D20.10 - Mechanical Properties

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The property measured by this test is the apparent modulus of rigidity, G, sometimes called the apparent shear modulus of elasticity. It is important to note that this property is not the same as the modulus of elasticity, E, measured in tension, flexure, or compression. The relationship between these properties is shown in Annex A1.  
4.2 The measured modulus of rigidity is termed “apparent” since it is the value obtained by measuring the angular deflection occurring when the specimen is subjected to an applied torque. Since it is possible that the specimen will be deflected beyond its elastic limit, the calculated value will not always represent the true modulus of rigidity within the elastic limit of the material. In addition, the value obtained by this test method will also be affected by the creep characteristics of the material, since the load application time is arbitrarily fixed. For many materials, it is possible that there is a specification that requires the use of this test method, but with some procedural modifications that take precedence when adhering to the specification. Therefore, it is advisable to refer to that material specification before using this test method. Table 1 in Classification D4000 lists the current ASTM material standards.  
4.3 This test method is useful for determining the relative changes in stiffness over a wide range of temperatures.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the stiffness characteristics of plastics over a wide temperature range by direct measurement of the apparent modulus of rigidity.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given 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.
Note 1: This test method and ISO 458-1 and ISO 458-2 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content.  
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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method is designed to provide load versus deformation response of plastics under essentially multi-axial deformation conditions at impact velocities. This test method further provides a measure of the rate sensitivity of the material to impact.  
4.2 Multi-axial impact response, while partly dependent on thickness, does not necessarily have a linear correlation with specimen thickness. Therefore, results must be compared only for specimens of essentially the same thickness, unless specific responses versus thickness formulae have been established for the material.  
4.3 For many materials, there are cases where a specification that requires the use of this test method, but with some procedural modifications that take precedence when adhering to the specification. Therefore, it is advisable to refer to that material specification before using this test method. Table 1 of Classification System D4000 lists the ASTM materials standards that currently exist.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of puncture properties of rigid plastics over a range of test velocities.  
1.2 Test data obtained by this test method are relevant and appropriate for use in engineering design.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 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 standard and ISO 6603-2 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content. The technical content and results shall not be compared between the two test methods.  
1.5 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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method provides a simple means of characterizing the thermomechanical behavior of plastic materials using very small amounts of material. The data obtained is used for quality control, research and development, as well as the establishment of optimum processing conditions.  
5.2 Dynamic mechanical testing provides a sensitive method for determining thermomechanical characteristics by measuring the elastic and loss moduli as a function of frequency, temperature, or time. Plots of moduli and tan delta of a material versus these variables can be used to provide graphical representation indicative of functional properties, effectiveness of cure (thermosetting resin system), and damping behavior under specified conditions.  
5.2.1 Observed data are specific to experimental conditions. Reporting in full (as described in this test method) the conditions under which the data was obtained is essential to assist users with interpreting the data an reconciling apparent or perceived discrepancies.  
5.3 This test method can be used to assess:  
5.3.1 Modulus as a function of temperature,  
5.3.2 Modulus as a function of frequency,  
5.3.3 The effects of processing treatment, including orientation,  
5.3.4 Relative resin behavioral properties, including cure and damping,  
5.3.5 The effects of substrate types and orientation (fabrication) on elastic modulus,  
5.3.6 The effects of formulation additives which might affect processability or performance,  
5.3.7 The effects of annealing on modulus and glass transition temperature,  
5.3.8 The effect of aspect ratio on the modulus of fiber reinforcements, and  
5.3.9 The effect of fillers, additives on modulus and glass transition temperature.  
5.4 Before proceeding with this test method, make reference to the specification of the material being tested. Any test specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions, or testing parameters, or combination thereof, covered in the relevant ASTM materials specificati...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method outlines the use of dynamic mechanical instrumentation for gathering and reporting the viscoelastic properties of thermoplastic and thermosetting resins and composite systems in the form of rectangular specimens molded directly or cut from sheets, plates, or molded shapes. The tensile data generated is used to identify the thermomechanical properties of a plastic material or composition using a variety of dynamic mechanical instruments.  
1.2 This test method is intended to provide a means for determining viscoelastic properties of a wide variety of plastic materials using nonresonant forced-vibration techniques, in accordance with Practice D4065. Plots of the elastic (storage) modulus; loss (viscous) modulus; complex modulus and tan delta as a function of frequency, time, or temperature are indicative of significant transitions in the thermomechanical performance of the polymeric material system.  
1.3 This test method is valid for a wide range of frequencies, typically from 0.01 Hz to 100 Hz.  
1.4 Due to possible instrumentation compliance, the data generated are intended to indicate relative and not necessarily absolute property values.  
1.5 Test data obtained by this test method are relevant and appropriate for use in engineering design.  
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.7 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 test method is technically equivalent to ISO 6721, Part 4.  
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Pri...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method provides a simple means of characterizing the thermomechanical behavior of plastic compositions using very small amounts of material. The data obtained is used for quality control, research and development as well as the establishment of optimum processing conditions.  
5.2 Dynamic mechanical testing provides a sensitive means for determining thermomechanical characteristics by measuring the elastic and loss moduli as a function of frequency, temperature, or time. Plots of moduli and tan delta of a material versus these variables can be used to provide a graphical representation indicative of functional properties, effectiveness of cure (thermosetting resin system), and damping behavior under specified conditions.  
5.2.1 Observed data are specific to experimental conditions. Reporting in full (as described in this test method) the conditions under which the data was obtained is essential to assist users with interpreting the data an reconciling apparent or perceived discrepancies.  
5.3 This test method can be used to assess:  
5.3.1 Modulus as a function of temperature,  
5.3.2 Modulus as a function of frequency,  
5.3.3 The effects of processing treatment,  
5.3.4 Relative resin behavioral properties, including cure and damping.  
5.3.5 The effects of substrate types and orientation (fabrication) on modulus,  
5.3.6 The effects of formulation additives which might affect processability or performance,  
5.3.7 The effects of annealing on modulus and glass transition temperature,  
5.3.8 The effect of aspect ratio on the modulus of fiber reinforcements, and  
5.3.9 The effect of fillers, additives on modulus and glass transition temperature.  
5.4 Before proceeding with this test method, refer to the specification of the material being tested. Any test specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions, or testing parameters, or combination thereof, covered in the relevant ASTM materials specification shall take precedence over those m...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method outlines the use of dynamic mechanical instrumentation for determining and reporting the visco-elastic properties of thermoplastic and thermosetting resins and composite systems in the form of rectangular bars molded directly or cut from sheets, plates, or molded shapes. The data generated, using three-point bending techniques, is used to identify the thermomechanical properties of a plastic material or compositions using a variety of dynamic mechanical instruments.  
1.2 This test method is intended to provide means for determining the viscoelastic properties of a wide variety of plastics materials using nonresonant, forced-vibration techniques in accordance with Practice D4065. Plots of the elastic (storage) modulus; loss (viscous) modulus; complex modulus and tan delta as a function of frequency, time, or temperature are indicative of significant transitions in the thermomechanical performance of polymeric material systems.  
1.3 This test method is valid for a wide range of frequencies, typically from 0.01 Hz to 100 Hz.  
1.4 Due to possible instrumentation compliance, the data generated are intended to indicate relative and not necessarily absolute property values.  
1.5 Test data obtained by this test method are relevant and appropriate for use in engineering design.  
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.7 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 test method is equivalent to ISO 6721, Part 5.  
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established ...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method provides a simple means of characterizing the thermomechanical behavior of plastic compositions using a very small amount of material. Since small test specimen geometries are used, it is essential that the specimens be representative of the material being tested. The data obtained can be used for quality control and/or research and development purposes. For some classes of materials, such as thermosets, it can also be used to establish optimum processing conditions.  
5.2 Dynamic mechanical testing provides a sensitive means for determining thermomechanical characteristics by measuring the elastic and loss moduli as a function of frequency, temperature, or time. Plots of moduli and tan delta of a material versus these variables can be used to provide a graphic representation indicative of functional properties, effectiveness of cure (thermosetting-resin systems), and damping behavior under specified conditions.  
5.2.1 Observed data are specific to experimental conditions. Reporting in full (as described in this test method) the conditions under which the data was obtained is essential to assist users with interpreting the data an reconciling apparent or perceived discrepancies.  
5.3 This test method can be used to assess the following:  
5.3.1 The modulus as a function of temperature or aging, or both,  
5.3.2 The modulus as a function of frequency,  
5.3.3 The effects of processing treatment, including orientation, induced stress, and degradation of physical and chemical structure,  
5.3.4 Relative resin behavioral properties, including cure and damping,  
5.3.5 The effects of substrate types and orientation (fabrication) on elastic modulus,  
5.3.6 The effects of formulation additives that might affect processability or performance,  
5.3.7 The effects of annealing on modulus and glass transition temperature,  
5.3.8 The effect of aspect ratio on the modulus of fiber reinforcements, and  
5.3.9 The effect of fillers, additives ...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method outlines the use of dynamic mechanical instrumentation for determining and reporting the viscoelastic properties of thermoplastic and thermosetting resins and composite systems in the form of rectangular bars molded directly or cut from sheets, plates, or molded shapes. The elastic modulus data generated is used to identify the thermomechanical properties of a plastics material or composition.  
1.2 This test method is intended to provide a means for determining the viscoelastic properties of a wide variety of plastics using nonresonant, forced-vibration techniques as outlined in Practice D4065. In particular, this method identifies the procedures used to measure properties using what is known as a dual-cantilever beam flexure arrangement. Plots of the elastic (storage) modulus, loss (viscous) modulus, and complex modulus, and tan delta as a function of frequency, time, or temperature are indicative of significant transitions in the thermomechanical performance of the polymeric material systems.  
1.3 This test method is valid for a wide range of frequencies, typically from 0.01 Hz to 100 Hz.  
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 standard.  
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Note 1: There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.  
1.7 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...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method provides a simple means of characterizing the thermomechanical behavior of plastic compositions using very small amounts of material. The data obtained can be used for quality control and/or research and development purposes. For some classes of materials, such as thermosets, it can also be used to establish optimum processing conditions.  
5.2 Dynamic mechanical testing provides a sensitive method for determining thermomechanical characteristics by measuring the elastic and loss moduli as a function of frequency, temperature, or time. Plots of moduli and tan delta of a material versus these variables provide graphical representation indicative of functional properties, effectiveness of cure (thermosetting resin system), and damping behavior under specified conditions.  
5.2.1 Observed data are specific to experimental conditions. Reporting in full (as described in this test method) the conditions under which the data was obtained is essential to assist users with interpreting the data an reconciling apparent or perceived discrepancies.  
5.3 This test method can be used to assess:  
5.3.1 Modulus as a function of temperature,  
5.3.2 Modulus as a function of frequency,  
5.3.3 The effects of processing treatment, including orientation,  
5.3.4 Relative resin behavioral properties, including cure and damping,  
5.3.5 The effects of substrate types and orientation (fabrication) on elastic modulus,  
5.3.6 The effects of formulation additives which might affect processability or performance,  
5.3.7 The effects of annealing on modulus and glass transition temperature,  
5.3.8 The effect of aspect ratio on the modulus of fiber reinforcements, and  
5.3.9 The effect of fillers, additives on modulus and glass transition temperature.  
5.4 Before proceeding with this test method, make reference to the specification of the material being tested. Any test specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions, or testing parameters, or combination...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method outlines the use of dynamic mechanical instrumentation for determining and reporting the viscoelastic properties of thermoplastic and thermosetting resins as well as composite systems in the form of cylindrical specimens molded directly or cut from sheets, plates, or molded shapes. The compression data generated is used to identify the thermomechanical properties of a plastics material or composition using a variety of dynamic mechanical instruments.  
1.2 This test method is intended to provide a means for determining the thermomechanical properties (as a function of a number of viscoelastic variables) for a wide variety of plastic materials using nonresonant, forced-vibration techniques as outlined in Practice D4065. Plots of the elastic (storage) modulus, loss (viscous) modulus, complex modulus, and tan delta as a function of frequency, time, or temperature are indicative of significant transitions in the thermomechanical performance of the polymeric material system.  
1.3 This test method is valid for a wide range of frequencies, typically from 0.01 to 100 Hz.  
1.4 Due to possible instrumentation compliance, the data generated are intended to indicate relative and not necessarily absolute property values.  
1.5 Test data obtained by this test method are relevant and appropriate for use in engineering design.  
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.7 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: There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.  
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized pr...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method provides a simple means of characterizing the important rheological properties and viscosity of thermoplastic polymers using very small amounts of material (approximately 25 to 50 mm in diameter by 1 to 3 mm in thickness ... approximately 3 to 5 g). Data are generally used for quality control, research and development, and establishment of optimum processing conditions.  
5.2 Dynamic mechanical testing provides a sensitive method for determining molten polymer properties by measuring the elastic and loss moduli as a function of frequency, strain, temperature, or time. Plots of viscosity, storage, and loss moduli, and tan delta as a function of the aforementioned process parameters provide graphical representation indicative of molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, effects of chain branching, and melt-processability for specified conditions.  
5.2.1 Observed data are specific to experimental conditions. Reporting in full (as described in this test method) the conditions under which the data was obtained is essential to assist users with interpreting the data an reconciling apparent or perceived discrepancies.  
