ASTM D5721-22

Standard Practice for Air-Oven Aging of Polyolefin Geomembranes

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Under the conditions of this test, the specimens undergo degradation at a rate that is a function of the thermal endurance of the polyolefin geomembrane under examination.  
4.2 The rate of change of a particular property as a function of temperature may be evaluated using the temperatures and times outlined in Practice D3045.  
4.3 Any correlation between this practice and service life of polyolefin geomembranes must be determined for the particular application in which they are to be used.  
4.4 Air-oven aging can be used to evaluate and compare the performance of various heat stabilizer packages exposed to air oxidation.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers a means for estimating the resistance of polyolefin geomembranes to thermal aging in the presence of air.  
1.2 This practice should be used as a guide to compare thermal aging characteristics of materials as measured by the change in some property of interest. This practice does not predict thermal aging characteristics where interactions between stress, environment, temperature, and time control failure.  
1.3 This practice is useful for the development of formulations of polyolefin geomembranes.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.5 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.  
1.6 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-Dec-2021
• ICS: 83.080.20 - Thermoplastic materials
• Technical Committee: D35 - Geosynthetics
• Drafting Committee: D35.02 - Endurance Properties

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D4439-24 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• 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 F412-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM E145-19 - Standard Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-Ventilation Ovens
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Refers: ASTM F412-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM D3045-18 - Standard Practice for Heat Aging of Plastics Without Load
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2018
• Refers: ASTM D4439-18 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2018
• Refers: ASTM D4439-17 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM D1525-17 - Standard Test Method for Vicat Softening Temperature of Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM F412-17a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM F412-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2017
• Refers: ASTM F412-16a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2016
• Refers: ASTM F412-16 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2016
• Refers: ASTM D4439-15a - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D4439-15 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2015

Overview

ASTM D5721-22: Standard Practice for Air-Oven Aging of Polyolefin Geomembranes is an internationally recognized standard developed by ASTM International. This standard outlines a procedure for estimating the resistance of polyolefin geomembranes to thermal aging when exposed to air in a controlled environment. By simulating long-term effects through air-oven exposure, this practice is essential for manufacturers, researchers, and engineers who need to understand and compare the thermal durability of geomembrane materials used in diverse geotechnical and environmental applications.

Air-oven aging tests help predict the relative stability of different polyolefin geomembrane formulations, supporting quality control and product development efforts. While this standard focuses on the exposure procedure itself, it allows users to select the specific test methods for evaluating properties of interest both before and after thermal aging.

Key Topics

• Thermal Aging Resistance: Provides a method to evaluate the ability of polyolefin geomembranes to endure elevated temperatures in the presence of air.
• Comparative Analysis: Enables comparison of thermal aging characteristics across various geomembrane formulations.
• Controlled Conditions: Specifies the use of a forced-ventilation oven, sample handling guidelines, exposure temperatures (default 85°C), and duration (typically 90 days unless otherwise specified).
• Property Evaluation: Guides users in choosing suitable properties (such as oxidative induction time, tensile strength, melt flow index, density, and brittleness temperature) for measurement pre- and post-aging.
• Development Support: Aids in the formulation development process and evaluation of heat stabilizer packages by assessing their performance under accelerated thermal aging.
• Reporting Requirements: Outlines necessary documentation related to sample preparation, test methods, observed changes, oven conditions, and detailed results.

Applications

ASTM D5721-22 is widely used in the following areas:

• Geosynthetics Manufacturing: Quality control for polyolefin geomembranes used in civil engineering, landfill liners, mining containment, and water reservoirs.
• Material Development: Assists R&D teams in assessing new formulations and additives for improved thermal endurance.
• Performance Comparison: Allows stakeholders to compare the effectiveness of heat stabilizer packages and aging resistance among competing products.
• Specification Compliance: Supports procurement and project specification processes by supplying standardized data on material longevity.
• Risk Assessment: Plays a role in evaluating material suitability for long-term service in demanding environments where thermal aging is a concern.

Related Standards

Several ASTM standards are commonly referenced and used alongside ASTM D5721-22 for comprehensive testing and evaluation:

• ASTM D3045 – Practice for Heat Aging of Plastics Without Load
• ASTM D638 – Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
• ASTM D6693/D6693M – Test Method for Tensile Properties of Nonreinforced Polyethylene and Flexible Polypropylene Geomembranes
• ASTM D5885/D5885M, D8117 – Test Methods for Oxidative Induction Time of Polyolefin Geosynthetics
• ASTM D1238 – Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics
• ASTM D792, D1505 – Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity of Plastics
• ASTM D746, D1790 – Test Methods for Brittleness Temperature of Plastics by Impact
• ASTM E145 – Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-Ventilation Ovens

Keywords: Polyolefin geomembranes, air-oven aging, thermal aging, ASTM D5721, heat resistance testing, geosynthetics, accelerated aging, material durability, oxidative stability.

