 3 °C (73 ± 6 °F)
JP-4 fuel, MIL-T-5624
Lubricating oil, MIL-L-7808
Lubricating oil, MIL-L-23699
Hydraulic fluid, MIL-H-5606
5% NaCl, SS-S-550
Aviation gasoline, Grade 100, min octane 130,
Specification D910
Deicing fluid, MIL-A-8243
Followed by tests for:
Dielectric strength, min, V/mil (kV/mm) 500 (19.7) 500 (19.7)
Tensile strength, min, psi (MPa) at 5000 (34.5) 2000 (13.8)
2 in. (50 mm)/min
Flammability, Test Methods D8355, Test A, max, s 15 15
Water absorption, 24 h at 23 ± 3 °C (73 ± 6 °F), max % 0.5 0.5
TABLE 2 Physical Property Requirements
Property Requirement
Property Grade 1 Grade 2
Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Copolymers
Restricted shrinkage, Procedure A, 175 ± 3 °C no cracking,no dielectric breakdown
(347 ± 6 °F) 2000 V
Restricted shrinkage, Procedure A, 175 ± 3 °C no cracking, no dielectric breakdown no cracking, no dielectric breakdown
(347 ± 6 °F) 2000 V
Dielectric strength, min, V/mil (kV/mm) 600 (23.6) 600 (23.6)
Heat shock,
...