5.3 Values obtained in this test method can be used to assess the following:  
5.3.1 Complex viscosity of the polymer melt as a function of dynamic oscillation,  
5.3.2 Processing viscosity, minimum as well as changes in viscosity as a function of experimental parameters,  
5.3.3 Effects of processing treatment,  
5.3.4 Relative polymer behavioral properties, including viscosity and damping, and  
5.3.5 Effects of formulation additives that might affect processability or performance.  
5.4 Before proceeding with this test method, refer to the specification for the material being tested. Any test specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions, or testing parameters, or combination thereof, covered in the relevant ASTM materials specification shall take precedence over those mentioned in the test method. If there are no r...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method outlines the use of dynamic mechanical instrumentation in determining and reporting the rheological properties of thermoplastic resins and other types of molten polymers. The method is useful for determining the complex viscosity and other significant viscoelastic characteristics of such materials as a function of frequency, strain amplitude, temperature, and time. It is known that fillers and other additives influence rheological properties.  
1.2 It incorporates a laboratory test method for determining the relevant rheological properties of a polymer melt subjected to various oscillatory deformations on an instrument of the type commonly referred to as a mechanical or dynamic spectrometer.  
1.3 This test method is intended to provide a means of determining the rheological properties of molten polymers, such as thermoplastics and thermoplastic elastomers over a range of temperatures by nonresonant, forced-vibration techniques. Plots of modulus, viscosity, and tan delta as a function of dynamic oscillation (frequency), strain amplitude, temperature, and time are indicative of the viscoelastic properties of a molten polymer.  
1.4 This test method is valid for a wide range of frequencies, typically from 0.01 Hz to 100 Hz.  
1.5 This test method is intended for homogenous and heterogeneous molten polymeric systems and composite formulations containing chemical additives, including fillers, reinforcements, stabilizers, plasticizers, flame retardants, impact modifiers, processing aids, and other important chemical additives often incorporated into a polymeric system for specific functional properties, and which could affect the processability and functional performance. These polymeric material systems have molten viscosities typically less than 106 Pa·s (107 poise).  
1.6 Test data obtained by this test method are relevant and appropriate for use in engineering design.  
1.7 The values stated in ...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Compression tests provide information about the compressive properties of plastics when employed under conditions approximating those under which the tests are made.  
4.2 Compressive properties include modulus of elasticity, yield stress, deformation beyond yield point, and compressive strength (unless the material merely flattens but does not fracture). Materials possessing a low order of ductility may not exhibit a yield point. In the case of a material that fails in compression by a shattering fracture, the compressive strength has a very definite value. In the case of a material that does not fail in compression by a shattering fracture, the compressive strength is an arbitrary one depending upon the degree of distortion that is regarded as indicating complete failure of the material. Many plastic materials will continue to deform in compression until a flat disk is produced, the compressive stress (nominal) rising steadily in the process, without any well-defined fracture occurring. Compressive strength can have no real meaning in such cases.  
4.3 Compression tests provide a standard method of obtaining data for research and development, quality control, acceptance or rejection under specifications, and special purposes. The tests cannot be considered significant for engineering design in applications differing widely from the load-time scale of the standard test. Such applications require additional tests such as impact, creep, and fatigue.  
4.4 Before proceeding with this test method, reference should be made to the ASTM specification for the material being tested. Any test specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions, and testing parameters covered in the materials specification shall take precedence over those mentioned in this test method. If there is no material specification, then the default conditions apply. Table 1 in Classification D4000 lists the ASTM materials standards that currently exist.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the mechanical properties of unreinforced and reinforced rigid plastics, including high-modulus composites, when loaded in compression at relatively low uniform rates of straining or loading. Test specimens of standard shape are employed. This procedure is applicable for a composite modulus up to and including 41,370 MPa (6,000,000 psi).  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.
Note 1: For compressive properties of resin-matrix composites reinforced with oriented continuous, discontinuous, or cross-ply reinforcements, tests may be made in accordance with Test Method D3410/D3410M or D6641/D6641M.  
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. A specific precautionary statement is given in 13.1.
Note 2: This standard is equivalent to ISO 604.  
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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Before proceeding with these test methods, reference should be made to the specification of the material being tested. Any test specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions, and testing parameters covered in the materials specification shall take precedence over those mentioned in these test methods. If there is no material specification, then the default conditions apply.  
5.2 The pendulum impact test indicates the energy to break standard test specimens of specified size under stipulated parameters of specimen mounting, notching, and pendulum velocity-at-impact.  
5.3 The energy lost by the pendulum during the breakage of the specimen is the sum of the following:  
5.3.1 Energy to initiate fracture of the specimen;  
5.3.2 Energy to propagate the fracture across the specimen;  
5.3.3 Energy to throw the free end (or ends) of the broken specimen (“toss correction”);  
5.3.4 Energy to bend the specimen;  
5.3.5 Energy to produce vibration in the pendulum arm;  
5.3.6 Energy to produce vibration or horizontal movement of the machine frame or base;  
5.3.7 Energy to overcome friction in the pendulum bearing and in the indicating mechanism, and to overcome windage (pendulum air drag);  
5.3.8 Energy to indent or deform plastically the specimen at the line of impact; and  
5.3.9 Energy to overcome the friction caused by the rubbing of the striker (or other part of the pendulum) over the face of the bent specimen.  
5.4 For relatively brittle materials, for which fracture propagation energy is small in comparison with the fracture initiation energy, the indicated impact energy absorbed is, for all practical purposes, the sum of factors 5.3.1 and 5.3.3. The toss correction (see 5.3.3) may represent a very large fraction of the total energy absorbed when testing relatively dense and brittle materials. Test Method C shall be used for materials that have an Izod impact resistance of less than 27 J/m (0.5 ft·lbf/in.). (See Appendix X4 for optional units.) T...
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1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the resistance of plastics to “standardized” (see Note 1) pendulum-type hammers, mounted in “standardized” machines, in breaking standard specimens with one pendulum swing (see Note 2). The standard tests for these test methods require specimens made with a milled notch (see Note 3). In Test Methods A, C, and D, the notch produces a stress concentration that increases the probability of a brittle, rather than a ductile, fracture. In Test Method E, the impact resistance is obtained by reversing the notched specimen 180° in the clamping vise. The results of all test methods are reported in terms of energy absorbed per unit of specimen width or per unit of cross-sectional area under the notch. (See Note 4.)
Note 1: The machines with their pendulum-type hammers have been “standardized” in that they must comply with certain requirements, including a fixed height of hammer fall that results in a substantially fixed velocity of the hammer at the moment of impact. However, hammers of different initial energies (produced by varying their effective weights) are recommended for use with specimens of different impact resistance. Moreover, manufacturers of the equipment are permitted to use different lengths and constructions of pendulums with possible differences in pendulum rigidities resulting. (See Section 5.) Be aware that other differences in machine design may exist. The specimens are “standardized” in that they are required to have one fixed length, one fixed depth, and one particular design of milled notch. The width of the specimens is permitted to vary between limits.
Note 2: Results generated using pendulums that utilize a load cell to record the impact force and thus impact energy, may not be equivalent to results that are generated using manually or digitally encoded testers that measure the energy remaining in the pendulum after impact.
Note 3: The notch in the Iz...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 A Rockwell hardness number is a number derived from the net increase in depth impression as the load on an indenter is increased from a fixed minor load to a major load and then returned to a minor load (Procedure A). A Rockwell alpha (α) hardness number represents the maximum possible remaining travel of a short-stroke machine from the net depth of impression, as the load on the indenter is increased from a fixed minor load to a major load (Procedure B). Indenters are round steel balls of specific diameters. Rockwell hardness numbers are always quoted with a scale symbol representing the indenter size, load, and dial scale used. This test method is based on Test Methods E18. Procedure A (Section 11) yields the indentation of the specimen remaining 15 s after a given major load is released to a standard 10-kg minor load. Procedure B (Section 12) yields the indentation of the indenter into the specimen after a 15-s application of the major load while the load is still applied. Each Rockwell scale division represents 0.002-mm (0.00008-in.) vertical movement of the indenter. In practice, the Rockwell hardness number is derived from the following relationship:  
     where:
  HR  =  the Rockwell hardness number, and   e  =  the depth of impression after removal of the major load, in units of 0.002 mm. This relation only holds for the E, M, L, R, and K scales.    
4.2 A Rockwell hardness number is directly related to the indentation hardness of a plastic material, with the higher the reading the harder the material. An α hardness number is equal to 150 minus the instrument reading. Due to a short overlap of Rockwell hardness scales by Procedure A, two different dial readings on different scales may be obtained on the same material, both of which may be technically correct.  
4.3 For certain types of materials having creep and recovery, the time factors involved in applications of major and minor loads have a considerable effect on the results of the measureme...
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1.1 This test method covers two procedures for testing the indention hardness of plastics and related plastic electrical insulating materials by means of the Rockwell hardness tester.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given 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.
Note 1: This test method and ISO 2039-2 are equivalent. Procedure A of this test method is equivalent to the test method in the main body of ISO 2039-2. Procedure B of this test method is equivalent to the test method in the integral annex part of ISO 2039-2.  
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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The observation and measurement of strains in transparent or translucent materials is extensively used in various modeling techniques of experimental stress analysis.  
5.2 Internal strains induced in manufacturing processes such as casting, molding, welding, extrusion, and polymer stretching can be assessed and parts exhibiting excessive strains identified. Such measurements can lead to elimination of defective parts, process improvement, control of annealing operation, etc.  
5.3 When testing for physical properties, polariscopic examination of specimens is required, to eliminate those specimens exhibiting abnormal internal strain level (or defects). For example: Test Methods D638 (Note 8) and D882 (Note 11) recommend a polariscopic examination.  
5.4 The birefringence of oriented polymers can be related to orientation, shrinkage, etc. The measurements of birefringence aid in characterization of these polymers.  
5.5 For many materials, there may be a specification that requires the use of this test method, but with some procedural modifications that take precedence when adhering to the specification. Therefore, it is advisable to refer to that material specification before using this test method. Table 1 of Classification System D4000 lists the ASTM materials standards that currently exist.
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1.1 This quantitative test method covers measurements of direction of principal strains, ε1 and ε2, and the photoelastic retardation, δ, using a compensator, for the purpose of analyzing strains in transparent or translucent plastic materials. This test method can be used to measure birefringence and to determine the difference of principal strains or normal strains when the principal directions do not change substantially within the light path.  
1.2 In addition to the method using a compensator described in this test method, other methods are in use, such as the goniometric method (using rotation of the analyzer) mostly applied for measuring small retardation, and expressing it as a fraction of a wavelength. Nonvisual methods employing spectrophotometric measurements and eliminating the human judgment factor are also possible.  
1.3 Test data obtained by this test method is relevant and appropriate for use in engineering design.  
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the 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.
Note 1: There is no known ISO equivalent to this test method.  
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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The property KIc  (GIc) determined by these test methods characterizes the resistance of a material to fracture in a neutral environment in the presence of a sharp crack under severe tensile constraint, such that the state of stress near the crack front approaches plane strain, and the crack-tip plastic (or non-linear viscoelastic) region is small compared with the crack size and specimen dimensions in the constraint direction. A KIc value is believed to represent a lower limiting value of fracture toughness. This value has been used to estimate the relation between failure stress and defect size for a material in service wherein the conditions of high constraint described above would be expected. Background information concerning the basis for development of these test methods in terms of linear elastic fracture mechanics can be found in Refs  (1-5).3  
5.1.1 The KIc (GIc) value of a given material is a function of testing speed and temperature. Furthermore, cyclic loads have been found to cause crack extension at K values less than KIc (GIc). Crack extension under cyclic or sustained load will be increased by the presence of an aggressive environment. Therefore, application of KIc (GIc) in the design of service components should be made considering differences that may exist between laboratory tests and field conditions.  
5.1.2 Plane-strain fracture toughness testing is unusual in that sometimes there is no advance assurance that a valid KIc (GIc) will be determined in a particular test. Therefore it is essential that all of the criteria concerning validity of results be carefully considered as described herein.  
5.1.3 Clearly, it will not be possible to determine KIc (GIc) if any dimension of the available stock of a material is insufficient to provide a specimen of the required size.  
5.2 Inasmuch as the fracture toughness of plastics is often dependent on specimen process history, that is, injection molded, extruded, compression molded, etc., the spe...
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1.1 These test methods are designed to characterize the toughness of plastics in terms of the critical-stress-intensity factor, KIc, and the energy per unit area of crack surface or critical strain energy release rate, GIc, at fracture initiation.  
1.2 Two testing geometries are covered by these test methods, single-edge-notch bending (SENB) and compact tension (CT).  
1.3 The scheme used assumes linear elastic behavior of the cracked specimen, so certain restrictions on linearity of the load-displacement diagram are imposed.  
1.4 A state-of-plane strain at the crack tip is required. Specimen thickness must be sufficient to ensure this stress state.  
1.5 The crack must be sufficiently sharp to ensure that a minimum value of toughness is obtained.  
1.6 The significance of these test methods and many conditions of testing are identical to those of Test Method E399, and, therefore, in most cases, appear here with many similarities to the metals standard. However, certain conditions and specifications not covered in Test Method E399, but important for plastics, are included.  
1.7 This protocol covers the determination of GIc as well, which is of particular importance for plastics.  
1.8 These test methods give general information concerning the requirements for KIc and GIc testing. As with Test Method E399, two annexes are provided which give the specific requirements for testing of the SENB and CT geometries.  