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: D5721 −22
Standard Practice for
Air-Oven Aging of Polyolefin Geomembranes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5721; 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 D792 Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Rela-
tive Density) of Plastics by Displacement
1.1 This practice covers a means for estimating the resis-
D1238 Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics
tance of polyolefin geomembranes to thermal aging in the
by Extrusion Plastometer
presence of air.
D1505 Test Method for Density of Plastics by the Density-
1.2 This practice should be used as a guide to compare
Gradient Technique
thermal aging characteristics of materials as measured by the
D1525 Test Method for Vicat Softening Temperature of
change in some property of interest. This practice does not
Plastics
predict thermal aging characteristics where interactions be-
D1790 Test Method for Brittleness Temperature of Plastic
tween stress, environment, temperature, and time control
Sheeting by Impact
failure.
D3045 Practice for Heat Aging of Plastics Without Load
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
1.3 This practice is useful for the development of formula-
tions of polyolefin geomembranes. D5885/D5885M Test Method for Oxidative Induction Time
of Polyolefin Geosynthetics by High-Pressure Differential
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
Scanning Calorimetry
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
D6693/D6693M Test Method for Determining Tensile Prop-
standard.
erties of Nonreinforced Polyethylene and Nonreinforced
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Flexible Polypropylene Geomembranes
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
D8117 Test Method for Oxidative Induction Time of Poly-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
olefin Geosynthetics by Differential Scanning Calorimetry
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
E145 Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Ventilation Ovens
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
F412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3. Terminology
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1 Definitions:
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1.1 For definitions of general terms used in this standard,
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
refer to Terminology D4439.
3.1.2 aging, n—the process of exposing materials to an
2. Referenced Documents
environment for an interval of time.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.1.3 polyolefin, n—a polymer prepared by the polymeriza-
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
tion of an olefin(s) as the sole monomer(s). (F412)
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
3.1.4 Vicat softening point—the temperature at which a
D746 Test Method for Brittleness Temperature of Plastics
flat-ended needle of 1 mm circular cross section will penetrate
and Elastomers by Impact
a thermoplastic specimen to a depth of 1 mm under a specified
load using a selected uniform rate of temperature rise. (D1525)
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosyn-
4. Significance and Use
thetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.02 on Endurance
Properties.
4.1 Under the conditions of this test, the specimens undergo
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2022. Published January 2022. Originally
degradation at a rate that is a function of the thermal endurance
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as D5721 – 08 (2018).
of the polyolefin geomembrane under examination.
DOI: 10.1520/D5721-22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
4.2 The rate of change of a particular property as a function
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
of temperature may be evaluated using the temperatures and
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. times outlined in Practice D3045.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5721 − 22
caused by air-oven aging of the polymer.
4.3 Any correlation between this practice and service life of
polyolefin geomembranes must be determined for the particu-
7. Conditioning
lar application in which they are to be used.
7.1 Conduct initial tests in accordance with the require-
4.4 Air-oven aging can be used to evaluate and compare the
performance of various heat stabilizer packages exposed to air ments of the ASTM test method for determining the specific
property or properties required.
oxidation.
7.2 When required, conditioning of specimens following
5. Apparatus
exposure at elevated temperature and prior to testing, unless
5.1 Oven—A controlled, forced-ventilation oven with sub-
otherwise specified, shall be in accordance with Practice D618.
stantial fresh air intake. Oven apparatus shall be in accordance
with Type 11B in Specification E145, that is, with a precision
8. Procedure
of 61.5 °Cforanagingtemperatureof85 °C,and50to200air
8.1 Allow the oven to equilibrate at the test temperature.
changes per hour. The calibration of the oven must be
The test temperature should be below the Vicat softening point
performed as indicated in Specification E145.
of the material.
5.2 Temperature Measuring Device—The temperature
8.1.1 The default test temperature is 85 °C. Other tempera-
around the specimens shall be measured in several locations in
tures may be used when agreed between parties.
the oven and recorded at least once per day, for instance, with
8.1.2 Verify that the temperature is within the tolerance at
the aid of suitable calibrated therm
...