1.9 Test data obtained by these test methods are relevant and appropriate for use in engineering design.  
1.10 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 standard and ISO 13586 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical con...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 These fatigue tests are used to determine the effect of processing, surface condition, stress, and so forth, on the fatigue resistance of plastic material subjected to uniaxial stress for relatively large numbers of cycles. The results can also be used as a guide for the selection of plastic materials for service under conditions of repeated flexural stress.  
5.2 Properties can vary with specimen depth and test frequency. Test frequency can be 1-25 Hz but it is recommended that a frequency of 5 Hz or less be used.  
5.3 Material response in fatigue is not identical for all plastics. If a plastic does not exhibit an elastic region, where strain is reversible, plastic deformation will occur during fatigue testing, causing the amplitude of the programmed load or deformation to change during testing. In this situation, caution shall be taken when using the results for design as they are generally not indicative of the true fatigue properties of the material.  
5.4 The results of these fatigue tests are suitable for application in design only when the specimen test conditions realistically simulate service conditions or some methodology of accounting for service conditions is available and clearly defined.  
5.5 This procedure accommodates various specimen preparation techniques. Comparison of results obtained from specimens prepared in different manners shall not be considered comparable unless equivalency has been demonstrated.
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1.1 This test method covers the determination of dynamic fatigue properties of plastics in uniaxial loading. This method is applicable to rigid and semi-rigid plastics. Uniaxial loading systems with tension and compression capabilities are used to determine these properties. Stress and strain levels are below the proportional limits of the material where the strains and stresses are relatively elastic.  
1.2 This test method can be used with two procedures:  
1.2.1 Procedure A, fatigue testing in tension.  
1.2.2 Procedure B, fatigue testing in compression, only for rigid plastics.  
1.3 Comparative tests can be run in accordance with either procedure, provided that the procedure is found satisfactory for the material being tested.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values provided in parentheses are for information only.  
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.
Note 1: There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.  
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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 These fatigue tests are used to determine the effect of processing, surface condition, stress, and so forth, on the fatigue resistance of plastic material subjected to flexural stress for relatively large numbers of cycles. The results can also be used as a guide for the selection of plastic materials for service under conditions of repeated flexural stress.  
5.2 Properties can vary with specimen depth and test frequency. Test frequency can be 1-25 Hz but it is recommended that a frequency of 5 Hz or less be used.  
5.3 Material response in fatigue is not identical for all plastics. If a plastic does not exhibit an elastic region, where strain is reversible, plastic deformation will occur during fatigue testing, causing the amplitude of the programmed load or deformation to change during testing. In this situation, caution shall be taken when using the results for design as they are generally not indicative of the true fatigue properties of the material.  
5.4 The results of these fatigue tests are suitable for application in design only when the specimen test conditions realistically simulate service conditions or some methodology of accounting for service conditions is available and clearly defined.  
5.5 This procedure accommodates various specimen preparation techniques. Comparison of results obtained from specimens prepared in different manners shall not be considered comparable unless equivalency has been demonstrated.
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1.1 This test method covers the determination of dynamic fatigue properties of plastics in flexure. This method is applicable to rigid and semi-rigid plastics. Stress and strain levels are below the proportional limit of the material where the strains and stresses are relatively elastic. Three-point or four-point bending systems are used to determine these properties.  
1.2 This test method can be used with two procedures:  
1.2.1 Procedure A, designed for materials that use three-point loading systems to determine flexural strength. Three-point loading system is used for this procedure.  
1.2.2 Procedure B, designed for materials that use four-point loading systems to determine flexural strength. Four-point loading system is used for this procedure.  
1.3 Comparative tests can be run in accordance with either procedure, provided that the procedure is found satisfactory for the material being tested.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values provided in parentheses are for information only.  
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.
Note 1: This standard and ISO 13003 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content and results cannot be directly compared between the two test methods.  
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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method is designed to produce tensile property data for the control and specification of plastic materials. These data are also useful for qualitative characterization and for research and development.  
4.2 Some material specifications that require the use of this test method, but with some procedural modifications that take precedence when adhering to the specification. Therefore, it is advisable to refer to that material specification before using this test method. Table 1 in Classification D4000 lists the ASTM materials standards that currently exist.  
4.3 Tensile properties are known to vary with specimen preparation and with speed and environment of testing. Consequently, where precise comparative results are desired, these factors must be carefully controlled.  
4.4 It is realized that a material cannot be tested without also testing the method of preparation of that material. Hence, when comparative tests of materials per se are desired, exercise great care to ensure that all samples are prepared in exactly the same way, unless the test is to include the effects of sample preparation. Similarly, for referee purposes or comparisons within any given series of specimens, care shall be taken to secure the maximum degree of uniformity in details of preparation, treatment, and handling.  
4.5 Tensile properties provide useful data for plastics engineering design purposes. However, because of the high degree of sensitivity exhibited by many plastics to rate of straining and environmental conditions, data obtained by this test method cannot be considered valid for applications involving load-time scales or environments widely different from those of this test method. In cases of such dissimilarity, no reliable estimation of the limit of usefulness can be made for most plastics. This sensitivity to rate of straining and environment necessitates testing over a broad load-time scale (including impact and creep) and range of environmental conditions i...
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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 is applicable 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, ASTM standard D882 is the preferred test method. Materials with a thickness greater than 14 mm (0.55 in.) shall be reduced by machining.  
1.3 This test method includes the option of determining Poisson's ratio at room temperature.
Note 1: This standard and ISO 527-1 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content.
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 D651...

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1.1 This terminology is a compilation of definitions and descriptions of technical terms used in dynamic mechanical property measurements on polymeric materials, including solutions, melts, and solids. Terms that are generally understood or defined adequately in other readily available sources are either not included or sources identified.  
1.2 A definition is a single sentence with additional information included in notes. It is reviewed every five years and the year of the last review or revision is appended.  
1.3 Definitions identical to those published by another standards organization or ASTM committee are identified with the abbreviation of the name of the organization or the ASTM committee.  
1.4 Descriptions of terms specific to dynamic mechanical measurements are identified with an italicized introductory phrase.  
Note 1: This terminology standard is similar to ISO 6721–1 however, the ISO document cites fewer terms.  
1.5 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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Tensile-impact energy is the energy required to break a standard tension-impact specimen in tension by a single swing of a standard calibrated pendulum under a set of standard conditions (see Note 2). To compensate for the minor differences in cross-sectional area of the specimens, the energy to break is normalized to units of kilojoules per square metre (or foot-pounds-force per square inch) of minimum cross-sectional area. An alternative approach to normalizing the impact energy that compensates for these minor differences and still retains the test unit as joules (foot-pounds) is shown in Section 10. For a perfectly elastic material, the impact energy is usually reported per unit volume of material undergoing deformation. However, since much of the energy to break the plastic materials for which this test method is written is dissipated in drawing of only a portion of the test region, such normalization on a volume basis is not feasible. In order to observe the effect of elongation or rate of extension, or both, upon the result, the test method permits two specimen geometries. Results obtained with different capacity machines generally are not comparable.  
5.1.1 With the Type S (short) specimen the extension is comparatively low, while with the Type L (long) specimen the extension is comparatively high. In general, the Type S specimen (with its greater occurrence of brittle fracture) gives greater reproducibility, but less differentiation among materials.
Note 2: Friction losses are largely eliminated by careful design and proper operation of the testing machine.  
5.2 Scatter of data is sometimes attributed to different failure mechanisms within a group of specimens. Some materials exhibit a transition between different failure mechanisms. If so, the elongation will be critically dependent on the rate of extension encountered in the test. The impact energy values for a group of such specimens will have an abnormally large dispersion.  
5.2.1 Some mater...
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1.1 This test method covers the determination of the energy required to rupture standard tension-impact specimens of plastic materials. Rigid materials are suitable for testing by this method as well as specimens that are too flexible or thin to be tested in accordance with other impact test methods.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
Note 1: This test method and ISO 8256 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content.  
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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method provides a simple means of characterizing the cure behavior of thermosetting resins using very small amounts of material (fewer than 3 to 5 g). The data obtained may be used for quality control, research and development, and establishment of optimum processing conditions.  
5.2 Dynamic mechanical testing provides a sensitive method for determining cure characteristics by measuring the elastic and loss moduli as a function of temperature or time, or both. Plots of cure behavior and tan delta of a material versus time provide graphical representation indicative of cure behavior under a specified time-temperature profile.  
5.3 This test method can be used to assess the following:  
5.3.1 Cure behavior, including rate of cure, gel, and cure time.  
5.3.2 Processing behavior, as well as changes as a function of time/temperature.
Note 3: The presence of the substrate prevents an absolute measure, but allows relative measures of flow behavior during cure.  
5.3.3 The effects of processing treatment.  
5.3.4 Relative resin behavioral properties, including cure behavior and damping.  
5.3.5 The effects of substrate types on cure.
Note 4: Due to the rigidity of a supporting braid, the gel time obtained from dynamic mechanical traces will be longer than actual gel time of the unsupported resin measured at the same frequency. This difference will be greater for composites having greater support-to-polymer rigidity ratios.3  
5.3.6 Effects of formulation additives that might affect processability or performance.  
5.4 For many materials, there may be a specification that requires the use of this test method, but with some procedural modifications that take precedence when adhering to the specification. Therefore, it is advisable to refer to that material specification before using this test method. Table 1 of Classification System D4000 lists the ASTM materials standards that currently exist.
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1.1 This test method covers the use of dynamic-mechanical-oscillation instrumentation for gathering and reporting the thermal advancement of cure behavior of thermosetting resin. It may be used for determining the cure properties of both unsupported resins and resins supported on substrates subjected to various oscillatory deformations.  
1.2 This test method is intended to provide a means for determining the cure behavior of supported and unsupported thermosetting resins over a range of temperatures by free vibration as well as resonant and nonresonant forced-vibration techniques, in accordance with Practice D4065. Plots of modulus, tan delta, and damping index as a function of time/temperature are indicative of the thermal advancement or cure characteristics of a resin.  
1.3 This test method is valid for a wide range of frequencies, typically from 0.01 to 100 Hz. However, it is strongly recommended that low-frequency test conditions, generally below 1.5 Hz, be utilized as they generally will result in more definitive cure-behavior information.  
1.4 This test method is intended for resin/substrate composites that have an uncured effective elastic modulus in shear greater than 0.5 MPa.  
1.5 Apparent discrepancies may arise in results obtained under differing experimental conditions. These apparent differences from results observed in another study can usually be reconciled, without changing the observed data, by reporting in full (as described in this test method) the conditions under which the data were obtained.  
1.6 Due to possible instrumentation compliance, especially in the compressive mode, the data generated may indicate relative and not necessarily absolute property values.  
1.7 Test data obtained by this test method are relevant and appropriate for use in engineering design.  
1.8 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.  
1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use....

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method provides a simple means of characterizing the thermomechanical behavior of plastics material. The data obtained may be used for quality control, research and development, and establishment of optimum processing conditions.  
5.2 Dynamic mechanical testing provides a sensitive method for determining thermomechanical characteristics by measuring the elastic and loss moduli as a function of frequency, temperature, or time. Plots of moduli and tan delta of a material versus temperature provide graphical representations indicative of physical and mechanical properties, effectiveness of cure (thermosetting resin system), and damping behavior under specified conditions.  
5.3 This test method can be used to assess  
5.3.1 The modulus as a function of temperature,  
5.3.2 The modulus as a function of frequency,  
5.3.3 The effects of processing treatment, including orientation,  
5.3.4 Relative resin behavioral properties, including cure and damping,  
5.3.5 The effects of substrate types and orientation (fabrication) on elastic modulus, and  
5.3.6 The effects of formulation additives that might affect processability or performance.  
5.4 Before proceeding with this test method, reference should be made to the specification of the material being tested. Any test specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions, or testing parameters, or combination thereof, covered in the relevant ASTM materials specification shall take precedence over those mentioned in this test method. If there are no relevant ASTM materials specifications, then the default conditions apply.
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1.1 This test method covers the use of dynamic mechanical instrumentation for gathering and reporting the viscoelastic properties of thermoplastic and thermosetting resins and composite systems in the form of rectangular specimens molded directly or cut from sheets, plates, or molded shapes. The torsional data generated may be used to identify the thermomechanical properties of a plastics material or composition.  
1.2 This test method is intended to provide means for determining the torsional modulus of plastics as a function of temperature using nonresonant forced-vibration techniques, as outlined in Practice D4065. Plots of the elastic (storage), loss (viscous), and complex moduli and tan delta, as a function of frequency, time, or temperature are indicative of significant transitions in the thermomechanical performance of the polymeric material system.  
1.3 This test method is valid for a wide range of frequencies, typically from 0.01 to 100 Hz.  
1.4 Apparent discrepancies may arise in results obtained under differing experimental conditions. These apparent differences from results observed in another study can usually be reconciled without changing the observed data by reporting in full (as described in this test method) the conditions under which the data were obtained.  
1.5 Test data obtained by this test method are relevant and appropriate for use in engineering design.  
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.  
1.7 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 test method is equivalent to ISO 6721, Part 7.  
1.8 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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Plastics are viscoelastic and it is possible that they are sensitive to changes in velocity of weights falling on their surfaces. However, the velocity of a free-falling object is a function of the square root of the drop height. A change of a factor of two in the drop height will cause a change of only 1.4 in velocity. Hagan, et al (2) found that the mean-failure energy of sheeting was constant at drop heights between 0.30 and 1.4 m. Different materials respond differently to changes in the velocity of impact.  
5.2 The test conditions used in Geometry GA are the same as those used in Geometry FA of Test Method D5628 (see Table 1).  
5.3 The test conditions of Geometry GB are equivalent to the geometry used for the Gardner Variable Height Impact Test (3).  
5.4 The test conditions of Geometry GC cause a punch-shear type of failure because the support-plate hole is close to the diameter of the striker.  
5.5 The test conditions of Geometry GD are the same as those in Test Method D3763.  
5.6 The test conditions of Geometry GE are the same as those in Test Method D4226, impactor head configuration H.25.  
5.7 Because of the nature of impact testing, the selection of a test method and striker must be somewhat arbitrary. Consider the end use environment and requirements when choosing from the available striker geometries. The selection of any one of the striker geometries is permitted.
Note 2: Material processing can have a significant affect on the development of a plastic's physical properties. Consult relevant material standards for processing guidelines
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1.1 This test method covers the determination of the relative ranking of materials according to the energy required to crack or break flat, rigid plastic specimens under various specified conditions of impact of a striker impacted by a falling weight.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given 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.
Note 1: There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.  
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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Dynamic mechanical testing provides a method for determining elastic and loss moduli as a function of temperature, frequency or time, or both. A plot of the elastic modulus and loss modulus of material versus temperature provides a graphical representation of elasticity and damping as a function of temperature or frequency, respectively.  
5.2 This procedure can be used to locate transition temperatures of plastics, that is, changes in the molecular motions of a polymer. In the temperature ranges where significant changes occur, elastic modulus decreases rapidly with increasing temperature (at constant or near constant frequency) or increases with increasing frequency (at constant temperature). A maximum is observed for the loss modulus, as well as for the tan delta curve, in the transition region.  
5.3 This procedure can be used, for example, to evaluate by comparison to known reference materials or control materials:  
5.3.1 Degree of phase separation in multicomponent systems,  
5.3.2 Filler type, amount, pretreatment, and dispersion, and  
5.3.3 Effects of certain processing treatment.  
5.4 This procedure can be used to determine the following:  
5.4.1 Stiffness of polymer composites, especially as a function of temperature,  
5.4.2 Degree of polymer crystallinity, and  
5.4.3 Magnitude of triaxial stress state in the rubber phase of rubber modified polymers.  
5.5 This procedure is useful for quality control, specification acceptance, and research.  
5.6 Procedural modifications in material specifications take precedence to this practice. Therefore, consult the appropriate material specification before using this practice. Table 1 of Classification System D4000 lists the ASTM materials standards that currently exist.
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1.1 This practice is for general use in gathering and reporting dynamic mechanical data. It incorporates laboratory practice for determining dynamic mechanical properties of plastic specimens subjected to various oscillatory deformations on a variety of instruments of the type commonly called dynamic mechanical analyzers or dynamic thermomechanical analyzers.  
1.2 This practice is intended to provide means of determining the transition temperatures, elastic, and loss moduli of plastics over a range of temperatures, frequencies, or time, by free vibration and resonant or nonresonant forced vibration techniques. Plots of elastic and loss moduli are indicative of the viscoelastic characteristics of a plastic. These moduli are functions of temperature or frequency in plastics, and change rapidly at particular temperatures or frequencies. The regions of rapid moduli change are normally referred to as transition regions.  
1.3 The practice is primarily useful when conducted over a range of temperatures from −140°C to polymer softening and is valid for frequencies from 0.01 to 1000 Hz.  
1.4 This practice is intended for materials that have an elastic modulus in the range from 0.5 MPa to 100 GPa (73 psi to 1.5 × 107 psi).  
1.5 Discrepancies in results are known to arise when obtained under differing experimental conditions. Without changing the observed data, reporting in full (as described in this practice) the conditions under which the data were obtained will enable apparent differences observed in another study to be reconciled. An assumption of this technique is that testing is conducted in the region of linear viscoelastic behavior.  
1.6 Different modes of deformation, such as tensile, bending and shear, are used, as listed in the referenced test methods.  
1.7 Test data obtained by this practice are relevant and appropriate for use in engineering design.  
1.8 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.9 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 t...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Scratch tests are performed on specimens:
(1) to evaluate the scratch resistance of a particular material,  
(2) to rank the relative scratch resistance of different materials, or
(3) to determine the scratch coefficient of friction of materials.  
5.2 Since polymers exhibit mechanical properties that are strongly dependent on temperature, the test standard prescribed herein is designed to yield reproducible results when users perform tests under the similar testing environment and on specimens of the same material and surface texture that are subjected to the same conditioning procedures.  
5.3 Certain polymers are self-healing (recoverable) when subjected to scratches and other physical deformations because of their viscoelastic and relaxation properties. It is important to note the difference between the instantaneous (if readily measurable) and residual scratch damage and compare results appropriately to ensure reproducibility. It is recommended that 24 hours be allowed for viscoelastic recovery when considering residual scratch depth.  
5.4 “Whitening” of the scratched surface is a key damage mechanism that has prompted much concern in automotive and other applications where surface aesthetics is important. This type of damage is undesirable because it is evident to the human eye. The critical normal load at which this phenomenon appears serves as a benchmark in ranking material performance, especially from an aesthetic point of view.
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1.1 This test method describes a laboratory procedure using an instrumented scratch machine to produce and quantify surface damage under controlled conditions. This test method is able to characterize the scratch resistance of polymers by measuring many significant material parameters. The scratch-inducing and data acquisition process is automated to avoid user-influenced effects that may affect the results.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The 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.
Note 1: This standard is equivalent to ISO 19252.  
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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The pendulum-impact test indicates the energy to break standard test specimens of specified size under stipulated conditions of specimen mounting and pendulum velocity at impact.  
5.2 The energy lost by the pendulum during the breakage of the specimen is the sum of the energies required to produce the following results:  
5.2.1 To initiate fracture of the specimen,  
5.2.2 To propagate the fracture across the specimen,  
5.2.3 To throw the free end (or pieces) of the broken specimen (toss correction),  
5.2.4 To bend the specimen,  
5.2.5 To produce vibration in the pendulum arm,  
5.2.6 To produce vibration or horizontal movement of the machine frame or base,  
5.2.7 To overcome friction in the pendulum bearing and in the indicating mechanism, and to overcome windage (pendulum air drag),  
5.2.8 To indent or deform plastically the specimen at the line of impact, and  
5.2.9 To overcome the friction caused by the rubbing of the striking nose (or other part of the pendulum) over the face of the bent specimen.  
5.3 For relatively brittle materials for which fracture propagation energy is small in comparison with the fracture initiation energy, the indicated impact energy absorbed is, for all practical purposes, the sum of items given in 5.2.1 and 5.2.3. The toss correction (5.2.3) may represent a very large fraction of the total energy absorbed when testing relatively dense and brittle materials.  
5.4 For materials for which the fracture propagation energy (5.2.2) may be large compared to the fracture initiation energy (5.2.1), factors (5.2.2, 5.2.5, and 5.2.9) can become quite significant, even when the specimen is accurately machined and positioned and the machine is in good condition with adequate capacity (Note 3). Bending (5.2.4) and indentation losses (5.2.8) may be appreciable when testing soft materials.
Note 3: Although the frame and base of the machine should be sufficiently rigid and massive to handle the energies of tough specimens wit...
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1.1 This test method covers the determination of the resistance of plastics to breakage by flexural shock, as indicated by the energy extracted from standardized pendulum-type hammers, mounted in standardized machines, in breaking standard specimens with one pendulum swing. The result of this test method is reported as energy absorbed per unit of specimen width.
Note 1: The pendulum-type test instruments have been standardized in that they must comply with certain requirements, including a fixed height of hammer fall that results in a substantially fixed velocity of the hammer at the moment of impact. Pendulums of different initial energies (produced by varying their effective weights) are recommended for use with specimens of different impact strengths. Moreover, manufacturers of the equipment are permitted to use different lengths and constructions of pendulums (with resulting possible differences in pendulum rigidities (see Section 5), and other differences in machine design).  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given 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.
Note 2: This standard and ISO 180, Method U address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content.  
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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Transparent plastic materials, when used as windows or enclosures, are subject to wiping and cleaning; hence the maintenance of optical quality of a material after abrasion is important. It is the purpose of this test method to provide a means of estimating the resistance of such materials to this type and degree of abrasion.  
4.2 Although this test method does not provide fundamental data, it is suitable for grading materials relative to this type of abrasion in a manner which correlates with service.  
4.3 Comparison of interlaboratory data or the specification of a “haze” value has no significance if the hazemeter requirements given in 5.4 are not used. This is because light diffused from the surface of a Taber track is scattered at a narrow angle (Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) while light diffused internally by a specimen is scattered at a wide angle. In many hazemeters, when a diaphragm is inserted to limit the light beam to the width of the abraded track, the specular beam at the exit port becomes smaller. The dark annulus will then be greater than the 0.023 rad ± 0.002 rad (1.3° ± 0.1°) requirements of Test Method D1003. Since a large percentage of the narrow-angle forward-scattered light will not impinge on the sphere wall, “haze” readings become smaller. For hazemeters that have not been properly adjusted, the magnitude of this reduction is dependent both on the integrating sphere diameter and the reduction of the entrance beam.
FIG. 1 Light Scattering from Surface of Abraded Tracks (Photograph)  
Note 1: This photograph shows light pattern of the scattering from the surface of a Taber abraded specimen. The circles show how increasing the 1.3° dark annulus dramatically changes the amount of light impacting the sphere wall.
FIG. 2 Light Scattering from Surface of Abraded Tracks (Graph)  
Note 1: This graph shows goniophotometric curves for Taber abraded tracks. The specular angle of transmission is at 180°.  
4.4 For many materials, there may be a specifi...
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1.1 This test method describes a procedure for estimating the resistance of transparent plastics to one kind of surface abrasion by measuring the change in optical properties.  
1.2 Abrasive damage is numerically quantified by calculating the difference in haze percentage in accordance with Test Method D1003 between an abraded and unabraded specimen.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
Note 1: This test method is equivalent in the measurement of resistance to abrasion of ISO 3537, Section 8 and ISO 15082, Section 11, but is not equivalent in any other measurement or section. This test method is not equivalent to ISO 9352, and results cannot be directly compared between the two methods.
Note 2: This test method is similar to SAE J3097Z26, Test 12.
Note 3: Prior attempts to employ the Taber Abraser for volume loss determinations of various plastics2 have been unsuccessful because of excessively large coefficients of variation attributed to the data. Insufficient agreement among the participating laboratories has rendered the use of volume loss procedure inadvisable as an ASTM test method.
Note 4: For determining the resistance to abrasion of organic coatings by weight loss, reference is made to Test Method D4060, which uses more aggressive CS-10 or CS-17 abrasive wheels.  
1.4 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.  
1.5 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 Wor...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 A J-R curve produced in accordance with this test method characterizes the crack growth resistances of a wide range of tough polymers and polymer blends (1-5)4 that cannot be obtained in sufficient size and thickness for valid characterization by linear elastic fracture mechanics in Test Methods D5045.  
5.2 The J-R  curve characterizes, within the limits set forth in this test method, the resistance of a polymeric material to slow stable crack growth after initiation from a preexisting sharp flaw.  
5.3 A J-R  curve can be used as an index of material toughness for blend or alloy design, material selection, materials processing, and quality assurance (6).  
5.4 The J-R curves from bend specimens represent lower bound estimates of J capacity as a function of crack extension, and have been observed to be conservative relative to those obtained from specimen configurations under tensile loading.  
5.5 The J-R curves for a given material of constant microstructure tend to exhibit lower slope (flatter) with increasing thickness. Thus, it is recommended that the largest possible specimen with representative microstructure be used.  
5.6 The J-R curve can be used to assess the stability of cracks in structures in the presence of ductile tearing, with awareness of the differences that may exist between laboratory test and field conditions.  
5.7 A J-R curve may depend on the orientation and propagation of the crack in relation to the anisotropy of the material which may be induced by specimen fabrication methods.  
5.8 Because of the possibility of rate dependence of crack growth resistance, J-R curves can be determined at displacement rates other than that specified in this test method (7).
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1.1 This test method covers the determination of the J-integral versus crack growth resistance (J-R) curves for polymeric materials.  
1.2 This test method is intended to characterize the slow, stable crack growth resistance of bend-type specimens in such a manner that it is geometry insensitive within limits set forth in this test method.  
1.3 The recommended specimens are the three-point bend (SE(B)) and pin-loaded compact tension (C(T)) specimens. Both specimens have in-plane dimensions of constant proportionality for all sizes. Specimen configurations other than those recommended in this test method may require different procedures and validity requirements.  
1.4 This test method describes a multiple specimen method that requires optical measurement of crack extension from fracture surfaces. It is not recommended for use with materials in which the crack front cannot be distinguished from additional deformation processes in advance of the crack tip.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.  
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Note 1: There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.  
1.7 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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method provides data for quality control and acceptance or rejection under specifications.  
4.2 Before proceeding with this test method, reference the ASTM specification of the material being tested. Any test specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions, or testing parameters, or combination thereof, covered in the materials specification takes precedence over those mentioned in this test method. If there are no material specifications, then the default conditions herein apply. Table 1 of Classification System D4000 lists the ASTM materials standards that currently exist.