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: D5721 − 08 (Reapproved 2018) D5721 − 22
Standard Practice for
Air-Oven Aging of Polyolefin Geomembranes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5721; 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 practice covers a means for estimating the resistance of polyolefin geomembranes to thermal aging in the presence of air.
Only the procedure for heat exposure is specified, not the test method or specimen. The effect of heat on any particular property
may be determined by selection of the appropriate test method and specimen.
1.2 This practice should be used as a guide to compare thermal aging characteristics of materials as measured by the change in
some property of interest. This practice does not predict thermal aging characteristics where interactions between stress,
environment, temperature, and time control failure.
1.3 This practice is useful for the development of formulations of polyolefin geomembranes.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.5 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.
1.6 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:
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
D746 Test Method for Brittleness Temperature of Plastics and Elastomers by Impact
D792 Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Relative Density) of Plastics by Displacement
D1238 Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by Extrusion Plastometer
D1505 Test Method for Density of Plastics by the Density-Gradient Technique
D1525 Test Method for Vicat Softening Temperature of Plastics
D1790 Test Method for Brittleness Temperature of Plastic Sheeting by Impact
D1870 Practice for Elevated Temperature Aging Using a Tubular Oven (Withdrawn 1998)
D3045 Practice for Heat Aging of Plastics Without Load
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.02 on Endurance Properties.
Current edition approved June 1, 2018Jan. 1, 2022. Published June 2018January 2022. Originally approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 20132018 as
D5721 – 08 (2013).(2018). DOI: 10.1520/D5721-08R18.10.1520/D5721-22.
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.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5721 − 22
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
D5885/D5885M Test Method for Oxidative Induction Time of Polyolefin Geosynthetics by High-Pressure Differential Scanning
Calorimetry
D6693/D6693M Test Method for Determining Tensile Properties of Nonreinforced Polyethylene and Nonreinforced Flexible
Polypropylene Geomembranes
D8117 Test Method for Oxidative Induction Time of Polyolefin Geosynthetics by Differential Scanning Calorimetry
E145 Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-Ventilation Ovens
F412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of general terms used in this standard, refer to Terminology D4439.
3.1.2 aging, n—the process of exposing materials to an environment for an interval of time.
3.1.3 polyolefin, n—a polymer prepared by the polymerization of an olefin(s) as the sole monomer(s). (F412)
3.1.4 Vicat softening point—the temperature at which a flat-ended needle of 1-mm1 mm circular cross section will penetrate a
thermoplastic specimen to a depth of 1 mm under a specified load using a selected uniform rate of temperature rise. (D1525)
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Under the severe conditions of this test, the specimens undergo degradation at a rate that is a function of the thermal endurance
of the polyolefin geomembrane under examination.
4.2 The elevated temperature for this practice should represent conditions that are sufficiently severe to induce failure of polyolefin
geomembranes within an abbreviated period of time.
4.2 The rate of change of a particular property as a function of temperature may be evaluated using the temperatures and times
outlined in Practice D3045.
4.3 Any correlation between this practice and naturalservice life of these materialspolyolefin geomembranes must be determined
for the particular application in which the materials they are to be used.
4.4 Air-oven aging can be used to evaluate and compare the performance of various heat stabilizer packages.packages exposed
to air oxidation.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Oven—A controlled, forced-ventilation oven with substantial fresh air intake is recommended. intake. Oven apparatus shall
be in accordance with Type 11B in Specification E145, that is, with a precision of 61.5 °C for an aging temperature of 85 °C, and
50 to 200 air changes per hour. The calibration of the oven must be performed as indicated in Specification E145.
NOTE 1—Cross contamination has been known to occur in rubber products. It is not known if it can occur in semi-crystalline thermoplastics. When it
is necessary to avoid contamination among specimens or materials, a tubular oven method such as Practice D1870 may be desirable.
5.2 Temperature Measuring Device—A thermocouple or thermometer adequate to cover the range being tested and accurate to at
least The temperature around the specimens shall be measured in several locations in the oven and recorded at least once per day,
for instance, with the aid of suitable calibrated thermocouples with an accuracy of at least 60.5 °C.
5.3 The shape of the coupons and their location in the oven may affect the flow of air, and thus their temperature during the test.
When several specimens are hung in the same oven, the temperature should be verified individually for each sample, or, the
temperature measured in a sufficient number of locations throughout the volume of the oven occupied by exposed coupons to
ensure that the temperature of each coupon is within the tolerance specified in 5.1.
D5721 − 22
NOTE 1—The use of nine thermocouples, that is, one in each corner and one in the center of the chamber, has been found satisfactory. Alternate strategies
may be applied.
5.4 The specimens shall be suspended from glass or other chemically inert fixtures in the center of the oven, spaced and not
touching.
6. Sa
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