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1.1 This test method covers certain material specifications for which a history of data has been obtained using the standard microtensile specimen. In general, this test method is superseded for general use by either Test Method D882 or Test Method D638. The very small Type V specimen in Test Method D638 is the recommended specimen when limited amounts of material are available.  
1.2 This test method covers the determination of the comparative tensile strength and elongation properties of plastics in the form of standard microtensile test specimens when tested under defined conditions of pretreatment, temperature, humidity, and testing machine speed. This method is applicable when using specimens of any thickness up to 3.2 mm (1/8 in.), including thin films.  
1.3 This test method cannot be used for the determination of modulus of elasticity. For the determination of modulus, see Test Method D638 or Test Methods D882.  
1.4 Data obtained by this test method are relevant and appropriate for use in engineering design.
Note 1: Tensile properties provide useful data for plastics engineering design purposes. However, because of the high degree of sensitivity exhibited by many plastics to rate of straining and environmental conditions, data obtained by this test method cannot be considered valid for applications involving load-time scales or environments widely different from those of this test method. In cases of such dissimilarity, no reliable estimation of the limit of usefulness can be made for most plastics. This sensitivity to rate of straining and environment necessitates testing over a broad load-time scale (including impact and creep) and range of environmental conditions if tensile properties are to suffice for engineering design purposes.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Note 2: There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.  
1.7 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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 These test methods shall be used where precise dimensions are necessary for the calculation of properties expressed in physical units. They are not intended to replace practical thickness measurements based on commercial portable tools, nor is it implied that thickness measurements made by the procedures will agree exactly.  
5.2 Examples of machinist’s micrometers, including pictures with descriptions of their components and pictures of the micrometers used can be located in Practice A1073/A1073M. However, make sure the micrometer, the calibration of it, and the use of it adheres to the requirements of this standard.
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1.1 These test methods cover determination of the physical dimensions of solid plastic specimens where the dimensions are used directly in determining the results of tests for various properties. Use these test methods except as otherwise required in material specifications.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.  
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.
Note 1: This standard and ISO 16012 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content.  
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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Plastics are viscoelastic and therefore are likely to be sensitive to changes in velocity of the mass falling on their surfaces. However, the velocity of a free-falling object is a function of the square root of the drop height. A change of a factor of two in the drop height will cause a change of only 1.4 in velocity. Hagan et al (2) found that the mean-failure energy of sheeting was constant at drop heights between 0.30 and 1.4 m. This suggests that a constant mass-variable height method will give the same results as the constant height-variable mass technique. On the other hand, different materials respond differently to changes in the velocity of impact. While both constant-mass and constant-height techniques are permitted by these methods, the constant-height method is to be used for those materials that are found to be rate-sensitive in the range of velocities encountered in falling-weight types of impact tests.  
5.2 The test geometry FA causes a moderate level of stress concentration and can be used for most plastics.  
5.3 Geometry FB causes a greater stress concentration and results in failure of tough or thick specimens that do not fail with Geometry FA (3). This approach can produce a punch shear failure on thick sheet. If that type of failure is undesirable, Geometry FC is to be used. Geometry FB is suitable for research and development because of the smaller test area required.  
5.3.1 The conical configuration of the 12.7-mm diameter tup used in Geometry FB minimizes problems with tup penetration and sticking in failed specimens of some ductile materials.  
5.4 The test conditions of Geometry FC are the same as those of Test Method A of Test Method D1709. They have been used in specifications for extruded sheeting. A limitation of this geometry is that considerable material is required.  
5.5 The test conditions of Geometry FD are the same as for Test Method D3763.  
5.6 The test conditions of Geometry FE are the same as for ISO 6603-1.  
5...
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1.1 This test method covers the determination of the threshold value of impact-failure energy required to crack or break flat, rigid plastic specimens under various specified conditions of impact of a free-falling dart (tup), based on testing many specimens.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The 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. Specific hazard statements are given in Section 8.  
Note 1: This test method and ISO 6603-1 are technically equivalent only when the test conditions and specimen geometry required for Geometry FE and the Bruceton Staircase method of calculation are used.  
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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Before proceeding with this test method, refer to the material specification for the material being tested. Any test specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions and testing parameters required by the materials specification shall take precedence over those required by this test method. Table 1 of Classification D4000 lists the ASTM materials standards that currently exist. If there is no material specification, then the requirements of this test method apply.  
5.2 The pendulum impact test indicates the energy to break standard test specimens of specified size under stipulated conditions of specimen mounting, notching (stress concentration), and pendulum velocity at impact.  
5.3 For this test method, the energy lost by the pendulum during the breakage of the specimen is the sum of the energies required to initiate fracture of the specimen; to propagate the fracture across the specimen; to throw the free ends of the broken specimen (toss energy); to bend the specimen; to produce vibration in the pendulum arm; to produce vibration or horizontal movement of the machine frame or base; to overcome friction in the pendulum bearing and in the indicating mechanism, and to overcome windage (pendulum air drag); to indent or deform, plastically, the specimen at the line of impact; and to overcome the friction caused by the rubbing of the striking nose over the face of the bent specimen.
Note 5: The toss energy, or the energy used to throw the free ends of the broken specimen, is suspected to represent a very large fraction of the total energy absorbed when testing relatively dense and brittle materials. No procedure has been established for estimating the toss energy for the Charpy method.  
5.4 For tough, ductile, fiber-filled, or cloth-laminated materials, the fracture propagation energy is usually large compared to the fracture initiation energy. When testing these materials, energy losses due to fracture propagation, vibration, friction between the striking no...
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1.1 This test method is used to determine the resistance of plastics to breakage by flexural shock as indicated by the energy extracted from standardized (see Note 1) pendulum-type hammers, mounted in standardized machines, in breaking standard specimens with one pendulum swing. This test method requires specimens to be made with a milled notch (see Note 2). The notch produces a stress concentration which promotes a brittle, rather than a ductile, fracture. The results of this test method are reported in terms of energy absorbed per unit of specimen width (see Note 3).  
Note 1: The machines with pendulum-type hammers have been standardized in that they must comply with certain requirements including a fixed height of hammer fall, which results in a substantially fixed velocity of the hammer at the moment of impact. Hammers of different initial energies (produced by varying their effective weights), however, are recommended for use with specimens of different impact resistance. Moreover, manufacturers of the equipment are permitted to use different lengths and constructions of pendulums with possible differences in pendulum rigidities resulting (see Section 5). Be aware that other differences in machine design do exist.
Note 2: The specimens are standardized in that they have a fixed length and fixed depth, however, the width of the specimens is permitted to vary between limits. One design of milled notch is allowed. The notch in the specimen serves to concentrate the stress, minimize plastic deformation, and direct the fracture to the part of the specimen behind the notch. Scatter in energy-to-break is thus reduced. Because of differences in the elastic and viscoelastic properties of plastics, however, response to a given notch varies among materials.
Note 3: Caution must be exercised in interpreting the results of this test method. The following testing parameters have been shown to affect test results significant...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This guide is intended to serve as a reference to the plastics community for material properties needed in engineering design.  
4.2 Product datasheets or product literature typically report single-point values at ambient conditions and hence, by their very nature, are inadequate for engineering design and structural analysis of a component or system. A detailed property profile for the particular grade chosen for a given part not only enhances the confidence of the design engineer by allowing a more realistic assessment of the material under close-to-actual service environments but also may avoid premature failure of the designed component and potential liability litigation later. Additionally, it would also eliminate use of larger “design safety factors” that result in “overengineering” or “overdesign.” Not only is such overdesign unwarranted, but it adds to the total part cost, resulting in a good example of ineffective design with plastics and a prime target for substitution by other materials.  
4.3 One of the problems faced by design engineers is access to comparable data among similar products from different material suppliers because of the lack of standardized reporting format in the plastics industry. ISO 10350.1, ISO 11403-1, and ISO 11403-2 are intended to address the comparability of data issue only as far as single-point and multipoint data for material selection. This guide attempts to serve as a means to standardize the format to report comparable data for engineering design. It is essential that incorporating standardized test specimen geometry and specific test conditions as recommended in Guide D1999, Practice D3641, or ISO 3167 and ISO 294-1 are an integral part of the data generation.
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1.1 This guide covers the essential material properties needed for designing with plastics. Its purpose is to raise the awareness of the plastics community regarding the specific considerations involved in using the appropriate material properties in design calculations.  
1.2 This guide is intended only as a convenient resource for engineering design. It should be noted that the specific operating conditions (temperature, applied stress or strain, environment, etc. and corresponding duration of such exposures) could vary significantly from one application to another. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the user to perform any pertinent tests under actual conditions of use to determine the suitability of the material in the intended application.  
1.3 The applicable ISO and ASTM standard methods for the relevant material properties are listed in this guide for the benefit of design engineers.  
1.4 It should be noted that for some of the desired properties, no ASTM or ISO standards exist. These include pvT data, no-flow temperature, ejection temperature, and fatigue in tension. In these instances, relying on available test methods is suggested.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Note 1: There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.  
1.7 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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Flexural properties as determined by this test method are especially useful for quality control and specification purposes. They include:  
5.1.1 Flexural Stress (σf)—When a homogeneous elastic material is tested in flexure as a simple beam supported at two points and loaded at the midpoint, the maximum stress in the outer surface of the test specimen occurs at the midpoint. Flexural stress is calculated for any point on the load-deflection curve using equation (Eq 3) in Section 12 (see Notes 5 and 6).
Note 5: Eq 3 applies strictly to materials for which stress is linearly proportional to strain up to the point of rupture and for which the strains are small. Since this is not always the case, a slight error will be introduced if Eq 3 is used to calculate stress for materials that are not true Hookean materials. The equation is valid for obtaining comparison data and for specification purposes, but only up to a maximum fiber strain of 5 % in the outer surface of the test specimen for specimens tested by the procedures described herein.
Note 6: When testing highly orthotropic laminates, the maximum stress may not always occur in the outer surface of the test specimen.4 Laminated beam theory must be applied to determine the maximum tensile stress at failure. If Eq 3 is used to calculate stress, it will yield an apparent strength based on homogeneous beam theory. This apparent strength is highly dependent on the ply-stacking sequence of highly orthotropic laminates.  
5.1.2 Flexural Stress for Beams Tested at Large Support Spans (σf)—If support span-to-depth ratios greater than 16 to 1 are used such that deflections in excess of 10 % of the support span occur, the stress in the outer surface of the specimen for a simple beam is reasonably approximated using equation (Eq 4) in 12.3 (see Note 7).
Note 7: When large support span-to-depth ratios are used, significant end forces are developed at the support noses which will affect the moment in a simple supported...
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1.1 These test methods are used to determine the flexural properties of unreinforced and reinforced plastics, including high modulus composites and electrical insulating materials utilizing a three-point loading system to apply a load to a simply supported beam (specimen). The method is generally applicable to both rigid and semi-rigid materials, but flexural strength cannot be determined for those materials that do not break or yield in the outer surface of the test specimen within the 5.0 % strain limit.  
1.2 Test specimens of rectangular cross section are injection molded or, cut from molded or extruded sheets or plates, or cut from molded or extruded shapes. Specimens must be solid and uniformly rectangular. The specimen rests on two supports and is loaded by means of a loading nose midway between the supports.  
1.3 Measure deflection in one of two ways; using crosshead position or a deflectometer. Please note that studies have shown that deflection data obtained with a deflectometer will differ from data obtained using crosshead position. The method of deflection measurement shall be reported.  
Note 1: Requirements for quality control in production environments are usually met by measuring deflection using crosshead position. However, more accurate measurement may be obtained by using an deflection indicator such as a deflectometer.
Note 2: Materials that do not rupture by the maximum strain allowed under this test method may be more suited to a 4-point bend test. The basic difference between the two test methods is in the location of the maximum bending moment and maximum axial fiber stresses. The maximum axial fiber stresses occur on a line under the loading nose in 3-point bending and over the area between the loading noses in 4-point bending. A four-point loading system method can be found in Test Method D6272.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values provided i...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Shear strength obtained by the use of punch-type tooling is one of the recognized methods of comparing materials, or obtaining data for engineering design purposes, or both. However, it must be recognized that for end-use applications there are likely to be many factors not taken into account in this test method, such as stress-concentrating geometries and rates of shear, which can profoundly affect the measured shear strength. Moreover, the fact that the shear strength is calculated by dividing the load by the area of the sheared edge (punch circumference X specimen thickness) does not interpret as indicating the shear strength value so obtained is solely a material property, independent of thickness.  
4.2 For many materials, it is possible that there is a specification that requires the use of this test method, but with some procedural modifications that take precedence when adhering to the specification. Therefore, it is advisable to refer to that material specification before using this test method. Table 1 of Classification System D4000 lists the ASTM materials standards that currently exist.
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1.1 This test method covers the procedure for determining the shear strength of plastics in the form of sheets, plates, and molded shapes in thicknesses from 1.27 to 12.7 mm (0.050 to 0.500 in.).  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Note 1: There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.  
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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method is intended for tensile testing of fiber-reinforced thermosetting laminates. For injection molded thermoplastics, both reinforced and unreinforced, Test Method D638 is recommended. For most unidirectional fiber reinforced laminates, Test Methods D3039/D3039M is preferred.  
4.2 This test method is designed to produce tensile property data for quality control and research and development. Report all factors that influence the tensile properties, such as: material, methods of material and specimen preparation, specimen conditioning, test environment, speed of testing, void content, and volume percent reinforcement. See Section 12 for reporting requirements.  
4.3 It is realized that a material cannot be tested without also specifying the method of preparation of that material. Hence, when comparative tests of materials per se are desired, the greatest care must be exercised to ensure that all samples are prepared in exactly the same way, unless the test is to include the effects of sample preparation. Similarly, for referee purposes or comparisons within any given series of specimen, care must be taken to secure the maximum degree of uniformity in details of preparation, treatment, and handling.
Note 6: Preparation techniques for reinforced thermosetting plastics can be found in the part of ISO 1268 appropriate to the manufacturing technique for the laminate.  
4.4 Because of the high degree of sensitivity exhibited by many reinforced plastics to rate of straining and environmental conditions, data obtained by this test method cannot be considered valid for applications involving load-time scales or environments widely different from those of this test method. In cases of such dissimilarity, no reliable estimation of the limit of usefulness can be made for most plastics. This sensitivity to rate of straining and environment necessitates testing over a broad load-time scale (including impact and creep) and range of environmental conditions.
...
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1.1 This test method covers the determination of the tensile properties of thermosetting reinforced plastics using test specimens of uniform nominal width when tested under defined conditions of pretreatment, temperature, humidity, and testing-machine speed.  
Note 1: Experience with this test method to date has been limited to glass-reinforced thermosets. Applicability to other materials remains to be determined.  
1.2 This test method is used for testing materials of any thickness up to 14 mm (0.55 in.).  
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 gauge 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 that 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: Use of this test method for testing materials of thicknesses greater than 14 mm (0.55 in.) is not recommended. Reducing the thickness by machining may be acceptable for materials of uniform reinforcement amount and direction, but is generally not recommended.  
1.3 Test data obtained by this test method is relevant and appropriate for use in engineering design.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all ...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Data from creep and creep-rupture tests are necessary to predict the creep modulus and strength of materials under long-term loads and to predict any dimensional changes that will potentially occur as a result of such loads.  
5.2 Data from these test methods are suitable for use: (1) to compare materials, (2) in the design of fabricated parts, (3) to characterize plastics for long-term performance under constant load, and (4) under certain conditions, for specification purposes.  
5.3 Before proceeding with this test method, reference shall be made to the specification of the material being tested. Any specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions, and/or testing parameters covered in the material specification shall take precedence over those mentioned in this test method, except in cases where to do so would conflict with the purpose for conducting testing. If there are no material specifications, then the default conditions apply.
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1.1 These test methods cover the determination of tensile and compressive creep and creep-rupture of plastics under specified environmental conditions (see 3.2).  
1.2 In these test methods three-point loading, as described in Test Methods D790, is used for measurement of creep in flexure. However, four-point loading using the equipment and principles described in D6272 is also permitted as an option.  
1.3 For measurements of creep-rupture, tension is the preferred stress mode because for some ductile plastics rupture does not occur in flexure or compression.  
1.4 Test data obtained by these test methods 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 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. A specific warning statement is given in 6.8.2.
Note 1: This standard and ISO 899 Parts 1 and 2 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content (and results cannot be directly compared between the two test methods). ISO 899 Part 1 addresses tensile creep and creep to rupture and ISO 899 Part 2 addresses flexural creep. Compressive creep is not addressed in ISO 899.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Flexural properties determined by this test method are especially useful for quality control and specification purposes.  
5.2 This test method is recommended for those materials that do not fail within the strain limits imposed by Test Method D790. The major difference between four point and three point bending modes is the location of the maximum bending moment and maximum axial fiber stress. In four point bending the maximum axial fiber stress is uniformly distributed between the loading noses. In three point bending the maximum axial fiber stress is located immediately under the loading nose.  
5.3 Flexural properties vary with specimen depth, temperature, atmospheric conditions, and the difference in rate of straining specified in Procedures A and B.  
5.4 Before proceeding with this test method, reference the specification of the material being tested. Any test specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions, or testing parameters covered in the material specification, or both, shall take precedence over those mentioned in this test method. If there are no material specifications, then these default conditions apply. Table 1 in Classification D4000 lists the ASTM materials standards that currently exist.
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1.1 This test method covers the determination of flexural properties of unreinforced and reinforced plastics, including high-modulus composites and electrical insulating materials in the form of rectangular bars molded directly or cut from sheets, plates, or molded shapes. These test methods are generally applicable to rigid and semirigid materials. However, flexural strength cannot be determined for those materials that do not break or that do not fail in the outer fibers. This test method utilizes a four point loading system applied to a simply supported beam.  
1.2 This test method describes two procedures (Procedure A and Procedure B), the selection of which depends on the behavior of the sample to be tested as explained below:  
1.2.1 Procedure A, designed principally for materials that break at comparatively small deflections. It shall be used for measurement of flexural properties, particularly flexural modulus, unless the material specification states otherwise.  
1.2.2 Procedure B, designed particularly for those materials that undergo large deflections during testing. It is suitable for measurement of flexural strength.  
1.3 Comparative tests are permitted to be run according to either procedure, provided that the procedure is found satisfactory for the material being tested.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values provided in parentheses are for information only.  
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.
Note 1: This test method is similar to ISO 14125, Method B. However, ISO 14125, Method B specifies only a load span of 1/3 the support span whereas D6272 also permits a load span of 1/2 the support span. For this reason and other differences in technical content, exercise extreme care if attempting to compare results between the two test methods.  
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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Before proceeding with these test methods, reference should be made to the specification of the material being tested. Any test specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions, and testing parameters covered in the materials specification shall take precedence over those mentioned in these test methods. If there is no material specification, then the default conditions apply.  
5.2 The pendulum impact test indicates the energy to break standard test specimens of specified size under stipulated parameters of specimen mounting, notching, and pendulum velocity-at-impact.  
5.3 The energy lost by the pendulum during the breakage of the specimen is the sum of the following:  
5.3.1 Energy to initiate fracture of the specimen;  
5.3.2 Energy to propagate the fracture across the specimen;  
5.3.3 Energy to throw the free end (or ends) of the broken specimen (“toss correction”);  
5.3.4 Energy to bend the specimen;  
5.3.5 Energy to produce vibration in the pendulum arm;  
5.3.6 Energy to produce vibration or horizontal movement of the machine frame or base;  
5.3.7 Energy to overcome friction in the pendulum bearing and in the indicating mechanism, and to overcome windage (pendulum air drag);  
5.3.8 Energy to indent or deform plastically the specimen at the line of impact; and  
5.3.9 Energy to overcome the friction caused by the rubbing of the striker (or other part of the pendulum) over the face of the bent specimen.  
5.4 For relatively brittle materials, for which fracture propagation energy is small in comparison with the fracture initiation energy, the indicated impact energy absorbed is, for all practical purposes, the sum of factors 5.3.1 and 5.3.3. The toss correction (see 5.3.3) may represent a very large fraction of the total energy absorbed when testing relatively dense and brittle materials. Test Method C shall be used for materials that have an Izod impact resistance of less than 27 J/m (0.5 ft·lbf/in.). (See Appendix X4 for optional units.) T...
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1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the resistance of plastics to “standardized” (see Note 1) pendulum-type hammers, mounted in “standardized” machines, in breaking standard specimens with one pendulum swing (see Note 2). The standard tests for these test methods require specimens made with a milled notch (see Note 3). In Test Methods A, C, and D, the notch produces a stress concentration that increases the probability of a brittle, rather than a ductile, fracture. In Test Method E, the impact resistance is obtained by reversing the notched specimen 180° in the clamping vise. The results of all test methods are reported in terms of energy absorbed per unit of specimen width or per unit of cross-sectional area under the notch. (See Note 4.)
Note 1: The machines with their pendulum-type hammers have been “standardized” in that they must comply with certain requirements, including a fixed height of hammer fall that results in a substantially fixed velocity of the hammer at the moment of impact. However, hammers of different initial energies (produced by varying their effective weights) are recommended for use with specimens of different impact resistance. Moreover, manufacturers of the equipment are permitted to use different lengths and constructions of pendulums with possible differences in pendulum rigidities resulting. (See Section 5.) Be aware that other differences in machine design may exist. The specimens are “standardized” in that they are required to have one fixed length, one fixed depth, and one particular design of milled notch. The width of the specimens is permitted to vary between limits.
Note 2: Results generated using pendulums that utilize a load cell to record the impact force and thus impact energy, may not be equivalent to results that are generated using manually or digitally encoded testers that measure the energy remaining in the pendulum after impact.
Note 3: The notch in the Iz...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The pendulum-impact test indicates the energy to break standard test specimens of specified size under stipulated conditions of specimen mounting and pendulum velocity at impact.  
5.2 The energy lost by the pendulum during the breakage of the specimen is the sum of the energies required to produce the following results:  
5.2.1 To initiate fracture of the specimen,  
5.2.2 To propagate the fracture across the specimen,  
5.2.3 To throw the free end (or pieces) of the broken specimen (toss correction),  
5.2.4 To bend the specimen,  
5.2.5 To produce vibration in the pendulum arm,  
5.2.6 To produce vibration or horizontal movement of the machine frame or base,  
5.2.7 To overcome friction in the pendulum bearing and in the indicating mechanism, and to overcome windage (pendulum air drag),  
5.2.8 To indent or deform plastically the specimen at the line of impact, and  
5.2.9 To overcome the friction caused by the rubbing of the striking nose (or other part of the pendulum) over the face of the bent specimen.  
5.3 For relatively brittle materials for which fracture propagation energy is small in comparison with the fracture initiation energy, the indicated impact energy absorbed is, for all practical purposes, the sum of items given in 5.2.1 and 5.2.3. The toss correction (5.2.3) may represent a very large fraction of the total energy absorbed when testing relatively dense and brittle materials.  
5.4 For materials for which the fracture propagation energy (5.2.2) may be large compared to the fracture initiation energy (5.2.1), factors (5.2.2, 5.2.5, and 5.2.9) can become quite significant, even when the specimen is accurately machined and positioned and the machine is in good condition with adequate capacity (Note 3). Bending (5.2.4) and indentation losses (5.2.8) may be appreciable when testing soft materials.
Note 3: Although the frame and base of the machine should be sufficiently rigid and massive to handle the energies of tough specimens wit...
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1.1 This test method covers the determination of the resistance of plastics to breakage by flexural shock, as indicated by the energy extracted from standardized pendulum-type hammers, mounted in standardized machines, in breaking standard specimens with one pendulum swing. The result of this test method is reported as energy absorbed per unit of specimen width.
Note 1: The pendulum-type test instruments have been standardized in that they must comply with certain requirements, including a fixed height of hammer fall that results in a substantially fixed velocity of the hammer at the moment of impact. Pendulums of different initial energies (produced by varying their effective weights) are recommended for use with specimens of different impact strengths. Moreover, manufacturers of the equipment are permitted to use different lengths and constructions of pendulums (with resulting possible differences in pendulum rigidities (see Section 5), and other differences in machine design).  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given 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.
Note 2: This standard and ISO 180, Method U address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content.  
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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Before proceeding with these test methods, reference should be made to the specification of the material being tested. Any test specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions, and testing parameters covered in the materials specification shall take precedence over those mentioned in these test methods. If there is no material specification, then the default conditions apply.  
5.2 The pendulum impact test indicates the energy to break standard test specimens of specified size under stipulated parameters of specimen mounting, notching, and pendulum velocity-at-impact.  
5.3 The energy lost by the pendulum during the breakage of the specimen is the sum of the following:  
5.3.1 Energy to initiate fracture of the specimen;  
5.3.2 Energy to propagate the fracture across the specimen;  
5.3.3 Energy to throw the free end (or ends) of the broken specimen (“toss correction”);  
5.3.4 Energy to bend the specimen;  
5.3.5 Energy to produce vibration in the pendulum arm;  
5.3.6 Energy to produce vibration or horizontal movement of the machine frame or base;  
5.3.7 Energy to overcome friction in the pendulum bearing and in the indicating mechanism, and to overcome windage (pendulum air drag);  
5.3.8 Energy to indent or deform plastically the specimen at the line of impact; and  
5.3.9 Energy to overcome the friction caused by the rubbing of the striker (or other part of the pendulum) over the face of the bent specimen.  
5.4 For relatively brittle materials, for which fracture propagation energy is small in comparison with the fracture initiation energy, the indicated impact energy absorbed is, for all practical purposes, the sum of factors 5.3.1 and 5.3.3. The toss correction (see 5.3.3) may represent a very large fraction of the total energy absorbed when testing relatively dense and brittle materials. Test Method C shall be used for materials that have an Izod impact resistance of less than 27 J/m (0.5 ft·lbf/in.). (See Appendix X4 for optional units.) T...
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1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the resistance of plastics to “standardized” (see Note 1) pendulum-type hammers, mounted in “standardized” machines, in breaking standard specimens with one pendulum swing (see Note 2). The standard tests for these test methods require specimens made with a milled notch (see Note 3). In Test Methods A, C, and D, the notch produces a stress concentration that increases the probability of a brittle, rather than a ductile, fracture. In Test Method E, the impact resistance is obtained by reversing the notched specimen 180° in the clamping vise. The results of all test methods are reported in terms of energy absorbed per unit of specimen width or per unit of cross-sectional area under the notch. (See Note 4.)
Note 1: The machines with their pendulum-type hammers have been “standardized” in that they must comply with certain requirements, including a fixed height of hammer fall that results in a substantially fixed velocity of the hammer at the moment of impact. However, hammers of different initial energies (produced by varying their effective weights) are recommended for use with specimens of different impact resistance. Moreover, manufacturers of the equipment are permitted to use different lengths and constructions of pendulums with possible differences in pendulum rigidities resulting. (See Section 5.) Be aware that other differences in machine design may exist. The specimens are “standardized” in that they are required to have one fixed length, one fixed depth, and one particular design of milled notch. The width of the specimens is permitted to vary between limits.
Note 2: Results generated using pendulums that utilize a load cell to record the impact force and thus impact energy, may not be equivalent to results that are generated using manually or digitally encoded testers that measure the energy remaining in the pendulum after impact.
Note 3: The notch in the Iz...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method is designed to provide load versus deformation response of plastics under essentially multi-axial deformation conditions at impact velocities. This test method further provides a measure of the rate sensitivity of the material to impact.  
4.2 Multi-axial impact response, while partly dependent on thickness, does not necessarily have a linear correlation with specimen thickness. Therefore, results should be compared only for specimens of essentially the same thickness, unless specific responses versus thickness formulae have been established for the material.  
4.3 For many materials, there may be a specification that requires the use of this test method, but with some procedural modifications that take precedence when adhering to the specification. Therefore, it is advisable to refer to that material specification before using this test method. Table 1 of Classification System D4000 lists the ASTM materials standards that currently exist.
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1.1 This test method covers the determination of puncture properties of rigid plastics over a range of test velocities.  
1.2 Test data obtained by this test method are relevant and appropriate for use in engineering design.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 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 standard and ISO 6603-2 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content. The technical content and results shall not be compared between the two test methods.  
1.5 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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Before proceeding with this test method, refer to the material specification for the material being tested. Any test specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions and testing parameters required by the materials specification shall take precedence over those required by this test method. Table 1 of Classification D4000 lists the ASTM materials standards that currently exist. If there is no material specification, then the requirements of this test method apply.  
5.2 The pendulum impact test indicates the energy to break standard test specimens of specified size under stipulated conditions of specimen mounting, notching (stress concentration), and pendulum velocity at impact.  
5.3 For this test method, the energy lost by the pendulum during the breakage of the specimen is the sum of the energies required to initiate fracture of the specimen; to propagate the fracture across the specimen; to throw the free ends of the broken specimen (toss energy); to bend the specimen; to produce vibration in the pendulum arm; to produce vibration or horizontal movement of the machine frame or base; to overcome friction in the pendulum bearing and in the indicating mechanism, and to overcome windage (pendulum air drag); to indent or deform, plastically, the specimen at the line of impact; and to overcome the friction caused by the rubbing of the striking nose over the face of the bent specimen.
Note 5: The toss energy, or the energy used to throw the free ends of the broken specimen, is suspected to represent a very large fraction of the total energy absorbed when testing relatively dense and brittle materials. No procedure has been established for estimating the toss energy for the Charpy method.  
5.4 For tough, ductile, fiber-filled, or cloth-laminated materials, the fracture propagation energy is usually large compared to the fracture initiation energy. When testing these materials, energy losses due to fracture propagation, vibration, friction between the striking no...
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1.1 This test method is used to determine the resistance of plastics to breakage by flexural shock as indicated by the energy extracted from standardized (see Note 1) pendulum-type hammers, mounted in standardized machines, in breaking standard specimens with one pendulum swing. This test method requires specimens to be made with a milled notch (see Note 2). The notch produces a stress concentration which promotes a brittle, rather than a ductile, fracture. The results of this test method are reported in terms of energy absorbed per unit of specimen width (see Note 3).  
Note 1: The machines with pendulum-type hammers have been standardized in that they must comply with certain requirements including a fixed height of hammer fall, which results in a substantially fixed velocity of the hammer at the moment of impact. Hammers of different initial energies (produced by varying their effective weights), however, are recommended for use with specimens of different impact resistance. Moreover, manufacturers of the equipment are permitted to use different lengths and constructions of pendulums with possible differences in pendulum rigidities resulting (see Section 5). Be aware that other differences in machine design do exist.
Note 2: The specimens are standardized in that they have a fixed length and fixed depth, however, the width of the specimens is permitted to vary between limits. One design of milled notch is allowed. The notch in the specimen serves to concentrate the stress, minimize plastic deformation, and direct the fracture to the part of the specimen behind the notch. Scatter in energy-to-break is thus reduced. Because of differences in the elastic and viscoelastic properties of plastics, however, response to a given notch varies among materials.
Note 3: Caution must be exercised in interpreting the results of this test method. The following testing parameters have been shown to affect test results significant...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 These fatigue tests are used to determine the effect of processing, surface condition, stress, and so forth, on the fatigue resistance of plastic material subjected to uniaxial stress for relatively large numbers of cycles. The results can also be used as a guide for the selection of plastic materials for service under conditions of repeated flexural stress.  
5.2 Properties can vary with specimen depth and test frequency. Test frequency can be 1-25 Hz but it is recommended that a frequency of 5 Hz or less be used.  
5.3 Material response in fatigue is not identical for all plastics. If a plastic does not exhibit an elastic region, where strain is reversible, plastic deformation will occur during fatigue testing, causing the amplitude of the programmed load or deformation to change during testing. In this situation, caution shall be taken when using the results for design as they are generally not indicative of the true fatigue properties of the material.  
5.4 The results of these fatigue tests are suitable for application in design only when the specimen test conditions realistically simulate service conditions or some methodology of accounting for service conditions is available and clearly defined.  
5.5 This procedure accommodates various specimen preparation techniques. Comparison of results obtained from specimens prepared in different manners shall not be considered comparable unless equivalency has been demonstrated.
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1.1 This test method covers the determination of dynamic fatigue properties of plastics in uniaxial loading. This method is applicable to rigid and semi-rigid plastics. Uniaxial loading systems with tension and compression capabilities are used to determine these properties. Stress and strain levels are below the proportional limits of the material where the strains and stresses are relatively elastic.  
1.2 This test method can be used with two procedures:  
1.2.1 Procedure A, fatigue testing in tension.  
1.2.2 Procedure B, fatigue testing in compression, only for rigid plastics.  
1.3 Comparative tests can be run in accordance with either procedure, provided that the procedure is found satisfactory for the material being tested.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values provided in parentheses are for information only.  
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Note 1: There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.  
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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 These fatigue tests are used to determine the effect of processing, surface condition, stress, and so forth, on the fatigue resistance of plastic material subjected to flexural stress for relatively large numbers of cycles. The results can also be used as a guide for the selection of plastic materials for service under conditions of repeated flexural stress.  
5.2 Properties can vary with specimen depth and test frequency. Test frequency can be 1-25 Hz but it is recommended that a frequency of 5 Hz or less be used.  
5.3 Material response in fatigue is not identical for all plastics. If a plastic does not exhibit an elastic region, where strain is reversible, plastic deformation will occur during fatigue testing, causing the amplitude of the programmed load or deformation to change during testing. In this situation, caution shall be taken when using the results for design as they are generally not indicative of the true fatigue properties of the material.  
5.4 The results of these fatigue tests are suitable for application in design only when the specimen test conditions realistically simulate service conditions or some methodology of accounting for service conditions is available and clearly defined.  
5.5 This procedure accommodates various specimen preparation techniques. Comparison of results obtained from specimens prepared in different manners shall not be considered comparable unless equivalency has been demonstrated.
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1.1 This test method covers the determination of dynamic full reversed fatigue properties of plastics in flexure. This method is applicable to rigid and semi-rigid plastics. Stress and strain levels are below the proportional limit of the material where the strains and stresses are relatively elastic. Three-point or four-point bending systems are used to determine these properties.  
1.2 This test method can be used with two procedures:  
1.2.1 Procedure A, designed for materials that use three-point loading systems to determine flexural strength. Three-point loading system is used for this procedure.  
1.2.2 Procedure B, designed for materials that use four-point loading systems to determine flexural strength. Four-point loading system is used for this procedure.  
1.3 Comparative tests can be run in accordance with either procedure, provided that the procedure is found satisfactory for the material being tested.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values provided in parentheses are for information only.  
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Note 1: This standard and ISO 13003 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content and results cannot be directly compared between the two test methods.  
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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Flexural properties determined by this test method are especially useful for quality control and specification purposes.  
5.2 This test method is recommended for those materials that do not fail within the strain limits imposed by Test Method D790. The major difference between four point and three point bending modes is the location of the maximum bending moment and maximum axial fiber stress. In four point bending the maximum axial fiber stress is uniformly distributed between the loading noses. In three point bending the maximum axial fiber stress is located immediately under the loading nose.  
5.3 Flexural properties vary with specimen depth, temperature, atmospheric conditions, and the difference in rate of straining specified in Procedures A and B.  
5.4 Before proceeding with this test method, reference the specification of the material being tested. Any test specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions, or testing parameters covered in the material specification, or both, shall take precedence over those mentioned in this test method. If there are no material specifications, then these default conditions apply. Table 1 in Classification D4000 lists the ASTM materials standards that currently exist.
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1.1 This test method covers the determination of flexural properties of unreinforced and reinforced plastics, including high-modulus composites and electrical insulating materials in the form of rectangular bars molded directly or cut from sheets, plates, or molded shapes. These test methods are generally applicable to rigid and semirigid materials. However, flexural strength cannot be determined for those materials that do not break or that do not fail in the outer fibers. This test method utilizes a four point loading system applied to a simply supported beam.  
1.2 This test method describes two procedures (Procedure A and Procedure B), the selection of which depends on the behavior of the sample to be tested as explained below:  
1.2.1 Procedure A, designed principally for materials that break at comparatively small deflections. It shall be used for measurement of flexural properties, particularly flexural modulus, unless the material specification states otherwise.  
1.2.2 Procedure B, designed particularly for those materials that undergo large deflections during testing. It is suitable for measurement of flexural strength.  
1.3 Comparative tests are permitted to be run according to either procedure, provided that the procedure is found satisfactory for the material being tested.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values provided in parentheses are for information only.  
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Note 1: This test method is similar to ISO 14125, Method B. However, ISO 14125, Method B specifies only a load span of 1/3 the support span whereas D6272 also permits a load span of 1/2 the support span. For this reason and other differences in technical content, exercise extreme care if attempting to compare results between the two test methods.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method provides a simple means of characterizing the cure behavior of thermosetting resins using very small amounts of material (fewer than 3 to 5 g). The data obtained may be used for quality control, research and development, and establishment of optimum processing conditions.  
5.2 Dynamic mechanical testing provides a sensitive method for determining cure characteristics by measuring the elastic and loss moduli as a function of temperature or time, or both. Plots of cure behavior and tan delta of a material versus time provide graphical representation indicative of cure behavior under a specified time-temperature profile.  
5.3 This test method can be used to assess the following:  
5.3.1 Cure behavior, including rate of cure, gel, and cure time.  
5.3.2 Processing behavior, as well as changes as a function of time/temperature.
Note 3: The presence of the substrate prevents an absolute measure, but allows relative measures of flow behavior during cure.  
5.3.3 The effects of processing treatment.  
5.3.4 Relative resin behavioral properties, including cure behavior and damping.  
5.3.5 The effects of substrate types on cure.
Note 4: Due to the rigidity of a supporting braid, the gel time obtained from dynamic mechanical traces will be longer than actual gel time of the unsupported resin measured at the same frequency. This difference will be greater for composites having greater support-to-polymer rigidity ratios.3  
5.3.6 Effects of formulation additives that might affect processability or performance.  
5.4 For many materials, there may be a specification that requires the use of this test method, but with some procedural modifications that take precedence when adhering to the specification. Therefore, it is advisable to refer to that material specification before using this test method. Table 1 of Classification System D4000 lists the ASTM materials standards that currently exist.
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1.1 This test method covers the use of dynamic-mechanical-oscillation instrumentation for gathering and reporting the thermal advancement of cure behavior of thermosetting resin. It may be used for determining the cure properties of both unsupported resins and resins supported on substrates subjected to various oscillatory deformations.  
1.2 This test method is intended to provide a means for determining the cure behavior of supported and unsupported thermosetting resins over a range of temperatures by free vibration as well as resonant and nonresonant forced-vibration techniques, in accordance with Practice D4065. Plots of modulus, tan delta, and damping index as a function of time/temperature are indicative of the thermal advancement or cure characteristics of a resin.  
1.3 This test method is valid for a wide range of frequencies, typically from 0.01 to 100 Hz. However, it is strongly recommended that low-frequency test conditions, generally below 1.5 Hz, be utilized as they generally will result in more definitive cure-behavior information.  
1.4 This test method is intended for resin/substrate composites that have an uncured effective elastic modulus in shear greater than 0.5 MPa.  
1.5 Apparent discrepancies may arise in results obtained under differing experimental conditions. These apparent differences from results observed in another study can usually be reconciled, without changing the observed data, by reporting in full (as described in this test method) the conditions under which the data were obtained.  
1.6 Due to possible instrumentation compliance, especially in the compressive mode, the data generated may indicate relative and not necessarily absolute property values.  
1.7 Test data obtained by this test method are relevant and appropriate for use in engineering design.  
1.8 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.  
1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use....

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The property measured by this test is the apparent modulus of rigidity, G, sometimes called the apparent shear modulus of elasticity. It is important to note that this property is not the same as the modulus of elasticity, E, measured in tension, flexure, or compression. The relationship between these properties is shown in Annex A1.  
4.2 The measured modulus of rigidity is termed “apparent” since it is the value obtained by measuring the angular deflection occurring when the specimen is subjected to an applied torque. Since it is possible that the specimen will be deflected beyond its elastic limit, the calculated value will not always represent the true modulus of rigidity within the elastic limit of the material. In addition, the value obtained by this test method will also be affected by the creep characteristics of the material, since the load application time is arbitrarily fixed. For many materials, it is possible that there is a specification that requires the use of this test method, but with some procedural modifications that take precedence when adhering to the specification. Therefore, it is advisable to refer to that material specification before using this test method. Table 1 in Classification D4000 lists the current ASTM material standards.  
4.3 This test method is useful for determining the relative changes in stiffness over a wide range of temperatures.
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1.1 This test method covers the determination of the stiffness characteristics of plastics over a wide temperature range by direct measurement of the apparent modulus of rigidity.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Note 1: This test method and ISO 458-1 and ISO 458-2 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Plastics are viscoelastic and it is possible that they are sensitive to changes in velocity of weights falling on their surfaces. However, the velocity of a free-falling object is a function of the square root of the drop height. A change of a factor of two in the drop height will cause a change of only 1.4 in velocity. Hagan, et al (2) found that the mean-failure energy of sheeting was constant at drop heights between 0.30 and 1.4 m. Different materials respond differently to changes in the velocity of impact.  
5.2 The test conditions used in Geometry GA are the same as those used in Geometry FA of Test Method D5628 (see Table 1).  
5.3 The test conditions of Geometry GB are equivalent to the geometry used for the Gardner Variable Height Impact Test (3).  
5.4 The test conditions of Geometry GC cause a punch-shear type of failure because the support-plate hole is close to the diameter of the striker.  
5.5 The test conditions of Geometry GD are the same as those in Test Method D3763.  
5.6 The test conditions of Geometry GE are the same as those in Test Method D4226, impactor head configuration H.25.  
5.7 Because of the nature of impact testing, the selection of a test method and striker must be somewhat arbitrary. Consider the end use environment and requirements when choosing from the available striker geometries. The selection of any one of the striker geometries is permitted.
Note 2: Material processing can have a significant affect on the development of a plastic's physical properties. Consult relevant material standards for processing guidelines
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1.1 This test method covers the determination of the relative ranking of materials according to the energy required to crack or break flat, rigid plastic specimens under various specified conditions of impact of a striker impacted by a falling weight.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Note 1: There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Flexural properties as determined by this test method are especially useful for quality control and specification purposes. They include:  
5.1.1 Flexural Stress (σf)—When a homogeneous elastic material is tested in flexure as a simple beam supported at two points and loaded at the midpoint, the maximum stress in the outer surface of the test specimen occurs at the midpoint. Flexural stress is calculated for any point on the load-deflection curve using equation (Eq 3) in Section 12 (see Notes 5 and 6).
Note 5: Eq 3 applies strictly to materials for which stress is linearly proportional to strain up to the point of rupture and for which the strains are small. Since this is not always the case, a slight error will be introduced if Eq 3 is used to calculate stress for materials that are not true Hookean materials. The equation is valid for obtaining comparison data and for specification purposes, but only up to a maximum fiber strain of 5 % in the outer surface of the test specimen for specimens tested by the procedures described herein.
Note 6: When testing highly orthotropic laminates, the maximum stress may not always occur in the outer surface of the test specimen.5 Laminated beam theory must be applied to determine the maximum tensile stress at failure. If Eq 3 is used to calculate stress, it will yield an apparent strength based on homogeneous beam theory. This apparent strength is highly dependent on the ply-stacking sequence of highly orthotropic laminates.  
5.1.2 Flexural Stress for Beams Tested at Large Support Spans (σf)—If support span-to-depth ratios greater than 16 to 1 are used such that deflections in excess of 10 % of the support span occur, the stress in the outer surface of the specimen for a simple beam is reasonably approximated using equation (Eq 4) in 12.3 (see Note 7).
Note 7: When large support span-to-depth ratios are used, significant end forces are developed at the support noses which will affect the moment in a simple supported...
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods are used to determine the flexural properties of unreinforced and reinforced plastics, including highmodulus composites and electrical insulating materials utilizing a three-point loading system to apply a load to simply supported beam (specimen). The method is generally applicable to both rigid and semi-rigid materials, but flexural strength cannot be determined for those materials that do not break or that do not fail yield in the outer surface of the test specimen within the 5.0 % strain limit.  
1.2 Test specimens of rectangular cross section are injection molded or, cut from molded or extruded sheets or plates, or cut from molded or extruded shapes. Specimens must be solid and uniformly rectangular. The specimen rests on two supports and is loaded by means of a loading nose midway between the supports.  
1.3 Measure deflection in one of two ways; using crosshead position or a deflectometer. Please note that studies have shown that deflection data obtained with a deflectometer will differ from data obtained using crosshead position. The method of deflection measurement shall be reported.  
Note 1: Requirements for quality control in production environments are usually met by measuring deflection using crosshead position. However, more accurate measurement may be obtained by using an deflection indicator such as a deflectometer.
Note 2: Materials that do not rupture by the maximum strain allowed under this test method may be more suited to a 4-point bend test. The basic difference between the two test methods is in the location of the maximum bending moment and maximum axial fiber stresses. The maximum axial fiber stresses occur on a line under the loading nose in 3-point bending and over the area between the loading noses in 4-point bending. A four-point loading system method can be found in Test Method D6272.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The val...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Flexural properties as determined by this test method are especially useful for quality control and specification purposes. They include:  
5.1.1 Flexural Stress (σf)—When a homogeneous elastic material is tested in flexure as a simple beam supported at two points and loaded at the midpoint, the maximum stress in the outer surface of the test specimen occurs at the midpoint. Flexural stress is calculated for any point on the load-deflection curve using equation (Eq 3) in Section 12 (see Notes 5 and 6).
Note 5: Eq 3 applies strictly to materials for which stress is linearly proportional to strain up to the point of rupture and for which the strains are small. Since this is not always the case, a slight error will be introduced if Eq 3 is used to calculate stress for materials that are not true Hookean materials. The equation is valid for obtaining comparison data and for specification purposes, but only up to a maximum fiber strain of 5 % in the outer surface of the test specimen for specimens tested by the procedures described herein.
Note 6: When testing highly orthotropic laminates, the maximum stress may not always occur in the outer surface of the test specimen.4 Laminated beam theory must be applied to determine the maximum tensile stress at failure. If Eq 3 is used to calculate stress, it will yield an apparent strength based on homogeneous beam theory. This apparent strength is highly dependent on the ply-stacking sequence of highly orthotropic laminates.  
5.1.2 Flexural Stress for Beams Tested at Large Support Spans (σf)—If support span-to-depth ratios greater than 16 to 1 are used such that deflections in excess of 10 % of the support span occur, the stress in the outer surface of the specimen for a simple beam is reasonably approximated using equation (Eq 4) in 12.3 (see Note 7).
Note 7: When large support span-to-depth ratios are used, significant end forces are developed at the support noses which will affect the moment in a simple supported...
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods are used to determine the flexural properties of unreinforced and reinforced plastics, including high modulus composites and electrical insulating materials utilizing a three-point loading system to apply a load to a simply supported beam (specimen). The method is generally applicable to both rigid and semi-rigid materials, but flexural strength cannot be determined for those materials that do not break or yield in the outer surface of the test specimen within the 5.0 % strain limit.  
1.2 Test specimens of rectangular cross section are injection molded or, cut from molded or extruded sheets or plates, or cut from molded or extruded shapes. Specimens must be solid and uniformly rectangular. The specimen rests on two supports and is loaded by means of a loading nose midway between the supports.  
1.3 Measure deflection in one of two ways; using crosshead position or a deflectometer. Please note that studies have shown that deflection data obtained with a deflectometer will differ from data obtained using crosshead position. The method of deflection measurement shall be reported.  
Note 1: Requirements for quality control in production environments are usually met by measuring deflection using crosshead position. However, more accurate measurement may be obtained by using an deflection indicator such as a deflectometer.
Note 2: Materials that do not rupture by the maximum strain allowed under this test method may be more suited to a 4-point bend test. The basic difference between the two test methods is in the location of the maximum bending moment and maximum axial fiber stresses. The maximum axial fiber stresses occur on a line under the loading nose in 3-point bending and over the area between the loading noses in 4-point bending. A four-point loading system method can be found in Test Method D6272.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values provided i...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Flexural properties as determined by this test method are especially useful for quality control and specification purposes. They include:  
5.1.1 Flexural Stress (σf)—When a homogeneous elastic material is tested in flexure as a simple beam supported at two points and loaded at the midpoint, the maximum stress in the outer surface of the test specimen occurs at the midpoint. Flexural stress is calculated for any point on the load-deflection curve using equation (Eq 3) in Section 12 (see Notes 5 and 6).
Note 5: Eq 3 applies strictly to materials for which stress is linearly proportional to strain up to the point of rupture and for which the strains are small. Since this is not always the case, a slight error will be introduced if Eq 3 is used to calculate stress for materials that are not true Hookean materials. The equation is valid for obtaining comparison data and for specification purposes, but only up to a maximum fiber strain of 5 % in the outer surface of the test specimen for specimens tested by the procedures described herein.
Note 6: When testing highly orthotropic laminates, the maximum stress may not always occur in the outer surface of the test specimen.5 Laminated beam theory must be applied to determine the maximum tensile stress at failure. If Eq 3 is used to calculate stress, it will yield an apparent strength based on homogeneous beam theory. This apparent strength is highly dependent on the ply-stacking sequence of highly orthotropic laminates.  
5.1.2 Flexural Stress for Beams Tested at Large Support Spans (σf)—If support span-to-depth ratios greater than 16 to 1 are used such that deflections in excess of 10 % of the support span occur, the stress in the outer surface of the specimen for a simple beam is reasonably approximated using equation (Eq 4) in 12.3 (see Note 7).
Note 7: When large support span-to-depth ratios are used, significant end forces are developed at the support noses which will affect the moment in a simple supported...
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods are used to determine the flexural properties of unreinforced and reinforced plastics, including highmodulus composites and electrical insulating materials utilizing a three-point loading system to apply a load to simply supported beam (specimen). The method is generally applicable to both rigid and semi-rigid materials, but flexural strength cannot be determined for those materials that do not break or that do not fail yield in the outer surface of the test specimen within the 5.0 % strain limit.  
1.2 Test specimens of rectangular cross section are injection molded or, cut from molded or extruded sheets or plates, or cut from molded or extruded shapes. Specimens must be solid and uniformly rectangular. The specimen rests on two supports and is loaded by means of a loading nose midway between the supports.  
1.3 Measure deflection in one of two ways; using crosshead position or a deflectometer. Please note that studies have shown that deflection data obtained with a deflectometer will differ from data obtained using crosshead position. The method of deflection measurement shall be reported.  
Note 1: Requirements for quality control in production environments are usually met by measuring deflection using crosshead position. However, more accurate measurement may be obtained by using an deflection indicator such as a deflectometer.
Note 2: Materials that do not rupture by the maximum strain allowed under this test method may be more suited to a 4-point bend test. The basic difference between the two test methods is in the location of the maximum bending moment and maximum axial fiber stresses. The maximum axial fiber stresses occur on a line under the loading nose in 3-point bending and over the area between the loading noses in 4-point bending. A four-point loading system method can be found in Test Method D6272.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The val...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 A Rockwell hardness number is a number derived from the net increase in depth impression as the load on an indenter is increased from a fixed minor load to a major load and then returned to a minor load (Procedure A). A Rockwell alpha (α) hardness number represents the maximum possible remaining travel of a short-stroke machine from the net depth of impression, as the load on the indenter is increased from a fixed minor load to a major load (Procedure B). Indenters are round steel balls of specific diameters. Rockwell hardness numbers are always quoted with a scale symbol representing the indenter size, load, and dial scale used. This test method is based on Test Methods E18. Procedure A (Section 11) yields the indentation of the specimen remaining 15 s after a given major load is released to a standard 10-kg minor load. Procedure B (Section 12) yields the indentation of the indenter into the specimen after a 15-s application of the major load while the load is still applied. Each Rockwell scale division represents 0.002-mm (0.00008-in.) vertical movement of the indenter. In practice, the Rockwell hardness number is derived from the following relationship:  
     where:
  HR  =  the Rockwell hardness number, and   e  =  the depth of impression after removal of the major load, in units of 0.002 mm. This relation only holds for the E, M, L, R, and K scales.    
4.2 A Rockwell hardness number is directly related to the indentation hardness of a plastic material, with the higher the reading the harder the material. An α hardness number is equal to 150 minus the instrument reading. Due to a short overlap of Rockwell hardness scales by Procedure A, two different dial readings on different scales may be obtained on the same material, both of which may be technically correct.  
4.3 For certain types of materials having creep and recovery, the time factors involved in applications of major and minor loads have a considerable effect on the results of the measureme...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers two procedures for testing the indention hardness of plastics and related plastic electrical insulating materials by means of the Rockwell hardness tester.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Note 1: This test method and ISO 2039-2 are equivalent. Procedure A of this test method is equivalent to the test method in the main body of ISO 2039-2. Procedure B of this test method is equivalent to the test method in the integral annex part of ISO 2039-2.